Conveyor systems are the backbone of fruit and vegetable processing plants, ensuring a smooth, continuous product flow. However, these systems are not foolproof and for food processors, this risk is unacceptable. 

At first glance, inclined finger cleats may seem like just another accessory of a conveyor belt. However, it’s thanks to them that fruit and vegetables don’t fall off in inclined conveyors and can be safely transported in dry bins or in the line outfeed. 

The latest addition to the Ammeraal Beltech portfolio, inclined finger cleats h 100 mm, ensure maximum food safety and efficiency in fruit and vegetable processing lines. They fully meet the international EU and FDA regulations. Their unique design – with no central pin – enhances the cleats’ durability and minimizes the risk of breakage, making them an invaluable addition to any food processing conveyor system.  

Reduced risk of breakage means less chance of broken cleat parts making their way into food. This is crucial for maintaining high food safety standards and avoiding costly recalls. 

Designed to handle delicate items like fruits and vegetables, these cleats ensure that products are correctly positioned and gently handled. This reduces bruising and damage, preserving the quality of the food and ensuring a correct shelf life. 

Contact our sales team for more information about this product and other solutions for fruit and vegetables and food safety! 

Ammeraal Beltech is excited to announce the expansion of our modular portfolio with the launch of three new products: the Universität ITB modular belt, and the uni 253 and uni 255 belt chains. These additions are engineered to meet the evolving demands of various industries, including bakery, beverage, corrugated and glass container manufacturing. The new products offer superior performance, durability, and versatility, ensuring that your operations run smoothly and efficiently.

uni Industrial Thick Belt (ITB)

The uni Industrial Thick Belt, or ITB, is proudly molded and assembled in Reading, Pennsylvania, exemplifying our commitment to bringing more production to the U.S. and being Built American Proud. This heavy-duty, straight-running modular belt is perfect for demanding applications, including bakery, beverage, tire, and corrugated industries. Key features of the uni ITB include:

• Enhanced Stability: A 0.5 inch thickness, a 1.0 inch pitch, and smooth flat top surface ensure consistent motion and maximum product stability. When paired with the uni 255 chain, the uni ITB facilitates seamless lateral transfers, making it perfect for applications that require precise product movement.
• Superior Wear Resistance: The solid closed hinge design and high-quality uni lockpin provide excellent protection against abrasive contamination, reducing pin wear and extending the belt’s lifespan.

• Seamless Integration: The uni ITB offers compatibility with existing conveyor systems, allowing for seamless integration into current setups and eliminating the need for any conveyor design modifications.

uni 253 and 255 Chains

The uni 253 and 255 chains are the latest innovations in our side-flexing modular chain belt range. Designed with a focus on plate thickness, these chains offer unique benefits suited to different operational needs.

• Plate Thickness: The uni 253 chain features a thickness of 0.34 inches, offering a balance of strength and flexibility, making it suitable for standard applications. The uni 255 chain, with a thickness of 0.5 inch, provides additional durability and stability, ideal for more demanding environments.
• Hinge Types: The uni 253 is available with bevel, TAB, and magnetic hinges, while the uni 255 offers TAB and magnetic hinge options. These variations ensure that the chains can be tailored to specific applications and operational needs.
• Material Options: The chains are available in materials such as POM-D, PA6.6, and PP, each offering unique properties like low friction, high strength, and suitability for high-temperature applications.

Applications and Benefits

• Wide Range of Applications: The uni ITB, 253, and 255 chains are versatile solutions for various industries, including multi-strand conveyor systems, bakery pan handling, beverage bottling, glass container manufacturing, and more. The ITB excels in straight-running applications, while the 253 and 255 chains are designed for side-flexing, ensuring smooth transitions and consistent product handling when used together.
• Reduced Maintenance and Downtime: The innovative design of the ITB uni lockpin system ensures easy installation and removal, significantly reducing maintenance time and costs. The compatibility of these products with existing conveyor designs allows for straightforward integration, making them ideal for enhancing current setups.
• Safety and Efficiency: The closed flat top design, combined with reduced gaps between links, minimizes the risk of product spillage, enhancing workplace safety. The lightweight nature of the uni ITB, 253, and 255 chains also contributes to reduced energy consumption, optimizing operational costs.
• Supporting Products: To enhance the performance and ease of installation, the uni ITB is complemented by the uni UltraFit® Two-Part Sprocket. This sprocket design simplifies the installation and alignment process, allowing for quick and accurate setup without the need for special tools. This innovation reduces downtime and enhances belt performance, making it a valuable addition to any conveyor system. Learn More about the uni UltraFit® Two-Part Sprocket Hier.

Investing in U.S. Production and Inventory

At Ammeraal Beltech, we’ve made significant investments in our Chains & Components Program to better serve our customers. The new uni ITB is proudly molded and assembled in the U.S., ensuring superior quality and faster delivery times. For the uni 253 and 255 chains, our expanded U.S. storage facilities maintain a robust inventory, reducing lead times and ensuring prompt availability. Our commitment to being Built American Proud means these innovative products are designed to meet your needs with the reliability and support you deserve.

Ammeraal Beltech’s latest modular belt products are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Whether you are looking to enhance your existing systems or implement new solutions, the uni ITB, 253, and 255 chains offer unmatched reliability and efficiency. Learn more about our modular belt options Hier.

We are thrilled to announce the installation of a photovoltaic system at our facility in Ammeraal Beltech Czech Republic. This step marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey.

Why solar energy?

Our EFB (European Fabrication Center) and CSC (Customer Solution Center) facilities in Czech Republic consume approximately 1.2 GWh of electric energy annually, which translates to 1.178 tons of CO₂ per year​. To address this environmental challenge and reduce our carbon footprint, we’ve embraced change and introduced a renewable energy system.

What we’ve done

We’ve installed a 459 kWp photovoltaic system on the industrial buildings of EuroFab and CSC. This advanced solar installation is designed to meet the high energy demands of industrial operations, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

By utilizing clean, renewable solar power, the project will significantly lower operational energy costs while also supporting sustainability goals.

What we expect

The PV system is designed to deliver measurable results:

– Annual electricity production: 430 MWh of clean, renewable energy.

– CO₂ reduction: Cutting emissions by 422 tons per year.

–  Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance: making our business more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

This initiative will cover a substantial portion of our energy needs, significantly reducing our reliance on traditional energy sources while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Funded by the European Union

This project was made possible through funding from the European Union, further demonstrating the shared commitment to sustainability and renewable energy innovation.

Learn more about ESG at Ammeraal Beltech

We’re committed to achieving and maintaining ESG compliance across all our operations. To learn more about how we’re integrating sustainable practices into our business strategy, visit our ESG page.

Flughäfen and logistics industries are facing growing pressure to reduce energy consumption and emissions. As concern over climate change grows, there is a greater emphasis on reducing the environmental impact of the industries contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels for transportation. Sustainability is not just a trend, but rather necessity for any business that cares about long-term viability and resilience. 

Keeping that in mind, we came up with the idea for a new conveyor belt that offers businesses an opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint and, at the same time, optimise their operational efficiency. 

We are excited to introduce a groundbreaking conveyor belt that combines cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious design – AMMdurance rPET. 

Positive impact on the planet, society, and business 

There are three main benefits that AMMdurance rPET provides. 

It all begins with the product’s creation, for this innovative new belt incorporates fabric produced from PET bottles. For every square metre of this new product, 14 PET bottles of 1.5 litres each are recycled.  By utilising discarded plastic bottles and transforming them into high-quality fabric, AMMdurance rPET reduces CO2 emissions by 70% compared to the production of a standard synthetic belt, making it a plastic recycling champion.  

AMMdurance rPET advanced design incorporates noise-reducing properties. When implemented in airports, the belt helps to significantly lower noise levels generated during operation, improving working conditions of airport operators and allowing them to hear important announcements without difficulties. 

We should also mention that AMMdurance rPET maintains the high-quality performance you’ve come to expect from Ammeraal Beltech products. You don’t have to compromise on performance while enabling sustainable practices. The AMMdurance rPET low-noise fabric reduces friction between the belt and the underlying machinery, resulting in reduced power usage and longer belt life. At the same time, special dry treatment in conjunction with EX fabrics protects the belt’s material preventing contamination and subsequent shrinkage. It all minimises maintenance and downtime, helping you to save energy and reduce operational costs.

A game-changer in the conveyor belt industry 

AMMdurance rPET represents our commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. It guarantees superior, long-term endurance combined with stable, long-lasting performance. By investing in this innovative product, you can demonstrate your company’s commitment to sustainability and enhance your standing in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) while also achieving better business results and ensuring a comfortable working environment. 

To learn more about AMMdurance rPET, please visit our product page.

One of the most significant challenges in the bakery industry is heat resistance. In this industry, it’s not enough that conveyor belts are efficient and meet hygienic standards. They also need to withstand constant heat and operate without delaminating. When temperatures are elevated, traditional belts often falter due to degradation, maintenance issues, and safety concerns.  

That’s why we came up with the idea for the Duratemp belt. It’s designed to perform flawlessly at constant temperatures of 115°C and withstanding heat spikes up to 130°C. Our heat-resistant compound has been constructed to resist the browning effect better than other thermoplastic belts on the market.

Although Duratemp’s crucial feature is withstanding high temperatures, it does not mean we have forgotten about food safety. Thus, Duratemp meets standards for EC 1935/2004, EU 10/2011, and FDA requirements. Its non-stick surface reduces the risk of contamination. The belt is also compatible with metal detector systems, providing additional support in protection against foreign object pollution.  

With decades of expertise in providing conveyor solutions across various industries, we have developed the Duratemp belt to address the specific needs of the bakery sector. Whether used for traditional bakery products like bread and cookies or specialised items such as pizzas and tortillas, Duratemp’s purpose-designed features ensure optimal performance and durability. The excellent longitudinal flexibility enables the belt to run over a fixed knife edge. 

This remarkable heat resistance provides consistent performance and longevity supporting your most challenging applications. Would you like to learn more? Contact us! 

Food safety is more important than ever before!

We are happy to present our new Fruit& Vegetable industry brochure, where you’ll find Ammeraal Beltech’s latest solutions to help you protect your consumers against the risk of pollution from broken plastic belt parts.

Our new X-ray & metal-detectable conveyor belt range

Designed specifically to meet the needs of the Fruit & Vegetable industry, our new X-ray & metal-detectable conveyor belt range provide innovative and ultra-hygienic solutions that are in full compliance with international standards as EC 1935/2004, EU 10/2011 and FDA, ensuring the achievement of ISO 22000 certification.

Das Dectyl and XMD belt range are a great step forward in food safety. They are easy to replace and guarantee you both economic and environmental benefits: easy cleanability means a drastic reduction in cleaning costs, with less water used, less detergent required, and a lower risk of cross-contamination.

The metal-detectable range includes:

• Dectyl synthetic belts
• uni plastic modular belts
• The Ultrascraper cleaning scraper

The X-ray & metal-detectable range includes:  

• Ultrascreen mesh belts PRO and XMD
• The Soliflex XMD

Dectyl and XMD belt range come with a unique set of test cards so that you can determine the minimum detectable size of belting parts from your detection equipment into your food processing line in actual working conditions!

Do you want to learn more about Ammeraal Beltech’s innovative food-safe conveyor belting solutions?

Contact our experts

Explore all our products and see for yourself the benefits of X-rays and metal-detectable conveyor belts for your Fruit & Vegetable processing line! Kontaktieren Sie unsere Experten to find the right solutions for your application.

We are pleased to announce the introduction of the Soliflex XMD belt range – designed to detect broken belt fragments with a proven sensitivity control level. The belt works with metal detectors and X-ray machines.

At this moment Soliflex XMD range includes Soliflex CB and RS. However, following the completion of technical feasibilities, it will be complemented with PRO and FB profiles in XMD configuration.

The product will be supported by test cards useful for Metal and X-ray detectors and is designed to replace the regular Soliflex in the market.

The new Soliflex RS belts are extruded as homogeneous thermoplastic sheets and have aramid cords to prevent belt elongation. Produced according to strict specifications, these sheets can simply be cut to size and welded. Homogeneous belts are used to retrofit and replace synthetic belts and improve hygiene to a higher level. 

Unlike the traditional friction-driven homogeneous belts which elongate very easily, the new Soliflex RS belt has similar strength as other synthetic belts and will improve the food safety standards.

We’re happy to present you with the innovative edge protection system – Hygienic Amseal. The advancement sets a new standard in sanitation and food safety tools safeguarding the production against foreign body contamination and bacterial proliferation.

The new Hygienic Amseal

Designed to prevent belt edges from fraying and soiling, Hygienic Amseal improves food safety level and ensures compliance with ISO 22000 requirements. Amseal Hygienic offers a solid edge to which food doesn’t stick. This evolution of the classic Amseal is the next step in our commitment to providing the highest level of food safety to food processing companies supporting them in delivering safe and quality products. The technology used in Hygienic Amseal makes the belt edges smooth over its entire length for better sanitation and reduces rough surfaces where dirt and bacteria could proliferate.

Benefits for the food industry

Hygienic Amseal delivers an excellent sanitation level because it is easy to clean and reduces the risk of cross-contamination and fabric soiling. The design translates into a longer service lifetime and cost savings in sanitation times and water/detergent consumption.

‘The strength of this solution lies in the advanced design. It makes sanitation quicker and easier, improving food safety, and ensures the belt is more resistant to wear. What you get is a longer operating time with top hygiene standards’, says Giuseppe Allais, Global Food Manager at the AMMEGA Group.

While Hygienic Amseal is the first-choice solution for food applications, the classic Amseal edge protection system is suitable for a variety of different industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, wood lacquering, and airports.

Kontaktieren Sie unsere Experten

If you’re interested in Hygienic Amseal and other products improving food safety, contact our experts. We’ll help you choose the best solution for your application.

Belt cleaning and disinfection is an essential process ensuring the efficient and safe operation of the equipment. A dirty or improperly cleaned conveyor belt can result in reduced performance, product contamination, or even permanent damage to the system. Let’s focus on the importance of conveyor belt cleaning, the different cleaning systems, and how to select the right detergent for your application.

• Regular disinfection influences hygiene, safety, maintenance, and overall performance of the belt.
• Although cleaning, disinfection, and sanitation are often used as synonyms, they do not mean the same thing.
• Belts can be sanitised manually or using automated solutions.
• Always contact your detergent supplier to choose the appropriate cleaning agent and check if it matches your belt type and the product conveyed. Use the proper concentration.
• Validation of sanitation confirms that your equipment is effectively cleaned and prevents contamination of products.

Why is belt disinfection necessary?

Belt disinfection is extremely important for several reasons. First, it improves the level of hygiene and product safety. A clean belt reduces the risk of contamination, which is of utmost importance in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Regular and proper cleaning also helps to maintain the belt in good condition, eliminating frequent replacements and repairs. By removing dirt and debris, you extend belt life and reduce maintenance costs over time.

This leads to another advantage – optimal performance. A clean belt ensures effectiveness and prevents slippage, tracking issues, and other problems that could disrupt production.

Last but not least, regular cleaning improves the safety of your team. A well-maintained belt reduces the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.

The difference between cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection

Before we dive into specific belt cleaning methods, let’s first focus on the differences between terms that are often confused with one another, namely cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection.

Cleaning means removing unwanted substances, such as soil, dirt, infectious agents, or other impurities from the belt.

Disinfection is the process of killing harmful bacteria and other pathological agents to obtain a microbe-free environment. When you disinfect, you take up actions to eliminate dangerous bacteria either through disinfectants or heat.

Sanitation is often used interchangeably with disinfection, but their meaning is not the same. Sanitation involves using sanitiser, a chemical agent that reduces the number of microbes to a safe level. While disinfection eliminates microbes altogether with their spores, sanitation only limits their amount.

Before sanitising or disinfecting your belt, you must clean it first. Sanitation and disinfection are the final operations, performed on a clean belt.

Types of conveyor belt sanitation systems

Belt sanitation can take place either off the line or on the line. In the former case, you dissemble the belt from the conveyor, and in the latter, the belt stays on the conveyor. On-line sanitation can take place while the conveyor is operating. The belt goes through the system of clean-in-place stations (CIP stations) designed for dry or wet cleaning.

Dry cleaning stations use rotating motorised brushes and/or scrapers. Choose durable scrapers to ensure the highest level of hygiene and food safety and prevent the risk of foreign body contamination. A good example is the UltraScraper made of solid abrasive-resistant polyurethane material. The scraper lip is metal detectable and relies on ion technology fostering antimicrobial properties, reducing bacterial buildup, and improving food safety. Unlike rigid scrapers, UltraScraper is equipped with a soft lip that follows the true surface of the belt and lets it pass smoothly through itself without incurring damage to both the belt and the scraper extending their lifetimes.

Wet CIP stations use spray jets or steam nozzles, which can be fixed or mobile. Mobile nozzles very often move in a circular pattern to distribute the liquids evenly over the entire surface of the belt. Fixed nozzles, on the other hand, concentrate their impact on one particular area and thus might damage the belt surface.

You can also clean your belt manually, however, it’s more labour- and time-intensive than automated solutions.

How to choose a suitable detergent?

To clean a conveyor belt, you use a detergent of a certain density or dilute it with water. Because cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection of working areas may be frequent to ensure, for example, a high level of food safety, automated water and detergent mixing systems are often used. They are equipped with valve control units to mix water, chemicals, and disinfectants at the desired proportions. The mixture thus prepared automatically fuels the system. Automated mixing systems bring benefits such as improved efficiency, saved labour, and less time spent on sanitation.

When choosing a detergent, always opt for a sanitation agent compatible with the belt material and items conveyed. There are many different types of applications and, consequently, also belt types vary in number. We use different belts for conveying meat and yet others for sticky confectionery. As a result, detergent suppliers need a variety of sanitation agents to match the belt and the type of soil to be cleaned as some substances, like fats, oils, starch, or protein, are more difficult to remove than others.

Remember! Always contact your detergent supplier to choose the appropriate sanitation agent and check if it matches your belt type in our cleaning references. Follow sanitation instruction procedures and use proper concentration of detergent.

Some belts are intrinsically easier to clean than others due to their design. However, no matter how innovative the technology and materials may be, proper sanitation is still mandatory.

Improper belt sanitation

Improper belt sanitation and incompatibility of the belt and chemical agents can result in:

• cracks on the belt surface,
• discolouration,
• decreased efficiency of the conveyor system,
• increased maintenance costs due to premature wear and tear of the belt.

But the problems may reach even further. Inadequate sanitation can compromise the level of food safety at your facility and increase the risk of product contamination, making you just a step away from costly product recalls and downtimes, not to mention damage to your reputation.

Lack of proper cleaning can also mean increased energy consumption, as the motor must work harder to compensate for the friction caused by the debris.

What is validation of sanitation?

Validation of sanitation is a critical process that helps ensure that your equipment and surfaces are properly sanitised to prevent contamination of products. This step involves testing and establishing documented evidence to confirm that the sanitation methods used are effective in removing residues, bacteria, and other hazardous factors and that the equipment and surfaces are safe to process the next batches of products.

Validation of sanitation is an essential part of quality assurance in industries where cleanliness and hygiene are critical to product safety and efficacy. One example is the food industry, where the health and safety of consumers are top priorities. By performing validation of sanitation, you can feel confident that your equipment is properly sanitised and your products are safe for consumption.

Contact us!

Proper and regular belt sanitation is an essential aspect of maintaining a safe and hygienic production. Always follow sanitation procedures and select the appropriate detergents. Neglecting belt sanitation can lead to product contamination, malfunctioning equipment, and ultimately, loss of profits. Therefore, take the necessary precautions and regularly clean your conveying systems. Would you like to find out more about belt sanitation and food safety? Kontaktieren Sie unsere Experten!