Honeycomb Conveyor Belt and Flat Wire Belt

Yes. In this product range, honeycomb belt and flat wire belt describe the same basic construction: formed flat-strip pickets connected by straight cross rods to form an open lattice. Both names are used internationally, with terminology varying by market and supplier.

The strips stand on edge, and their upper edges form the carrying level. “Flat wire” describes the rectangular strip material; it does not mean the wide face of each strip lies horizontally beneath the product. The openings permit air, steam, water and oil to pass through.

PFM Screen uses Honeycomb (Flat Wire) Conveyor Belt for this range. It is a different construction from the lightweight formed-wire belts commonly called flat flex or enrober belts.

• Honeycomb / flat wire belt: Consider it when an even carrying level, open drainage and a relatively rigid lattice suit the product and load. Small or fragile items must bridge the actual openings and transfer gaps.
• balanced spiral woven belt: Consider this where a different mesh density, product-contact pattern or airflow balance is needed. Suitable tightly woven configurations can support smaller products.
• eye link belt: Consider it where modular construction and stable support are needed. Eye link belts can have small or wide gaps, depending on the link and spacer arrangement; they are not limited to large products.

PFM Screen supplies all three types. Compare clear opening, product support, load rating, material, cleaning access, drive and transfer geometry. A flat wire belt is not automatically smoother or better for every delicate product than a round-wire construction.

Available materials include stainless steel 304, stainless steel 316, carbon steel and galvanised steel. The strip and cross rods should both be specified.

Operating temperature is confirmed for the selected belt and process, rather than from the material name alone. Provide the actual minimum and maximum belt temperatures, product load, belt speed, exposure time, atmosphere and cleaning conditions. Chains, sprockets and support components also have their own limits.

304 is commonly considered for suitable food, baking, drying and cooling duties. 316 can offer improved resistance to some chloride-containing conditions, but salt, brine, acids and cleaning chemicals still require a review of concentration and temperature. Galvanised steel requires a separate check of coating and process compatibility.

For freezing applications, identify the cooling medium and actual belt temperature. Blast freezing and cryogenic cooling are different operating conditions.

• Welded edge: Cross rods are retained by welded button or washer ends as specified. Check the rod projection and edge clearances.
• Clinched edge: Rod ends are mechanically bent or crimped without a welded end joint. Availability depends on rod size and belt geometry; it is not automatically the preferred edge for every stainless belt.

Both edge finishes can be reviewed, but they are not necessarily interchangeable on every listed mesh size. Confirm the splicing rod and end-fastening method with the ordered edge. Some joints require forming tools or welding; “no special tools” should not be assumed for every belt.

Open area varies with the complete belt geometry, including pitch, strip profile and thickness, rod diameter and edge arrangement. Ask for the calculated value of the proposed specification. Actual clear opening must also be checked against the smallest product; an open-area percentage alone does not describe product support.

• Baking: Openings allow hot air to reach the underside of products; temperature uniformity depends on the oven and loading.
• Frying: Oil can circulate through and drain from the mesh.
• Washing: Spray liquid can pass through the belt; contact points may still shield parts of a product.
• Cooling and freezing: Openings support through-belt airflow and heat removal, subject to the process conditions.

H CB01 has a 13.7 mm cross-rod pitch and a 14.6 mm nominal lateral pitch. These are repeat dimensions, not clear aperture dimensions. Confirm the actual opening against the smallest product before selecting this specification.

For a first enquiry, send a mesh photo, an edge photo and the approximate width. For detailed identification, record the following where known:

• Material: SS304, SS316, carbon steel, galvanised steel or another grade for review.
• A — overall width: In mm, together with full-loop belt length in m. State whether width includes guards or projecting rod ends.
• B — cross-rod pitch: Measure from the centre of the first rod to the centre of the eleventh rod and divide by 10. Repeat in several locations, preferably on an unworn section. Averaging reduces reading error but does not remove wear or elongation.
• C and D: Nominal lateral pitch and cross-rod diameter.
• E and F: Strip thickness E and strip height F, in mm, following the current drawing.
• G: Total apertures across the width (count, 1# to G#). Record edge finish and actual clear opening separately.

Add product load, temperature, speed and drive details where available. An original drawing, unused sample or photos with a scale can help resolve uncertain measurements. Agree the replacement dimensions and sprocket fit before manufacture.

For photo examples, measurements and drive checks, read our Flat Wire Conveyor Belt Replacement Guide.

PFM Screen can review metric and imperial honeycomb / flat wire belt replacements from other manufacturers. Supply cross-rod pitch, lateral pitch, strip height and thickness, rod diameter, aperture count, edge finish, overall width and total length, or provide a sample.

A nominal size alone does not establish interchangeability. Check the actual pitch, edge geometry, sprocket tooth profile, clearances and wear condition of the existing drive. Replacement compatibility should be agreed from a drawing or sample rather than promised as an automatic drop-in fit.

Single-belt replacement and trial enquiries are welcome, including trials on a suitable non-critical line. Confirm availability and any order restrictions for custom material or dimensions with the quotation.

• Order quantity: PFM Screen accepts single-belt replacement or trial enquiries as well as production quantities. Confirm any restrictions for special grades, widths or pitches.
• Standard specifications: The published planning estimate is 2–4 weeks after confirmed order.
• Custom widths, pitches or materials: The published planning estimate is 4–6 weeks.
• Rush orders: Priority scheduling can be requested, subject to material and production availability.

These are planning estimates, not guaranteed dispatch or delivery dates. Confirm the production lead time, drawing approval requirements and shipping time in the quotation. Matching sprockets and spare splicing rods can also be requested.

Contact [email protected] with the specification, quantity and required delivery date.