Metal Conveyor Belts
Metal conveyor belts — also called wire mesh conveyor belts, steel mesh belts, or metal belting — are conveyor belts woven or assembled from stainless steel, carbon steel, or high-temperature alloy wire. Compared with rubber or plastic belts, wire mesh belts withstand extreme temperatures (−50°C to +1,250°C), allow air and liquid to pass freely through the open mesh, and meet FDA food-contact standards — making them the standard choice for baking, frying, freezing, washing, heat treatment, and glass annealing lines worldwide.
PFM SCREEN Belting is a factory-direct wire mesh belt manufacturer based in Anping, Hebei, China — supplying 16+ types of metal conveyor belts in custom sizes with 50+ material options, including stainless steel conveyor belts (SS304 / SS316 / 310S), carbon steel belts, chain-driven belts, and woven wire belts. We have manufactured metal belts since 1987 and currently export to customers in 60+ countries.
Request Quote Now WhatsApp: +86-153-6967-9157 Email: [email protected] Download Catalogue [PDF]
Find the Right Belt — By Industry & Application
Not sure which belt type you need? Start with your process:
Belt Type Comparison — Quick Selection Guide
Compare the most popular metal conveyor belt types by structure, open area, and best application:
|
Belt Type
|
Structure
|
Open Area
|
Best For
|
|
Balanced Spiral Woven
|
Alternating L/R spirals + crimped cross rods
|
Medium–High
|
Most versatile — baking, annealing, washing, cooling
|
|
Compound Weave
|
Densely packed spirals, flat closed surface
|
Low
|
Small products — biscuits, nuts, powder, hardware
|
|
Chain Link
|
Interlocking wire links, chain driven
|
High
|
Heavy loads, quenching, scrap handling
|
|
Flat Flex
|
Z-bent wire, single-layer open mesh
|
Up to 85%
|
Frying, enrobing, coating, light food transfer
|
|
Eye Link
|
Wire eyes on cross rods, positive drive
|
High
|
Freezing, cooling, hygienic food lines
|
|
Honeycomb (Flat Wire)
|
Flat wire strips + cross rods
|
High
|
Drying, sorting, light-to-medium loads
|
|
Plate Link
|
Steel plates + chains, heavy construction
|
Low
|
Foundry, stamping scrap, sharp/heavy parts
|
|
Spiral Freezer
|
Collapsible mesh for spiral conveyor systems
|
High
|
IQF freezing, spiral coolers, proofers
|
Not sure which type fits your line? Send us your application details — our engineers reply within one business day with a recommendation and quotation.
Material Selection Guide
Reference table for material selection. View complete material guide
|
Material
|
Max Temp
|
Food Grade
|
Corrosion Resistance
|
Best For
|
|
Carbon Steel
|
550°C
|
No
|
Low
|
General industrial, non-food
|
|
Galvanised Mild Steel
|
400°C
|
No
|
Moderate
|
Outdoor, humid environments
|
|
Chrome Molybdenum
|
700°C
|
No
|
Moderate
|
High-strength heat applications
|
|
SS304 Stainless Steel
|
750°C
|
Yes — FDA
|
Good
|
Food processing — most popular
|
|
SS316 Stainless Steel
|
800°C
|
Yes — FDA
|
Excellent
|
Corrosive, marine, chemical, meat processing
|
|
SS316L Stainless Steel
|
800°C
|
Yes — FDA
|
Excellent
|
Welded structures, low-carbon grade
|
|
SS321 Stainless Steel
|
750°C
|
Yes
|
Good
|
Thermal cycling resistance
|
|
314 Stainless Steel
|
1,120°C
|
No
|
Good
|
Furnaces, annealing, glass lehr
|
|
310S Stainless Steel
|
1,250°C
|
No
|
Good
|
Extreme heat, sintering — top pick
|
|
80/20 Nickel Chrome
|
1,150°C
|
No
|
Very Good
|
Superior high-temperature strength
|
|
Inconel 600 / 601
|
1,150°C
|
No
|
Excellent
|
Extreme heat + oxidation resistance
|
* Temperatures are approximate. Actual limits depend on load, atmosphere, and belt design. Contact us for application-specific recommendations.
Pricing — What Determines the Cost?
As a factory-direct manufacturer, PFM SCREEN offers wire mesh conveyor belts at typically 30–50% below distributor pricing. The final price of a metal conveyor belt depends on five factors:
1. Material Grade
Carbon steel is most economical. SS304 is the food-industry standard. SS316, 310S, and Inconel command higher prices for corrosion and extreme-temperature resistance.
2. Belt Dimensions
Width, total length, wire diameter, and mesh density — finer mesh requires more material and labour per square metre.
3. Belt Type
Simple balanced weave designs cost less than plate link, self-stacking spiral, or biscuit baking band constructions.
|
|
4. Edge Finish & Accessories
Welded edges are standard. Chain edges, side guards, flights, and attachment plates add cost proportional to the complexity of the addition.
5. Order Quantity
Larger production volumes reduce per-metre pricing significantly. Single-piece prototypes and long-run repeat orders are both welcome.
Every belt is custom-manufactured. Send your specifications (width, length, pitch, wire diameter, material) and receive a factory-direct quotation within one business day — free of charge.
|
Why Choose PFM SCREEN Belting?
Factory-Direct Since 1987
Nearly four decades of exclusive wire mesh belt manufacturing in Anping, China — the world's recognised centre of wire mesh production. No middlemen; pricing 30–50% below distributor rates.
16+ Belt Types, 50+ Material Options
One supplier for your complete metal belt requirement — from food-grade SS304 balanced spiral belts to 310S high-temperature furnace belts, spiral freezer belts, and heavy-duty plate link belts.
Full Custom Engineering
Every belt is made to your exact specification — width, length, pitch, wire diameter, material grade, edge type, and accessories. Our 10+ mechanical engineers review each design before production begins.
|
|
ISO 9001 Certified Quality
Quality-certified since 2003. Tensile, dimensional, and corrosion tests on every production batch. All key raw wire sourced from Japan and other premium mills for consistent mechanical properties.
Proven Global Export Experience
Shipping to customers in 60+ countries since 1999. Export-grade wooden crate packaging, full documentation (MTC, test certificate, packing list), and experienced freight coordination.
Complete Conveyor System Supply
In addition to belts, we manufacture matched chain links and sprockets — belt and drive components from a single source for guaranteed dimensional compatibility.
|
Production Capability
PFM SCREEN Belting's production facility is located in Anping County, Hebei Province — China's recognised "Hometown of Wire Mesh" and the country's largest wire mesh R&D, production, and trading hub. Our plant covers 40,000 m² and includes purpose-built departments for raw material storage, precision machining, mesh belt forming, assembly, welding, and cleaning. Annual output capacity exceeds 150,000 m² of metal conveyor belts and 100,000 metres of drive chains.
Manufacturing Equipment
Our workshops are equipped with laser cutting machines, CNC bending machines, CNC turret punch presses, precision automatic presses, mesh belt forming machines, and advanced wire forming equipment. The high degree of automation improves production efficiency, maintains tight dimensional tolerances, and reduces per-unit costs across all belt types.
Laser Cutting Machines
Used for precision cutting of carbon steel and stainless steel plate — manufacturing conveyor drive chains, plate link belt components, and machine accessories.
|
|
CNC Wire Forming Machines
Used for high-efficiency production of balanced spiral, chain link, flat flex, and eye link belt types — with automatic pitch and diameter control for dimensional consistency.
|
Applications — Industries & Processes
PFM SCREEN Belting manufactures metal conveyor belts serving diverse processes — from freezing tunnels at −40°C to heat treatment furnaces at 1,250°C. Industries include:
|
✓ Food Processing & Industrial Baking
✓ Spiral Freezing & IQF Cooling
✓ Heat Treatment & Furnace Conveying
✓ Glass Annealing & Lehr Lines
|
✓ Electronics & PCB Reflow Soldering
✓ Automotive & Foundry Applications
✓ Pharmaceutical & Chemical Processing
✓ Agriculture, Drying & Timber Processing
|
Watch our factory: PFM SCREEN Metal Conveyor Belts Manufacturing (YouTube)
Quality Control — Three Stages
Stage 1: Raw Material Inspection
All incoming raw wire and rod are inspected for tensile strength, diameter tolerance, and material certificate before entering production.
Stage 2: In-Process Inspection
Wire diameter, spiral pitch, rod pitch, belt thickness, width, and length are verified against drawing tolerances at multiple stages during production.
Stage 3: Pre-Shipment Inspection
100% final inspection before dispatch. Qualified belts are stamped QA PASS. Export-grade crating ensures belts arrive undamaged.
Export Packaging
Lighter Belts
Custom-made plywood wooden crates sized to the belt's roll diameter. Interior lined with cushioning air-bubble film and moisture-proof treatment. Belt placed and sealed inside crate for secure ocean or air freight.
|
|
Heavier Belts
Custom steel pallets/trays for very heavy or oversized belts. Belt divided into manageable sections, each section fixed securely to the steel pallet. Load directly into container on steel tray for efficient FCL shipment.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much does a wire mesh conveyor belt cost?
Wire mesh conveyor belt pricing depends on material grade, belt dimensions (width and length), mesh density, belt type, edge finish, and order quantity. Carbon steel belts are most economical. SS304 is the food-industry standard. SS316, 310S, and Inconel cost more for corrosion and extreme-temperature performance.
As a factory-direct manufacturer since 1987, PFM SCREEN typically prices
30–50% below distributor levels.
Send your specifications for an exact quotation within one business day — free of charge.
Q2. What is the difference between balanced spiral and compound weave conveyor belts?
Balanced Spiral belts use alternating left and right-hand wound spirals connected by crimped cross rods — the most versatile type, suitable for general applications from food processing to heat treatment. The surface has a medium-to-high open area and good airflow.
Compound Weave belts pack multiple spirals and cross rods per pitch for a much denser, flatter surface with minimal apertures — ideal for small products like biscuits, nuts, or small mechanical components that would fall through a standard balanced spiral mesh. The closed surface also provides better heat distribution for baking applications.
Q3. How long do metal conveyor belts last?
With proper installation and maintenance, PFM SCREEN metal conveyor belts typically last
1 to 8 years. Actual service life depends on:
• Operating temperature — high-temperature cycling causes fatigue faster than constant-temperature operation
• Product load weight and belt speed — higher loads and speeds accelerate wire wear
• Material grade — SS316 lasts significantly longer in corrosive or marine environments than SS304
• Drive system alignment — misaligned sprockets cause uneven edge chain wear
• Maintenance frequency — regular tension adjustment, cleaning, and lubrication extend service life considerably
Read our conveyor belt maintenance and troubleshooting guide.
Q4. What temperature can metal wire mesh belts withstand?
Metal wire mesh belts can withstand −50°C to +1,250°C depending on material grade:
• Carbon steel: up to 550°C
• SS304: up to 750°C
• SS316 / SS316L: up to 800°C
• 314 Stainless Steel: up to 1,120°C
• 310S Stainless Steel: up to 1,250°C (most popular for high-temperature furnace applications)
• Inconel 600 / 601: up to 1,150°C with superior oxidation resistance
These limits are approximate and depend on load, atmosphere, and belt design. See our Material Selection Guide above for the complete comparison.
Q5. Can you customise belt width, length, and edge type?
Yes, absolutely. All PFM SCREEN belts are fully customisable to your exact requirements. Parameters we can tailor include:
• Belt width — any width from narrow (100 mm) to very wide (>4,000 mm)
• Total belt length — standard or matched to your specific conveyor circumference
• Spiral wire pitch — closer or wider pitch for different open-area and surface-smoothness requirements
• Cross rod pitch and diameter — heavier cross rods for increased load capacity
• Material grade — 50+ options as listed in the Material Selection Guide
• Edge type — welded edge, laddered edge, hooked edge, or chain-driven edge
• Accessories — side guards, flights, cleats, baffles, carrier plates
Send us your specifications for a custom quotation within one business day.
Q6. What metal conveyor belt is best for food processing?
Q7. How do I measure and order a replacement conveyor belt?
To order an accurate replacement belt, please provide the following measurements:
• Belt width (overall dimension in mm)
• Total belt length (full circumference in mm, or conveyor centre-to-centre distance + sprocket wrap allowance)
• Spiral wire pitch (distance between spiral wires in mm)
• Cross rod pitch (distance between cross rods in mm)
• Spiral wire diameter (mm)
• Cross rod diameter (mm)
• Material grade (e.g. SS304, SS316, 310S)
• Edge type (welded, laddered, chain-driven, etc.)
• Any accessories (side guards, flights, baffles)
Download our
Standard Enquiry Form [PDF] for the most common belt types, or
contact our team if you need help identifying your belt specification from an existing sample.
Q8. Why choose PFM SCREEN as your wire mesh belt manufacturer?
• Factory-direct since 1987 — nearly four decades of exclusive wire mesh belt manufacturing in Anping, Hebei
• 16+ belt types, 50+ material options — one supplier for all metal conveyor belt requirements
• Full customisation — every belt manufactured to your exact specification; no standard-catalogue compromises
• ISO 9001 quality certification since 2003 — documented quality controls, test certificates, and inspection reports on every order
• Export experience — supplying customers in 60+ countries with export-grade packaging and full documentation
• Complete system supply — matched chain links and sprockets available for single-source belt and drive procurement
• Fast response — every enquiry answered within one business day with technical support included, free of charge
Ready to get your custom metal conveyor belt?
16 belt types. 50+ material options. Custom dimensions and edge treatments. Factory-direct pricing from Anping, China since 1987. We reply to all enquiries within one business day with technical support and a free quotation.
Email: [email protected] | WhatsApp: +86-153-6967-9157 | Download: Product Catalogue [PDF]