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What Are Rolled Baking Bands?

Rolled Baking Bands, often referred to in the industry as Z-conveyor belts, Z-type belts or simply Z-belts, are designed specifically for high temperature baking applications. These conveyor belts are commonly used in the food industry for baking products such as biscuits, cookies, crackers and other flat baked goods.

How Are Rolled Baking Bands Constructed?

Rolled Baking Bands achieve an extremely flat, smooth surface through a rolling process applied to a duplex unilateral spiral woven mesh. This process compresses the mesh into a tightly packed formation. The resulting structure features a formed flat wire or strips arranged in a zigzag (‘Z’) pattern, interconnected by straight cross rods. This design creates:

  • A low mass, energy efficient belt
  • Even airflow and uniform heat distribution across the width
  • Minimal belt marking and smooth product support

What Materials Are Used?

Rolled Baking Bands are primarily made from carbon steel due to:

  • Superior thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer
  • Cost effectiveness compared to stainless steel
  • The ability to develop a natural non stick surface over time from flour and oils in the baking process

Note: While stainless steel options exist, carbon steel is preferred for its performance and cost benefits in most baking environments.

What Are The Key Benefits?

  • Extremely flat carrying surface, ideal for direct baking
  • Suitable for soft and hard doughs
  • Promotes even baking results across the belt width
  • High resistance to thermal stress and deformation
  • Supports high speed, high-throughput production

What Applications Are Rolled Baking Bands Used In?

Rolled Baking Bands are typically used in:

  • Industrial biscuit and cookie ovens
  • Cracker baking lines
  • Other continuous tunnel oven systems for heating and cooking flat products

What Temperatures Can You Run These Belts?

These belts can withstand temperatures up to 310°C (590°F), making them suitable for intensive baking environments.

What Are The Key Considerations When Choosing A Rolled Baking Band?

Before selecting a Rolled Baking Band, consider:

  • The type and condition of your dough (E.g. High fat soft doughs can flow into the mesh)
  • The desired baking surface (Flatness and markings)
  • Product support requirements (For delicate or thin items)
  • Ease of cleaning and maintenance needs

How Are Rolled Baking Bands Driven?

Rolled Baking Bands are typically friction driven using a large diameter drum:

  • The larger the drum, the better the belt-to-drum contact, which improves drive performance and reduces slippage
  • The drive is commonly placed at the outfeed end of the tunnel oven

Contact Us

For further enquiries or to explore Wire Belt Company Ltd’s comprehensive product range, please contact us at today at sales@wirebelt.co.uk or on +44 (0)1795 358668.