Sandvik Process Systems, the world's largest supplier of steel belts to the food processing industry, will use Anuga FoodTec to drive awareness of the diverse range of applications for its core product.

The focus of the stand will be a dramatic conveyor system - in effect a piece of art representing perpetual motion - that symbolises the endless nature of the steel belt and the different processes that can be completed on this versatile and inherently hygienic medium.

As well as being used for conveying foodstuffs, Sandvik's steel belts are also used extensively for drying, cooling, chilling, baking, pastillation and freezing processes.

The ‘perpetuum mobile' includes three conveyors to highlight these applications, including a rising transportation conveyor, a single steel belt and double belt press.

Sandvik steel belts were first produced for the food industry in the 1920s and are today used in bake ovens, fish freezers, fruit and vegetable drying lines, meat cutting tables, confectionery cooling and conveying operations.

The smooth, flat surface of a stele belt means there are no crevices in which germs could hide, and enables thorough and effective cleaning by whatever means is most appropriate. Steel also has excellent thermal properties, making it ideal for both heating and cooling applications.

This year marks Sandvik's 150th anniversary and the company will also be highlighting the global presence and round-the-clock customer support operations that have been established over the years.

"Stainless steel is the ideal processing medium for the food industry," explains Fabio Conti, Global Product Manager Food at Sandvik, "and this applies as much to belts as it does any other piece of equipment. As a material it's durable, it's easy to clean and its long life means an excellent return on investment.

"We want customers to leave our stand with a full appreciation of the benefits of the steel belt and a confidence in the engineering expertise we can bring to any food processing project."

"Most of all though, we want to establish a dialogue with potential customers so we can work together and explore the opportunities for process improvement that steel belts can bring to new areas."