When using any product, we're inevitably affected by environmental factors—such as thermal expansion and contraction, which easily occur when working with metals. Consequently, stainless steel mesh belts are particularly susceptible to this phenomenon during operation, and sometimes it’s simply unavoidable. That’s why today we’ll focus on explaining the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on stainless steel mesh belts, aiming to equip you with practical tips and techniques to enhance your experience when using them.

　　Generally speaking, ordinary stainless steel mesh belts exhibit thermal brittleness when operating at high temperatures—this also applies to stainless steel mesh belts. During operation, the heat generated by friction causes the belts to warm up. Additionally, differences in manufacturing processes lead to variations in the thermal expansion coefficients of stainless steel mesh belts. As a result, when dissimilar materials are welded together, there’s a risk of thermal fatigue developing over time. Moreover, when ambient temperatures exceed 400°C, the thermal expansion between the components of the entire stainless steel mesh belt conveyor system can lead to reduced clearance, so this factor should be carefully considered. Lastly, it’s important to note that exposing stainless steel mesh belts to environments containing inert materials can have adverse effects. Specifically, key components of the mesh belt may gradually become thinner, accelerating wear and tear. Additionally, rust buildup on these components can impair the smooth rolling action of the rollers. We hope the information provided here will be helpful as you consider using stainless steel mesh belts in your applications.

　　To ensure the smooth operation of our work, there are usually many considerations to keep in mind before using a product—and this also applies to the application of stainless steel mesh belts. To better assist us, here’s a summary of the key points to note when using stainless steel mesh belts:

　　(1) The tension applied to the stainless steel mesh belt during operation should not be excessive. It should operate under the minimum initial tension, ensuring that the belt neither slips relative to the drive gears nor sags excessively at the material-loading point.

　　(2) Do not connect stainless steel mesh belts of different types and specifications together within the same machine.

　　(3) Generally, the conveyor should be started under no-load conditions to prevent motor overload and slippage of the stainless steel mesh belt. Before stopping the machine, unless under special circumstances, all materials on the mesh belt should be completely unloaded.

　　(4) The startup sequence is to first turn on the final conveyor (discharge stainless steel mesh belt), then sequentially activate the preceding conveyors, and finally start the receiving conveyor. The shutdown sequence is the reverse of the startup sequence.