Sponsored by Regal Rexnord

Enhancing Productivity in Baking and Snack Production with Spiral Conveyors

As the demand for baked goods and snacks continues to rise, manufacturers are increasingly challenged by hidden inefficiencies in their production lines. Issues like product transfer inefficiencies and unexpected equipment failures can lead to significant losses. Effective management of these bottlenecks is essential for improving overall equipment effectiveness and profitability.

In a recent Q&A, Thomas Perdue and Crystal Willey of Regal Rexnord discussed how modern spiral conveyor systems address these critical challenges while enabling producers to scale operations without compromising on quality, yield, or labor efficiency.

Identifying Overlooked Productivity Challenges

Thomas Perdue and Crystal Willey: Most production lines consist of individual processing units. The transfer of delicate or smaller products between these units often leads to product loss. Equipment with varying life expectancies can result in unexpected downtime when failures occur.

The Role of Spiral Systems in High-Throughput Baking Environments

TP and CW: Breakdowns frequently occur during the production process, leading to product loss and urgent maintenance responses. Innovations like weldless splices, quicker repair methods, and condition monitoring for preventative maintenance are key to reducing downtime.

Design Factors Impacting Baking and Snack Production

TP and CW: Critical factors include sufficient airflow and product handling. Proper cooling or freezing of baked goods relies on effective convection, requiring a balanced design for product support and airflow to minimize damage and sticking during transfers.

Scaling Up for Mid-Sized Producers

TP and CW: A diverse range of spiral conveyors available today allows mid-sized producers to find solutions tailored to their specific needs and budgets. Equipment that minimizes maintenance and simplifies cleaning should be prioritized.

Prioritizing Food Safety and Efficiency

TP and CW: New spiral conveyors often feature designs that simplify cleaning, such as open support structures and minimal welds. The choice of conveyor belt is crucial as it directly contacts the product, necessitating a balance between easy maintenance and effective support.

Real-World Gains from Modern Spiral Systems

TP and CW: Modern spiral systems are engineered to reduce product dwell time, ensuring higher throughput and system uptime. A properly designed spiral system minimizes maintenance needs, enhancing overall productivity.

The Future of Spiral Systems in Baking Operations

TP and CW: There’s been a notable shift from traditional low-tension, friction-driven conveyors to positively driven spiral conveyors, offering longer belt life and better product handling. This evolution is set to shape future baking and snack operations significantly.

Ready to optimize your production line? Discover how Regal Rexnord’s innovative spiral conveyor solutions can help eliminate bottlenecks in your operations. Visit www.regalrexnord.com to explore their full range of conveyor belt technologies and connect with their expert team.