Mesh vs. Solid: How to Choose Between the Two Main Types of PTFE Conveyor Belts?

The Basic Difference: Structure and How They're Measured

Both types start with the same foundation—fiberglass fabric coated with PTFE resin. The PTFE is what gives them their heat resistance, non-stick surface, and chemical stability. But from there, the two diverge.

Mesh conveyor belts have an open, grid-like structure. They're defined by their mesh size—the dimensions of the openings. Common options include 1×1mm, 2×2.5mm, 4×4mm, and 10×10mm. The mesh can also be single-weft or double-weft depending on the weaving pattern. Thickness typically ranges from 0.5mm to 1.2mm.

Solid PTFE belts (sometimes called PTFE fabric or high-temperature cloth) are continuous sheets with no openings. They're defined by thickness, which can be as thin as 0.08mm. Because there's no mesh, the surface is smooth and uniform.

What Each Type Does Best

The structural difference isn't just cosmetic—it directly affects performance.

Mesh Belts: Built for Airflow

The open weave of mesh belts does one thing that solid belts can't: it lets air pass through. In drying, baking, or curing applications, that airflow reduces heat loss and improves drying efficiency. If you're running a continuous oven, hot air can circulate around the product rather than just hitting the top surface. That means faster drying times and lower energy costs.

This makes mesh belts the go-to choice for:

Textile drying and printing:Printed Drying Conveyor Belt, fabric dryers

Food baking:Baking Machine Conveyor Belt, where even heat distribution matters

UV curing lines:Screen Printing, UV Curing Machine

Any application where moisture or solvents need to escape during processing

Solid Belts: Smooth, Strong, and Sealed

Solid belts have no gaps. The surface is continuous, which makes them stronger per unit of thickness and better at handling tension. They also have a lower friction coefficient (0.05-0.1), making them useful in applications where materials need to slide or release cleanly.

Solid belts are typically used in:

adhesive bonding machines and equipment

Heat sealing and lamination:Sealing Tape, where a smooth surface is required

Electrical insulation: high dielectric strength (dielectric constant < 2.6)

Chemical lining and corrosion protection: pipe wrapping, tank liners

Any conveyor where product contact needs to be continuous and unbroken

What They Share: The PTFE Advantage

Both types benefit from the same core properties of PTFE:

Wide temperature range: continuous use from -70°C to 260°C, with short-term tolerance up to 350°C

Non-stick surface: resin, glue, ink, and most sticky materials release easily

Chemical resistance: withstands strong acids, alkalis, and most solvents

Dimensional stability: elongation coefficient under 5‰

Fire resistance: self-extinguishing properties

So whichever type you choose, you're getting the same material benefits. The decision comes down to whether you need air to pass through or a solid barrier.

A Few Practical Considerations

Customization and Sizing

Both types can be customized in width (up to 4000mm for mesh, similar for solid), length, and edge finishing. Mesh belts typically use bullnose joints or steel buckle joints, while solid belts offer more joint options: butt joints, lap joints, and steel buckles.

Edge Treatment

Edge finishing matters for durability. Mesh belts often come with edge reinforcement using PTFE film or Kevlar cloth to prevent fraying. Solid belts generally have clean edges by nature of the continuous fabric.

Bottom Line

There's no "better" type—only what's better for your specific setup. If your process involves drying, baking, or any heat-curing where moisture or solvents need to escape, the mesh belt's open structure gives you a clear advantage. If you need strength, smooth contact, or a sealed surface, the solid belt is the way to go.

Most manufacturers offer both, and many can customize dimensions, mesh size, thickness, and joint style to match your equipment. When in doubt, talk to your supplier about the specific demands of your production line—they've seen enough applications to point you in the right direction.