1.A sample is enough to start
No drawing came with the line. The original sample gave every value needed for the drawing.
Project case · Libya · 2025
Replacing an OEM Z-Type Ladder Belt on a Potato Chip Frying Line in Libya — From the Original Sample to 50 m
A customer in Libya needed to replace the Z-type ladder belt on a potato chip frying line, and the original equipment maker's price was high. From the customer's original sample, the belt was measured and drawn. After the order, a trial length was compared with the original before 50 m was made in SUS304. No quality issues have been reported since delivery.
- Location · year
- Libya · August 2025
- Application
- Potato chip frying line · OEM replacement
- Scope
- 50 m in five 10 m rolls
- Route
- Original sample → drawing → trial comparison → bulk
- Belt
- SUS304 · pitch 8 mm · wire 1 mm · 19 spaces · edge loop 5 mm
01
The situation
An OEM Belt That Cost Too Much to Replace
The potato chip frying line came with a Z-type ladder belt from the original equipment maker, and the maker's price for a new one was high. The customer sent a sample of the original belt and asked for a belt that fits the same line.
02
Reverse engineering
Measured, Drawn, Then Checked With a Caliper
The original sample was measured and a drawing issued: pitch, wire diameter, number of spaces, space and edge loop. The same values were then read on the belt with a caliper.
03
Sample before bulk
A Trial Length Compared With the Original Before Bulk
After the order was placed, a trial length was made to the drawing and compared with the customer's original. Bulk production of the 50 m started only after that comparison.
| Checked | Drawing | Caliper reading |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 8 mm | 8.00 mm |
| Ten pitches | 80 mm | 80.04 mm |
| Wire | 1 mm | 1.00 mm |
| Spaces across the belt | 19 | 19 |
| Edge loop | 5 mm | 5.00 mm |
| Material | SUS304 | SUS304 |
Readings from the photos on this page. Belt width and order details are withheld.
04
Shipment
Checked Before Packing, Then Shipped
05
Project summary
What This Project Shows Buyers
| Location · year | Libya · August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Industry · equipment | Snack food · potato chip frying line |
| Problem | The original equipment maker's replacement belt was expensive |
| Starting point | Sample of the customer's original belt |
| Before bulk | Drawing issued; trial length compared with the original |
| Belt supplied | Z-type ladder belt, SUS304, pitch 8 mm, wire 1 mm, 19 spaces, edge loop 5 mm; 50 m in five 10 m rolls |
| Result | Delivered; no quality issues reported by the customer |
2.Compare a trial length first
The trial length was compared with the original before the 50 m went into production.
3.Check the pitch over ten links
One pitch can read right while the length drifts. Ten pitches read 80.04 mm against 80 mm drawn.
4.Pack in rolls the line can use
The 50 m went in five 10 m rolls with spare parts bagged in the crate.
✓ Evidence on this page: caliper readings on the belt, the finished rolls and export packing. Customer name, order numbers, belt width and the original belt brand are withheld.
Replacing a Z-type ladder belt?
Send a short section of the old belt, or photos with a caliper in the picture — usually a reply within 8 hours.
06
FAQ
Questions About This Project
Q1Can a Z-type ladder belt be made from an original sample?
Yes. Pitch, wire, number of spaces, space and edge loop are measured on the sample and drawn before production.
Q2Why measure ten pitches, not one?
A small error per link adds up over the belt length. Reading ten pitches (here 80.04 mm for 8 mm pitch) shows it.
Q3Is a trial length checked before bulk?
In this project a trial length was compared with the customer's original before bulk production.
Q4Is the customer or the original supplier named?
No. Cases show country and year only; the customer, order numbers and the original belt brand are not published.