Archive: Nov 2016

Finding a Durable Belting Cover Compound for Material Handling

Many material handling applications utilize extrusion machinery. The belting used for this process must be durable, long-lasting, and reliable to ensure that projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on-time.

However, many material handling companies encounter issues with their belting, including short life spans or rapid deterioration. To prevent such setbacks, businesses should use belting cover compounds designed to withstand the environment, maintain longevity, and fit their specific application.

At Belt Corporation of America (BCA), we recently assisted a client — Central Sticks, a manufacturer of wooden sticks for ice cream and ice pops — who was dealing with extrusion belt issues. This ultimate need for this customer was a usable and lasting solution cover solution that would not delaminate or fall apart.

Case Study

The Problem

Central Sticks’ belts, which were covered with molded Linatex®, were delaminating and wearing down far too quickly, requiring replacement every few hours, causing excessive downtime and added costs. The company was seeking a longer-lasting, and a more durable solution.

First, they tried an abrasion-resistant compound with increased hardness for the belts. However, because the pulley for this application had a small diameter, the belt was still deteriorating. Using Gummy Correx Amra, belt longevity increased up to 24 hours, but this compound provided too much hardness.

The Solution

Our team began testing BCA DuraTaq™ compound on the belts. A 100-percent natural rubber polymer (polyisoprene), DuraTaq™ was molded onto base belts to create a seamless cover. 

Compared to other rubber compounds, DuraTaq™ provided great abrasion resistance and tear strength while also being soft enough to handle the high frequency of bending.

Results

Using DuraTaq™, Central Sticks’ belts now have an even longer lifespan. This enhancement led to decreased downtime, reduced costs, and a smooth, reliable extrusion process.

Learn More

Since 1985, Belt Corporation of America has been manufacturing OEM and custom belts and cover compounds for a wide range of industries. We can also modify cover surfaces through grinding and routing, as well as hole punching and pocket and slot machining.

To learn more about how BCA’s custom modification capabilities and tailored client solutions can help you address your belting issues, contact us today.

3 Ways to Improve Form-Fill-Seal Belts

Throughout the packaging industry, many professionals rely on vertical form-fill-seal machines for diverse vending and bagging operations. These machines are essential for quickly and efficiently filling packages with different products and sealing them, and they need high-quality belting to deliver the ideal performance.

Today, there are several manufacturers of form-fill-seal machines, and during our decades-long tenure, Belt Corporation of America has supported many of these manufacturers with our specialty belting products. We have over 30 years of experience producing and supplying custom belting for OEMs and aftermarket distributors alike; as such, we have become proficient at improving the quality of form-fill-seal belts with many strategies. A few of them are below:

DuraTaq™ and other High-Performance Compounds:

We utilize various materials to meet the exact needs of the application. For form-fill-seal belting, our engineers use DuraTaq™, a proprietary material made especially with heavy-duty applications in mind. DuraTaq™ provides excellent grip and slip prevention as well as enhanced durability. Another example of a high-performance compound is our Blue Anti-Glaze rubber compound. This resilient compound offers abrasion resistance necessary in a form-fill-seal application, as well as resistance to many chemicals.

Homogenous Molded, Truly Endless Covers:

For uniform wear surfaces, our form-fill-seal belts are fitted with homogenous molded covers without any hard spots. Molded covers are abrasion resistant, highly flexible, and have no seams or splices—these features enable the belts to deliver increased performance.

Multiple Capabilities to Modify Belts:

Our form-fill-seal belt capabilities don’t stop with our construction or compound choice. We have an unparalleled ability to add necessary slotting, piping, etc…so a belt can meet the application or machine requirements.

At Belt Corporation of America, our engineering team and customer service representatives work closely with you to provide innovative, enduring solutions for your industrial belting needs. For more information on our form-fill-seal belts, or any of our products or services, be sure to contact us today.