Stop whining and belt up
August 1st 2009 With controlling whole life costs right at the top of everyone's agenda, Richard Cole,
materials handling industry sector manager at Habasit Rossi, looks at how the latest
developments in conveying solutions technology can deliver tangible improvements
In order to maximise plant output, the
industry requires solutions that are
durable, reliable and built to withstand
the demands of today's demanding
manufacturing environments, where
systems are often required to run for 24
hours a day, 365 days per year.
The performance of conveying systems
makes a real difference to overall efficiency
of materials handling plants and as such,
the industry as a whole stands to benefit
from some measureable improvements by
re-assessing its current systems.
Choosing the right belting solution
There is a vast selection of high
performance belting solutions available to
the materials handling industry. For
example, PVC coated fabric belts are
available in a wide range of surface types,
structures and belt strengths and offer
excellent cost-value ratio suitable for
ascending, descending and horizontal
conveying and merging applications.
Power transmission belts, which are well
proven in live roller drive applications can
be tailor-made to suit specific needs.
These high efficiency flat belts are suit
high power transmission and provide
energy savings, with leading solutions
providing savings of 6 - 8 per cent in
certain situations because of their flexible
bending properties.
Right on time
Designed for use in general conveying and
linear movement applications where exact
product placement and precise component
positioning is required, timing belts can
improve efficiency in a broad range of
applications, such as automotive assembly,
furniture manufacture, component
assembly and pick and place systems.
Timing belts designed for applications
where traditional belt options are unable to
provide accurate product synchronisation
are becoming more widely available on the
market. Precisely formed teeth with
accurate tooth tolerance and robust steel
and aramide cords, ensure consistent and
exact positioning of the product being
conveyed.
Product innovation
The latest generation of plastic modular
belts, which are used in a wide range of
belting applications in materials handling
and general conveying, are manufactured
with a variety of surface profiles to grip
products such as boxes, travel up steep
inclines and maintain product orientation.
Many providers now offer plastic
modular belts which reduce product
damage, downtime and overall
maintenance, which in turn provide
increased belt life and increased
throughput.
The all plastic design of these belts
promotes long life and superior
performance in many applications. Multiple
widths are achieved by using a 'bricklayed'
pattern, which also promotes high lateral
and diagonal belt strength and stiffness.
Like virtually all sectors, the UK materials
handling industry is currently facing a real
challenge to ensure it remains cost
effective and achieves high levels of
sustained productivity. In this respect,
some belt manufacturers have developed
truly innovative products that help to
ensure production facilities continue to run
at optimum efficiency to control costs,
minimise downtime and maximise
productivity during the difficult times
ahead. More articles from Habasit Rossi Ltd: | 
