Brrrr but not brittle: finding the right timing belt for freezing applications
Frozen food is a huge and steadily growing industry in many parts of globe, offering excellent opportunities for frozen food processors. But even in an expanding market, production efficiency is key – and having the right belt is essential to this.
Working with customers in the industry, we understand the complexities of operating in extreme temperatures that can go as low as -40° C. When selecting timing belts for applications involving these extreme temperatures, finding the right belt properties is essential to achieving optimal performance.
What is the effect of low temperatures on the timing belt material?
Extreme temperatures can shorten the lifespan of the timing belt, causing damage that results in frequent and costly replacement and repair. In extremely cold temperatures, the belt material will shrink or become brittle, leading to the eventual failure of the belt. Choosing a material that is able to withstand the extreme temperature environment will help to maintain operational efficiency.
Balancing flexibility and wear resistance
Up to now, manufacturers using timing belts in frozen applications have often selected belts featuring very soft polyurethane material because of its flexibility. Unfortunately, such material also offers poor wear resistance. In addition, since these belts are usually only suitable for temperatures down to -30° C, they suffer from shrinkage, brittleness and transversal cracking of the surface in applications where even lower temperatures are required. The inevitable result: belt damage, operational inefficiency, shorter belt lifetimes, and higher costs.
Unique new belt suitable for -40° C
In response, engineers have developed a TPU timing belt that works in temperatures of -40° C without significant loss of wear resistance or damage.
This 90 Shore A TPU belt with aramid tensile cords provides good wear- and abrasion resistance on the tooth side; withstands hydrolysis, oils, oxygen, ozone and solvents; and has high tensile strength and excellent tear resistance.
Benefits of very low temperature resistance
Of course, not all sections of a frozen storage system have temperatures as low as
-40° C. This is usually only in the area where cold air is fed in. But particularly here, where there are no staff, functionality checks are regular but not constant, and access for belt maintenance and exchange is very difficult, top belt reliability is essential. This is exactly what the new belt delivers.
Another benefit is that very low-temperature resistant TPU can also be used for every application in frozen storage facilities, decreasing the diversity of belting required and thus leading to lower complexity and costs.
Are you looking for a high quality, long lifetime timing belt for your wet food or low temperature (-40° C) application? If so, we’d be delighted to talk to you about our unique solution.
