When it comes to running a smooth operation and productive worksite, choosing the right materials for your equipment makes a huge difference. From neoprene to natural rubber, timing belts come in various forms, each with differing benefits. Here are three reasons to use plastic or urethane timing belts for your machinery and manufacturing goals.
Abrasion Resistance
A timing belt's key feature is its teeth. The teeth of the belt dictate the timing of pulley systems, ensure proper traction, and act as the main contact point between the belt and other important mechanisms. Plastic and urethane timing belts provide strong abrasion resistance, ensuring that their teeth and band withstand their intense demands. The higher the abrasion resistance, the longer they’ll last, maximizing your productivity and bottom line.
Simple Cleaning Maintenance
If you handle food, chemicals, or liquids, transporting them requires added care, especially during clean-up and sanitation. Plastic and urethane belts are popular choices in the food industry because of their FDA approval and easy-to-clean features. The design of plastic and urethane materials makes it hard for external products to leach into them and carry over, creating simple cleaning and maintenance requirements. They also feature a high chemical resistance toward acids and chlorine, contributing to their strength and simple cleaning compatibility.
Easy Accessibility
Unlike rubber, producing plastic consists of a more straightforward procedure. Plastic's composition of various natural components commonly used and sourced make their production process more frequent and attainable. Plastics occur in numerous daily-use products, like packaging, bottles, and electronics, which sets a high bar for demand and production. Therefore, plastic and urethane belts are easier to access than their counterparts because of the pre-stocked inventory of plastic supplies.
Other reasons to use plastic or urethane timing belts include their strength, flexibility, wide temperature range, and oil resistance. You can also find plastic and urethane in numerous other manufacturing products like V-belts and band saw tires. Aside from plastic or plastic-derived materials, belts come in various forms, providing you and your business a diverse collection of options and benefits to match your equipment needs.