Belts and chains facilitate energy savings
Justin Cunningham looks at some of the recent innovations in power transmission technology.
Engineers have focused a lot of attention on AC drive systems and energy efficiency motors as the means of reducing energy costs. However, other aspects of the power train can often be overlooked, such as chain and belt drives.
Two recent product innovations come from Tsubaki UK and are aimed at conveyor applications. Bearing Roller Conveyor Chain and Double Plus Chain, can help to optimise the energy savings of any power transmission system by protecting the gains made further up the transmission chain via energy efficient motors and drives.
The unique design integrates cylindrical roller bearings inside the chain to provide superior performance through increased strength and reduced friction.
This allows a decrease in driving power enabling users to downsize by selecting a chain up to two sizes smaller, and to reduce costs by using smaller drive motors. Additionally Tsubaki's chains reduce running resistance to 1/3rd that of conventional conveyor chain.
Another innovation comes from Transdev which has introduced polyurethane timing belts for extreme torque power transmission applications. The Conti Synchrochain synchronous belts feature S and Z wound aramide chord tension members and advanced moulded polyurethane/polyamide fabric construction providing maximum resistance to belt elongation.
The range is fully interchangeable as a replacement for high torque drive belts and may be specified for original equipment power transmission on high performance production machinery, compressors, pumps, go-karts, motorcycles and other demanding high torque transfer applications.
Mclennan Servo Supplies also has launched a belt drive system that offers higher dynamic performance. The ServoBelt is an innovative long travel system that promises to increase accuracy and repeatability over conventional belt driven linear positioners.
It uses a patent-pending design based on two steel reinforced polyurethane timing belts that are meshed and guided through a servo driven toothed roller and idler system held within a carriage.
