Situation:
Two Wire-Mesh Products Inc. belts went into service at a Powder Metal customer in Spring 2011. Both are 24″ wide and run constantly at 6” per minute at temperatures of more than 2050 degrees.
Findings:
Previous belts not supplied by Wire-Mesh Products showed excessive stretch which caused multiple problems, including automation issues. In addition, ‘normal’ belt life was anywhere from 3 – 4 months on one furnace and 4 – 6 months on the other.
Results:
The Wire-Mesh Products belts as of November 2011 were still close to the original width. Moreover, no slack has been cut out which is highly unusual in this situation. (Typically slack was removed every 3 to 4 weeks.) In addition, the belt life to date for each has been surpassed by two months and show no sign of slowing down.