Vol. 12 Issue 1
Belt Line
Make it Happen!
September 12 15
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By John Shelton, 2013 Program Chair, Belt Power LLC
lans are underway for our annual NIBA Convention in San Antonio this September, and the NIBA Program Committee is taking the old adage that everything is bigger in Texas to heart. Our 2013 Convention will prove to be one for the record books, not only in scope of entertainment, but also in opportunity. At a time of great change both within NIBA as an association and the belting industry in general, our theme of Make It Happen both encourages and challenges our members to take advantage of promising new opportunities. Howard Putnam, the former CEO of Southwest Airlines, will serve as keynote speaker this year, with a focus on bottom line improvement and the importance of people in a successful business. Other valuable and educational presentations will include a session to help you navigate the new healthcare laws, as well as a business-focused social media workshop. And, while the conference will offer top-notch speakers and educational sessions, our networking breaks, receptions and golf outing on the TPC San Antonio Oaks course will allow attendees with the opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances and meet new ones. The 2013 NIBA Convention will take place September 12-15 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country. Just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio and the airport, the JW Marriott Resort is situated in Texas Hill Country in Cibolo Canyons,
where crystal clear streams and towering oak and cedar trees meet the majesty of the hills. The elements of authentic roots, hacienda style, beautiful views and healing waters serve as the inspiration in bringing this magnificent resort to life. The Hill Country resort features recreational amenities, varied dining options, spectacular meeting and event space, the 36-hole TPC San Antonio and the sophisticated Lantana Spa. Reserve your hotel room now at the J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country. Contact the hotel directly at 800-2289290 or make your reservation online at NIBA.org/events/ convention.
NIBA Scholarships
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Member-toMember
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6737 W Washington St, Suite 1300, Milwaukee, WI 53214 414.389.8606 FAX 414.276.7704 www.niba.org
s I write this introductory Letter from the President I am reflecting on how much NIBA has changed over the past several years, especially in the years since Ive been actively involved with the organization. While the term change is technically correct, I prefer to use progress and evolve because that is what I believe we continue to do as we move into the future. With this first Belt Line of 2013, we are going green (which is not a clever play on my last name) by offering this issue electronically as a way to be more environmentally conscious. We continue to see our membership evolve as well. Every month we receive new applications from prospective members, and our numbers are growinga very good sign that our organization provides value to our members. In recent years we have witnessed an unprecedented number of acquisitions, mergers, and changes of ownership within member companies, as competition grows more intense in the marketplace. NIBA has even joined the world of information and social media with utilization of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to communicate with members. Most recently, our committees and Board met in January to begin our work for 2013 with an agenda full of tasks designed to continue to improve NIBA and provide valuable resources to the membership. Some of the upcoming advancements include more training (both online and regional hands-on), more business-friendly products and services, and more valuable business content at future conventions. Another evolutionary item is the recognition that NIBA has truly become an international organization. At the close of 2012, no less than nineteen different countries were represented in our membership. In recent years we have been inundated with applications from prospective members that we currently cannot categorize, and as an unfortunate result, continue to turn these people away. For lack of a better term, we have labeled this new group as Trading Companies. Over the next several months, NIBA will be working to educate our members by clearly defining how this group does business, and how we would create the criteria for such a membership categoryall of which will be voted upon by you at our next Convention in September. As your representatives, the Membership Committee volunteers, Board of Directors, and the Executive Board present this proposed classification with the intent of improving NIBA, in a continuing effort to move NIBA forward as the global marketplace evolves. This summer we will conduct the triennial strategic planning meeting, during which creative and energetic representatives from all facets of our NIBA demographic will meet for two days. This group will brainstorm to generate a course of action for NIBA in the short term, as well as a long-term vision of what will keep our organization vibrant, valuable, and relevant to our members in the years to come. My personal goal with this meeting is to provide our members with a list of realistic goals and innovative ideas to make NIBA the best trade organization in which your company belongs. I want it to be a symbol of pride and distinction to your employees and your customers when they see the NIBA logo on your website, letterhead, front-door, and office walls. Being a NIBA member should mean something special, and we are working hard to reinforce that idea in our ongoing efforts to improve and brand this great organization. It is truly an honor and privilege to serve as your President. I often think back to when I first started working as a volunteer ten years ago, and remember being nervous and apprehensive that my contributions would be of any value to this organization. Never once did I imagine that I would one day be where I am today. I take this responsibility seriously, and have tremendous respect for the position. When my term has ended,I hope to look back at my year as President and take
NIBAs logo, videos, written materials, etc., are proprietary material. Please submit a written request to NIBA Headquarters to receive permission for use in web sites, catalogs, promotional materials, etc. All articles in the Belt Line may be reprinted with prior written approval from NIBA.
Corrections/Additions
In the Member to Member section of the December 2012 Issue, the wrong photo was included with the announcement of Patrick S. Spinellis promotion to Plant Manager for Hyde Tools. The correct photo is below:
t is hard to turn on a tv, open a newspaper or magazine, or surf the Internet these days and not come across an article or news story discussing the transformative power of social media. Although its exact influence and value is still being quantified, what is obvious is that its impact is very real, and every corporation, institution, or association across the world is working quickly to build its presence in the relatively new media. NIBA is no exception. To help you navigate this new media field, here is a summary of what the three primary mediums are and how to best utilize them: LinkedIn is considered the professionals social network. Rather than being a relaxed social online meeting space as most social networking sites, it is more business-oriented. LinkedIn is where you come to meet people and broaden your industry network. Join the NIBA group to see who else is connected, and reach out to other NIBA members in a professional, digital space. Posting to the NIBA LinkedIn group is a great way to connect with members and other industry professionals for product recommendations, advice on technical questions, and leads. Be aware, however, that LinkedIns primary source of revenue is in giving access to its database to professional recruiting firms, so your profile will be available to those outside of our industry as well. Facebook is the largest and most well-known social media website with over a billion users worldwide. Facebook is the most social of the new media services, and NIBA intends to use it that way as a friendly online meeting place for the industry. As an association, NIBA has a page (facebook.com/NIBABeltingAssn) that Facebook members can go to for news and updates, as well as photos from past conventions. You can post a comment on NIBAs Wall, to which others can read and respond. Like NIBA, and NIBA updates will automatically appear on the newsfeed on your home page. Whenever NIBA posts new information, photos, or status updates, it will be displayed there, making it easy to keep up with all things NIBA. Twitter (twitter.com/NIBABeltingAssn) is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based messages of up to 140 characters, known as Tweets. If you already have a Twitter account, or if you create one, you can follow NIBA and our Tweets, which will keep you updated on upcoming events and NIBA news. If you want more information, expand your social network by following NIBA followers. The three social networks described above are todays leaders, but in this rapidly changing landscape there will surely be more in the future. All three services have Smart Phone apps compatible with IPhone, Android, and Windows Mobile that are free to download and make keeping up easy to do while on the go. To be sure that these media services are not abused, the NIBA marketing committee, with the help of Amanda Wallich at the NIBA Office, will be monitoring these networks, as well as providing much of the content. To report any activity that you feel is not commiserate with the spirit of NIBA, please contact Amanda (amanda@niba.org) by email. So in 2013, NIBA encourages those already using social media to Follow, Like, and Connect with NIBA. If you are not yet an active participant, we encourage you join!
NIBA is Changing
By Doug Turk, Membership Committee Chair, Midwest Rubber Services & Supply Co.
ver the last several years, NIBA has gone through an evolution of changes within our organization. NIBA has become a Global organization with over nineteen countries represented. As this evolution has strengthened NIBA, it has seen numerous consolidations of Manufacturers and Distributors acquiring one another, as well as being acquired, by Holding or Equity Companies. Read more about this trend in action in the press release featured in the Newsworthy section of this edition. With this Globalization trend, your NIBA Membership Committee remains cognizant of categorizing our new members in the appropriate category, while at the same time determining if prospects meet NIBAs mission statement and Guiding Principles. In so doing, over the next several months you will see educational pieces explaining a
new membership category, Trading Companies. Culmination of this educational process will be a vote by membership attending the Fall Convention to approve or disapprove this category. All members attending the Convention are welcome to participate in this vote. The process that is currently used to critique new prospects will also be detailed to make all members aware that the Membership Committee is tasked to grow our membership, but also to meet the commitment to Distributors as we are for all purposes a Distributor driven organization mentored by the Manufacturers with whom we are affiliated to sell and promote conveyor products. The Membership Committee will look forward to your openness as we begin this educational process, through your responses via the various social media NIBA is associated with (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).
hanks to the continuing contributions to the NIBA scholarship fund, NIBA has increased the quantity of scholarships in 2013 to an all new high. This continues to be a growing benefit offered to NIBA members, their employees and their children.
Rubber Ron Technical Training Scholarship (2) Training costs and $500 each
The Rubber Ron Scholarship honors the memory of Rubber Ron Roalsen to the common sense approach to the heavy duty belting industry. Thanks to the grant from Rons family, one Technical Training Scholarships will be awarded to a participant at each of the NIBA Heavyweight Technical training classes in 2013. All class participants will be given the opportunity to provide a short written explanation of how they will apply what they have learned at the seminar. The company of the selected winners will be reimbursed the course fee and an additional $500. If you are considering sending any participants to the training in 2013, this is another benefit and incentive to do so. If you have any questions about any of these scholarships offer by NIBA, please visit NIBA.org for more information or call the NIBA offices at 414-389-8606.
2013 Directory
Thanks to all the NIBA member companies who renewed their dues in 2013, and a warm welcome to the new members! The NIBA Membership Committee has been hard at work making sure everyone renewed in time for the 2013 Directory. The directory is available in a searchable interactive format on the NIBA website: www.niba.org/ niba-members/members/, and your printed copy should be in the mail. Please take a moment to look over your listing and let the office know if you have any changes for the 2014 edition.
ver the past few years the NIBA Scholarship program has been able to grow significantly thanks to generous donations made by NIBA members. This overwhelming support has facilitated not only more scholarships to be available, but the value of the scholarships has also increased steadily. At the start of each year the number and value of the scholarships is determined based on the prior year contributions. 2013 will be an exciting year for the scholarship program. Thanks to your donations, NIBA will be presenting a record breaking $42,000 worth of scholarships this is up 3 times from just 2010! There will be twelve (12) Memorial scholarships awarded with a value of $1500 each (up from nine last year) and six (6) Presidential scholarships with a value of $4,000 each (up from three last year). While these figures are impressive, they pale in comparison to the talents of the applicants and winners. Their applications detail their academic achievements, community involvement, and leadership skills. Please encourage your employees and their children to review the scholarship criteria and to submit their application for review. Dont miss out on sharing this fantastic NIBA membership benefit with your employees!
2. Presidents Club Program. This program is based on cumulative donations to the scholarship program. After your company has cumulatively donated $1,500 they will be inducted into the Presidents Club. Go For the Gold, Raffle Tickets, and any other donations your company makes will be added to your cumulative total. Once your company is in the Presidents Club you will have the ability to obtain various gem levels. In addition to recognition in the Belt Line, at the Annual Convention, and on the website, your name badges at the annual convention will also have a jewel to designate your gem level for all of your company participants. Level: Diamond Level Emerald Level Ruby Level Cumulative Contribution Cumulatively $7,500+ Cumulatively $5,000-7,499 Cumulatively $2,500-4,999
3. Raffle Tickets. The Raffle Ticket program at the Annual Convention has continued to grow in both excitement and also the prize value. In 2012 NIBA sold $6,140 worth of raffle tickets at the Convention in Florida. The cash prize for the top winner was $3,070. If you are interested in contributing to the scholarship program, click here to download a donation form.
The following companies have contributed to the NIBA Scholarship fund in 2013. Please support these companies for their generosity in support of NIBAs scholarship fund!
Silver Sponsors
(Contribution between $400-$799)
Bronze Sponsors
(Contribution of $399 or below) Advanced Flexible Composites Inc Apache Inc Baldwin Supply Company Belt Corporation of America Inc Blair Rubber Company Colmar Belting Company Inc Conviber Inc Epperson & Company Gates Mectrol Corp Great Lakes Belting & Supply Corp Habasit America HBD-Thermoid, Inc - Corporate Offices Jason Industrial Inc Motion Industries Inc MSI - Muhlen Sohn Industries LP Mulhern Belting Inc NILOS GmbH Novex Inc PANG Industrial Pooley Inc Ram Belting Company Inc REMA TIP TOP - NA Rematech-Division Bremo Inc Richmond Supply Co & Rubber Div Snake River Supply Inc Splawn Belting Inc VIS USA LLC Voss Belting & Specialty Company WAGENER Schwelm GmbH & Co
All-State Belting LLC American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd Belt Power LLC Chiorino Inc Contitech Mexicana SA de CV Forbo Siegling LLC Jerry Bros Industries Inc LewisGoetz Midwest Rubber Service & Supply Co Nashville Rubber & Gasket Co Inc Reichel-Korfmann Co Inc Veyance Technologies Inc William Goodyear Company
Atlanta Belting Company Inc Beltservice Corporation Canadian Bearings Ltd Conveyor Accessories Inc D P Brown of Detroit Inc Derco B V Friesens Inc-Conveying Solutions Industrial Supply Solutions Inc Martin Engineering Passaic Rubber Company RAM Enterprise Inc, Corporate Office Sparks Belting Company Virginia Carolina Belting, a division of R/W Connection
REGISTER TODAY!
Go to www.niba.org Plan now for your employees to attend this belt specific training opportunity.
Each year, NIBA The Belting Association awards educational scholarships to children of parents employed by NIBA member companies.
Show your commitment to education contribute to the NIBA Scholarship Fund today!
Highlight your collective company contributions at the Annual Convention.
Gold
2013 contribution of $800 or more Each attendee will receive a gold ribbon on their name badge, and the company name and logo will be projected during the general session.
Silver
2013 contribution between $400-$799 Each attendee will receive a silver ribbon on their name badge, and the company name will be projected during the general session.
Donation Amount
q I would like to make a contribution of $_______ to achieve _______________ status.* q I would like to add enough to my current 2013 contribution to bring my total to $800 to reach Gold status. q Ive already reached Gold status for 2013 but wish to additionally contribute $_______. *Your companys cumulative contributions count towards your overall status in the Presidents Club and towards gem levels Company Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ q Check coming by mail or q Please bill my credit card (information below) Card Number: __________________________________________________________________________Exp. Date:__________ Cardholder Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________ Cardholder Signature: _______________________________________________________________________________________
NIBAThe Belting Association 6737 W. Washington St., Ste, 1300 Milwaukee, WI 53214 Phone: 414-389-8606 Fax: 414-276-7704 staff@niba.org
Newsworthy Items
Apache Inc. has continued its growth strategy with the acquisition of Trico Belting & Supply Company. Trico Belting & Supply is the one of the pre-eminent suppliers of light-duty conveyor belting in North America with locations in Cincinnati, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois. Apaches expertise and knowledge in the heavy-duty belting market is an ideal fit alongside the Trico expertise in light-duty belting. This is the fifth acquisition in 5 years for Apache, which has played a key role in Apaches revenues doubling since 2009. Chiorino Inc., the North American subsidiary of Chiorino S.p.A in Italy, continues to expand service capabilities at their Scott, Louisiana branch through the addition of new staff and a field service and installations van. Conveyor belt end users in the food industry (baked goods, meat & fish processing, rice and vegetable farming, dairy products), printing & graphics, box making and many others will benefit from these added resources. Chiorino Inc. South becomes the second stocking, fabrication and service center for Chiorino Inc. in North America; allowing for expanded presence, coverage and belt fabrication & installation service to conveyor, transmission and processing belts end users in the Acadiana area. In January, Flexco held a Heavy-Duty Mechanical Belt Fastening School at its Downers Grove headquarters. Nine attendees completed the two-day training class, which focused on everything from squaring, cutting, and skiving a belt to proper mechanical fastener selection. Attendees were trained using Flexco fasteners and a variety of Flexco installation tools, including the new Pneumatic Single Rivet Driver. The group was also treated to a tour of the on-site manufacturing plant. For more information on Flexco training, contact Liz Schneider at lschneider@flexco.com. Goodyear Rubber Products, Inc., an industrial rubber products distributor headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida celebrated their 65th year in business in February. Goodyear Rubber Products opened for business on February 10th, 1948 on Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg near their current headquarters. Founded by Brooklyn NY trans-
New Products
Advanced Flexible Composites (AFC) announces the introduction of Durafab 60-28, a solid weave PTFE coated fiberglass belting material for high temperature processing. Durafab 60-28 uses proprietary Eterna coating technology to provide improved performance, superior release , longer life and a coating quality that is virtually free of microscopic coating defects that are common in products that do not use Eterna technology. Durafab 60-28 is designed to retain a textured surface that is important to many applications including the manufacture of vinyl walk off mats, rubber walk off mats, carpet backing, foam manufacture, acoustic insulation and many others. Durafab 60-28 has successfully completed more than a year of successful field testing. Durafab 60-28 replaces AFCs Durafab 20-27 and 20-28 and 20-33 materials. Advanced Flexible Composites (AFC) announces the introduction of two ply PTFE coated Kevlar belts for specialty packaging applications with an emphasis on band sealer belts. These belts are designed for use as sealing belts in packaging applications that require higher strength than typical 2-ply belts constructed with PTFE coated fiberglass. AFC utilizes two layers of Durafab 50-07 fabric, heat sealed with two offset butt splices, similar to standard band sealer belts. Argonics is now offering versions of its Eraser DS and XTC systems for use with high-temperature materials. These new systems feature an all-steel blade with a tungsten tip, replacing the polyurethane and tungsten version. Argonics DS and XTC systems have supported bulk material-handling customers for years with superior secondary cleaning. The
New Personnel
Apache Inc., headquartered in Cedar Rapids, is pleased to announce Randy Walter has joined the executive management team as their Chief Financial Officer. Randy joins us with more than 20 years of professional experience, the majority of which is in the manufacturing and distribution environment, says Tom Pientok, President and CEO. His background in strategic planning and multinational business, paired with merger and acquisitions experience are an ideal fit for Apache. Randy Walter is a Certified Public Accountant, who graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. Flexco recently hired Steven Hennessey as a Project Sales Manager for North America. In this role, Steven will be responsible for managing business development for project-related work in the U.S. Mandy E. Lushch has joined Jerry Brothers Industries as General Manager of the Richmond, VA branch, effective March 11, 2013. Prior to joining JBI, Mandy Steven Hennessey spent four years at the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation where her last position was Vice President of Operational Risk Management. Mandy also worked 11 years in the consulting industry, providing advisory services, such as internal audit, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and risk management expertise, to financial services clients. Mandy holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the UniverMandy E. Lushch sity of Virginia.
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New Facilities
BDI (Bearing Distributors Inc.), headquartered in Cleveland, OH, announces that its Atlanta-area branch has moved to a new and expanded location at 1479 Parker Rd. in Conyers, GA. New contact information for the branch is as follows: BDI Atlanta (059), 1479 Parker Rd., Suite 100, Conyers, GA 30094, Tel: 866-285-2848, Fax: 866-213-5511. For more information about BDI, please visit www.bdiworldwide.com; or contact Sara Janezic, Marketing & Communications Manager, at sjanezic@bdi-usa.com. Flexco recently moved its North American Transfer Chute operations to Woodridge, Illinois. Goodall Rubber Company of Canada is moving its production facility from its current location on Pretty River Parkway to a newly rehabilitated building at 530 Third Street in Collingwood. The company has decided to invest in the local market because of the exceptional workforce and the historical success the company has had working with the local community. The move to the new property is anticipated to take place the summer of 2013. Lewis-Goetz, the parent company of Goodall Rubber, is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
New Equipment
Shingle Belting has added a wide HF welder (48) to its arsenal of fabrication equipment. This will expand Shingle Beltings capabilities of cleating for their Polyflex S & H products as well as their PU & PVC monofilament cleating and specialty fabrication. Shingle Belting has invested in an upgrade to their SAGE Business Management software. This latest version will enable Shingle to better service their customers needs in this age of just in time purchases by seamlessly linking inventory, logistics, and sales.
Equipment Wanted
Divya Beltech & Polymer is looking for used nylon core belt skiver, capable of skiving upto 2.5 mtr wide belts. Contact Ravinder Sahore at 781-249-5119 or divyaintl2k@yahoo. com.
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eramic Pulley lagging has become the lagging of choice for many of our customers to provide maximum performance and wear life on all pulleys on conveyor systems. As Ceramic Lagging becomes more widely used it is important to understand not only how it functions in relation to the conveyor belt but also what options exist to address varying applications. The most important thing to understand about dimpled ceramic lagging is that, contrary to many publications and conveyor design manuals, it does not provide increased friction in driving the conveyor belt. What it does is provide a mechanical engagement between the dimpled ceramic and the inside cover of the belt. It is important to understand this distinction between mechanical engagement and friction, as lagging that operates by friction (either rubber or smooth ceramic) assumes that allowance of slip is part of the designed function. Dimpled ceramic is designed to engage the belt at T1 and stay 100% engaged until release at T2. There can be no slip in this arrangement. This requires the ceramic tiles to move with the belt through the rotation of the pulley no matter the stresses being put on the ceramic lagging itself. So what are these stresses? First we have compression. This is simply measured by dividing T1 tension by belt width. This will give you the actual PIW that is compressing the lagging substrate underneath the ceramic tiles. Why is this important? The wonderful thing about rubber is that it flexes, takes hits, stretches and can handle pretty much whatever we throw at it as long as we are not reaching either full compression or full stretch. At full compression or full stretch rubber will be damaged. This is important because when there is a 1/4 ceramic tile in a 1/2 or 5/8 ceramic pulley lagging there is only 1/4 -3/8 rubber for dealing with compression.
On high tension pulleys when thinner ceramic lagging is applied, the belt can actually press the ceramic tiles down to the pulley face because the rubber underneath the tiles is too thin and will be cut when it reaches full compression. This will be evident because the bond will be compromised and individual tears will be found behind each tile. The second important factor in determining the stresses on the ceramic lagging is the T1/T2 ratio. This measure will indicate the amount of movement that the ceramic lagging is being asked to deal with to stay engaged with the belt. Because ceramic lagging provides much better traction (not friction) in driving the belt conveyors are being designed with lighter take-ups and systems. Using a lighter take-up tension will increase the T1/T2 ratio thus placing more movement stress on the ceramic lagging substrate. To deal appropriately with high compression and high T1/T2 ratios it becomes necessary to be very careful in the specification of ceramic pulley lagging. Using a thicker ceramic lagging such as a or 1 thick overall lagging strip will give the lagging the ability to deal with these damaging factors. You should always consult your ceramic lagging supplier for recommendations on proper specification of ceramic lagging.
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he vulcanization cycle for conveyor belt splicing falls under three base components each supporting the other. If any of the three is out of balance a perfect splice cure is not possible.
safe to allow the tires to reach their final state of cure in this manner. Understanding Time The vulcanization process occurs in three time stages and each stage can affect the number of crosslinks and thus the splice service life: 1. Flow time, 180 - 230 F (no crosslinking occurs) 2. Beginning and building of the crosslinking stage (rate of cure), 230 - 300 F 3. Cure, reversion or overcure stage (state of cure), 300 F + 1. The flow time period represents the time during prevulcanization temperatures, during which no measurable crosslinking has occurred. During that period the rubber compound flows uninhibited. For example, as in Steel Cord Splicing or Finger Splicing, it is necessary for the rubber compound to maintain a prolonged flow time in order to fill all splice cavity spaces and for all entrapped air to escape the splice completely. This is an important point as we noted earlier, vulcanization is a molecular process. Thus the crosslinks cannot form between molecules that are not in close contact with each other. 2. As the compound is heated past the flow time point, the properties of the compound change from a soft plastic (think of something along the lines of peanut butter) to a tough elastic compound. During this stage the building of crosslinks are introduced, which connect the long polymer chains of the rubber molecule together. As more time occurs more crosslinks are introduced, the polymer chains become more firmly connected and the stiffness or modulus of the compound increases. The speed of this reaction can be a worry, too fast and no deep crosslinks are formed, only near surface molecules react. 3. At the cure stage, major technological properties of the compound are now forming, it is necessary to control the cure time of the rubber to its optimum state of cure (maximum stress value), but not past that point. For instance, when rubber compounds are properly crosslinked it is possible to stretch ten times its original length, and after removing the tension, it will return to its original shape and length (i.e. the molecules are coiled together from the crosslinking process and as they stretch they uncoil, thus the elastic effect of rubber).
What is Vulcanization? Vulcanization is a process that transforms the predominantly thermoplastic uncured splice rubber into an elastic rubbery or hard ebonite-like state. This process, which involves the association of macro molecules through their reactive sites, is also called crosslinking or curing. Be sure to note, it is the conversion of molecules into a network by the formation of crosslinks. The number of crosslinks formed depends on the amount of reaction time and temperature. One calls it the degree of vulcanization or more commonly crosslink density. Thus, the term vulcanization embraces not only the crosslinking or curing reaction itself, but also the process that is used to achieve this goal. This is the first part of the understanding needed, in splicing we are using the term a little more openly than say a tire plant when they use the term. The first key part of this understanding is in conveyor belt splicing, where solvents, primers and cements are used. Often the belt itself has a water in the fabric and the splice is done in a humid environment (greater than 75%). This is very common in mining applications where the belting has been in service for some months. For example, in a tire plant the tires are cured under a great deal of pressure (10,000 lbs) at higher than normal temperature (350 F) , but only stay in the mold (under pressure) for a few minutes (fifteen - seventeen minutes). The final part of the cure is done while the tire is in the cool down room after being removed from the mold. In the tire building process no solvents, primers and cements are used ,and great care is taken to make sure the fabric and steel cords remain dry (plant humidity is closely monitored). Since there are no liquids present to create off-gassing, it is
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If continued heating of the splice occurs, an overcure may result which can cause stiffening (marching modulus), or softening (reversion), of the compound. These results will be compound dependent (i.e. SBR or NR). If these effects occur they will greatly reduce the physical properties of the rubber compound (adhesion, abrasion, etc.). The following chart will show the time required to heat large cross sections of rubber. Thus the time delay that will occur from the center to the surface of the belt. Keep in mind in splicing we are concerned with the heat history the center of the belt has seen. In this test a one inch cross section took 25 minutes to come to cure temperature (300 F).
Understanding Temperature As noted in the before section, since the molecules are not tied (cross-linked) to each other before curing, they can move freely, something like well used bubble gum (you can stretch the uncured rubber and it will not return to it same shape). This is not so when the rubber is held at elevated temperatures for a measured time. It is at this cure point that the rubber compound becomes more plastic like and will return to its shape after being stretched (crosslinking has occurred). It is important to understand rubber compounds exhibit a thermodynamic irreversible reaction as they move into this crosslinked state. The key word here is irreversible. The following rheometer curve (equipment used to measure the cure properties of rubber) shows a compound starting out at room temperature, say 70 F and as the compound heats up in the press it starts to expand and flow (180 - 230 F). Just after this flow point the vulcanization chemistry in the uncured rubber starts to happen. This is the building of the crosslinks between molecules.
Time, Minutes
There are a few basic formulas to calculate the cure time for belt cross sections, but I have found 90% of the splicers in the field just guess at what they think the cure time should be. A common test I do in splice schools is pass around a small section of belting and ask each to write down what the cure time should be for it. Many look around the room with a blank face. This is the reason I had these simple slip on gauges made for the time calculation of standard grade belt splices cured at 300 F (149 C). Note: EPDM belts cure at 320 F and double the time scale.
The optimum point of vulcanization is a measured point of TC-90 (i.e. 90% of the open and reactive sites have been cross-linked). This can also be called crosslink density. Dwell temperature can greatly affect how quickly this TC-90 will occur. As an example if we run the rheometer at 350 F, we move the scale to the left and decrease the flow time range and the soak time for the heat to find the center of the belt. It would reduce the cure time cycle but at a cost to splice life. So as an example if we run the rheometer at 250 F, we move the scale to the right and greatly increase (by hours not minutes) the amount of dwell time needed to
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find this measured point of crosslink density of 90%. One upside is we can move heat into the center of the belt in a more controlled manner, have a better rubber flow and thus increase the molecule to molecule contact. In general terms the best balance for field curing (splicing) conveyor belting has been found to be 290 310 F (143 -154 C). Keep in mind the blend of Polyester and Nylon in the fabric and its reaction to heat history is the reason to this proven temperature range. Remember it is all about crosslink density and that cannot happen without solid contact (pressure) on a molecular scale. This has to happen in a controlled manner. Now for the 800 lb gorilla in the room question. What happens when you make multiple cures? You see some splice companies buy a 28 cure length press then make three cures on a splice length of 72. Many failed splices are not recognized as failure from multiple curing. The problem is the original belt in the splice area, it may not produce a visible change in its appearance from manufacturing. The true problem is between the plies in the step area from the uncured splice materials. These materials are what hold the splice together during its dynamic service life. In the below one inch wide adhesion test strip of a multiple cured splice (threeheats), the area just outside the vulcanizing press has very low adhesions along with gas pockets. This on average is two to three inches long and runs across the width of the belt. Since heat greater than 230 F radiates out along the splice without pressure the splice rubber starts curing but without firm contact to the belt (pressure). These low/no adhesion areas will present problems if water is present in the belt or product conveyed. If so there is a much greater opportunity for dynamic flex breakdown. Multiple curing splices on any high tension belt will become a problem and should be avoided. This practice will affect the dynamic service life of the splice as seen in the adhesion results below.
Understanding Pressure Pressure can be a bit of a wild card, worldwide 100 PSI for fabric belts and 200 PSI for ST belts are well received as the norm. In some parts (Europe) as low as 60 PSI is used on fabric belts and common with Japanese makers is 150 PSI for Steel Cord belts. We have to keep in mind, it is all about crosslink density, and its relationship to cured splice adhesions. Testing has shown about 40 lbs per inch of peel is the least one should work with. Now that number can be taken out of context if you dont factor in the belts true operating tension. Many conveyor systems never use more than 70% of the belt working tension. So somewhat less peel adhesion values have worked in the past. I have made splice samples on European and American belts (same ratings) at both 60 lbs and 100 lbs of pressure and there is a measurable difference in adhesions. With that said I have made tests on American fabric belts at 100 lbs and 200 lbs of adhesion and there is also measurable difference in adhesions. Do you need the 200 lbs of pressure on fabric belt? No, you can get to your working adhesion of 40 lbs of peel per inch with 100 lbs of pressure (and sometimes less). Do you decrease the crosslink density with less pressure? Yes, remember that molecular scale bit earlier. Fact is more pressure is better, but the adhesion relationship curve starts to plateau after about 100 lbs on fabric belts. FYI - Using double the specified cure pressure on high tension fabric belts is a nice little trick used by a few splice companies in the know. The process has to be handled just like a steel cord splice (i.e. splice table and over-length press) or a crooked/wavy splice could be the result. The above same science can be used for Steel Cord splices as well. As noted, in some parts of the world 150 lbs is common and in others 200 lbs is the norm. Something to understand is that steel cord belt construction is different than fabric belt (outside of the obvious). There can be 150 very small diameter cords in one and 100 cords in the other and both carry the same ST rating. In the smaller diameter belt since more cords are present it is possible to use less pressure. Liquids and pressure, one of the least understood topics in the splicing business, yet so simple. We all know what temperature water boils at, 212 F (100 C), but at what pressure is that value taken at? Sea level, 14.69 lbs (1 bar) of pressure.
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So if we go to the top of a mountain, say 14,000 ft above sea level, will water boil at 212 F (100 C) or at a lower number? Since atmospheric pressure is greater at sea level than at 14,000 ft the water would boil at a much lower number. This makes for a simple example to understand pressure vs. boiling point.
that is at a temperature greater than 212 F (100 C) and not under pressure is allowing gas pockets to form. It is within reason to believe during the cure cycle some heat is transferred from the platen edge to the unpressured belt surface (simple thermocouple test proves this out). Since the platen is operating at 300 F (149 C) it stands to reason the heat being transferred for about two to three inches into and across the unpressured belt is greater than 212 F (100 C). This effect is the same as found in multiple curing noted before. Lastly any water that works its way into this cross splice opening will cause the splice to fail. Since the belt goes through stretch and compression on each revaluation and water cannot be compressed failure from hydrolyses will occur.
That means at 100 PSI the boiling point of the water in the fabric of a used belt is 328 F (164 C), at 200 PSI 382 F (194 C). This is an important point, as any area of the splice
IBA is now offering on-line training for the acclaimed 3T Heavyweight Belting seminar. This offering represents another benefit for your membership. For members who are not familiar with 3T, the seminar is designed to educate and add real world value to companies in the business of providing solutions to heavyweight conveyor belt operational problems. The course has three segments: Segment #1 Belting Technology: Conveyor belt basics, pulley diameters, transition distances, troughing, conveyor belt loads and conveyor belt constructions Segment #2 Troubleshooting: Conveyor and belt inspection, general problems encountered and solutions as well as splicing overview and drive slip Segment #3 Belt Tracking: Fundamentals of belt tracking discussion and NIBA Belt Tracking Video Companies may purchase one, two or all three segments. Please note that the price structure (available on the website)
offers cost incentives to purchase multiple segments. Your purchase provides all employees within your organization accessibility to the online training for one calendar year from the date of purchase. This online option allows for the training of multiple people across multiple locations without the travel expense & time requirement associated with the live course. Additionally, this training may be utilized as a refresher to those who previously completed the live seminar. To learn more about this exciting new benefit to our members; please visit the website: www.niba.org/training/ NIBAclasses/3T-Heavyweight. You may also feel free to contact the NIBA office directly @ 414-389-8606/staff@niba. org or Roberta Scott of LewisGoetz @ 724-213-1141/rscott@ lewis-goetz.com. On behalf of the entire Marketing Committee, we look forward to continuing to increase the value of your membership by offering more online training options to our member companies.
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DVDs
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 Steel Cable Belting Tracking Selling Conveyor Belting Power Plants Belting Market Quarrying/Hard Rock Mining Elastomers Used in Lightweight Conveyor Belting Lightweight Plied Rubber Belting Package/Unit Handling Lightweight Conveyor Belting (1 of 3-part series) Heavy Duty Conveyor Belting (2 of 3-part series) Mechanical Belt Fasteners (3 of 3-part series) Belts in Motion Belt Tracking
(quantity discount)
1-3 4-8 9+
#14 *3T: Track, Train, Troubleshoot for Heavyweight Belting (3 DVD set-2011) #15 *Lightweight Basics (3 DVD set-2012)
CDs
#16 *Lightweight Training CD (2006) - choose language: ___English ___Spanish #17 *Heavyweight Training CD (2006) - choose language: ___English ___Spanish #18 SPECIAL COMBO DEAL! Both Lightweight & Heavyweight Training CDs above
PUBLICATIONS
Introductory Guide to Belting - choose language: ___English ___Spanish #19
(quantity discount)
Submit orders by e-mail: staff@niba.org / Fax: 414-276-7704 / Phone: 414-389-8606 or mail: NIBA-The Belting Association / 6737 W. Washington St. / #1300 / Milwaukee, WI 53214 Shipping
Name: Address: City/St/Prov/Zip: Company: Phone: E-mail: / Check #_____ enclosed / Pay now by credit card (information below) Expiration Date: Signature: Phone: E-mail: Order Received DB Payment Processed Item(s) Ordered Order Shipped
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Get your NIBA gear from NIBAs New Lands End Business Store
By Lisa King, Marketing Committee, Jerry Bros Industries, Inc.
how your NIBA Pride with our official NIBA gear! The NIBA Marketing Committee is very excited to announce the opening of the NIBA Lands End Business Outfitters Store. Our partnership with Lands End offers you the opportunity to order classic, quality apparel and merchandise showcasing the NIBA brand. There is no need to create an account and your order can be shipped directly to your door. Lands End will embroider the NIBA logo on any item
in the store, with a logo application fee of $5.95 per item. The NIBA Lands End Business Outfitters Store offers diverse styles and high-value apparel with a hassle-free return policy. Order today by visiting ces.landsend. com/NIBABeltingAssn, and be sure to show off your NIBA wear in September at the Convention!
s a NIBA member, you can start saving today with the Staples Advantage program. All members will receive low, contracted pricing on over 30,000 products. Ordering is made easy through StaplesAdvantage.com. Here, you will have access to all the supplies you need, including office products, breakroom supplies, janitorial supplies, technology supplies, furniture, eco-friendly products and more.
Orders made through Staples Advantage will receive an additional 5% discount when the total is over $150 and free delivery on orders over $50. To start saving by ordering your supplies from Staples Advantage, contact your Account Manager, Carly Wronko at 800-950-1257 x3353 or Carly. Wronko@staples.com
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