World-class material science addresses major distribution center pain point—O-ring failure.

PACK EXPO BOOTH LU-7020

October 23-26, 2022. Fenner Precision Polymers, a Michelin Group Company and world leader in reinforced polymer technology, announced the introduction of the new Eagle® XLD O-ring today at the 2022 Pack Expo International Show in Chicago. Through collaboration with Michelin, Fenner developed a hybrid, reinforced D-shaped belt to optimize load transfer. The result is a longer life solution for what can cost distribution centers tens of thousands of dollars with every incidence of O-ring failure.

“This is entirely new territory for O-ring conveyors and with it comes advantages for both OEMs and the end-user,” said Brian Slingluff, Vice President and General Manager, Fenner Precision Polymers US. “OEMs will discover economies of design that enhance the way conveyors are built and end-users will benefit from greater operating efficiencies.”

The new XLD O-rings deliver enhanced performance through the application of Fenner’s polyurethane expertise, making the product more abrasion resistant compared to rubber and thermoplastic polyurethanes. It is also stronger, and more resistance to heat than rubber.

BIMODULUS: STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE

Eagle XLD 2 Belt

Eagle® XLD Bimodulus O-rings last up to six times longer than standard O-rings and provide four times greater roller-to-roller power transfer. In addition, tension does not decay over the life of the belt. The combination of higher power transfer and load capacity allow for a conveyor design that can carry more with less motors, which translates to cost savings in belting, maintenance, and energy costs.

Materials for the Eagle® XLD were developed in partnership with colleagues in Michelin’s High-Tech Materials Division. With its patent pending Bimodulus technology, the new O-ring provides much more than longer life. The lower- and higher-modulus materials optimize dynamic load capability. In addition, the D-shape optimizes the contact area to take advantage of the strength of the higher-modulus material. The result—a belt that is quick and easy to install with no need for special tools.

Operating costs are streamlined as well. Typically, O-rings lose 10 percent of their load from roller-to-roller, making transfers inefficient. Eagle® XLD loses less than 1 percent, delivering both higher load and efficiency, thereby reducing belt spend and energy costs. The increased life of the Eagle® XLD O-ring also means longer time between preventive maintenance shutdowns. Finally, reduction in energy use and marked increase in wear life also contribute toward corporate sustainability goals.

Keeping up with demand is a primary growth concern for distribution centers. The Fenner line of XLD O-rings will not only help them keep pace, they do so while cutting costs and increasing uptime.

ABOUT FENNER PRECISION POLYMERS

Fenner Precision Polymers is a Michelin Group Company. With over 900 employees worldwide, Fenner Precision Polymers is a trusted supplier of engineered solutions for performance-critical applications. The company’s product lines support clients across a variety of industries including 3D printing, document handling, transportation, mining, agriculture, aerospace, climate control, material handling, food processing, and manufacturing. Product lines include, but are not limited to, coated fabrics and technical textiles, link belting for power transmission and conveying, keyless locking devices, Eagle polyurethane belting, industrial conveyor belting, wire cloth, silicone and organic rubber hoses, customized bearing solutions, and PowerMax composite products. Learn more about Fenner Precision Polymers and its subsidiaries, Fenner Drives, Fenner Precision, James Dawson, NinjaTek, Fabri Cote, MAV S.p.A., Hoyt, and Lumsden Belting.