Fenner Drives Alleviates Major Distribution Pain-Point

The standard O-ring was never designed for the demands of present-day distribution. Neither the speed, the frequent starts and stops, nor the increased loads required in today’s market were specified.

Recognizing these challenges, Fenner Drives, a product brand of Fenner Precision Polymers, a Michelin Group Company, enhanced the performance of its polyurethane O-rings, utilizing bimodulus technology it developed in partnership with Michelin’s High-Tech Materials Division. Fenner debuts the new Eagle® XLD O-ring at this year’s Pack Expo in Chicago. The collaboration with Michelin, yielded a hybrid, reinforced D-shaped belt that optimizes load transfer. The result is a longer wear life solution that reduces costs associated with production downtime due to O-ring failure and frequently scheduled preventive maintenance.

What makes Eagle® XLD O-rings unique? Proprietary formulations make the product more abrasion resistant compared to rubber and thermoplastic polyurethanes. The new O-ring recently underwent rigorous performance testing and results showed significant reductions in downtime related to wear and failure. As a result, intervals between preventive maintenance could be increased, further reducing downtime.

“It’s game-changing in terms of the potential—not only for distribution centers, but OEMs as well” said Brian Slingluff, Vice President and General Manager, Fenner Precision Polymers US. “OEMs now have an opportunity to improve the way conveyors are built, and in doing so, provide the end-user with operational benefits.”

Xtra Strength | Xtra Life | Xtra Savings

Testing shows that Eagle® XLD O-rings have greater wear life and boast considerably more strength. They last up to 6 times longer than standard O-rings. They consistently provide greater roller-to-roller power transfer. Unlike its predecessor, the Eagle® XLD O-ring maintains tension that will not decay over the life of the belt. Its higher power transfer and load capacity make it possible for OEMs to develop a conveyor design that can carry greater loads with fewer motors, which translate to cost savings.

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. In addition, reduction in energy use and marked increase in wear life can also contribute toward corporate sustainability goals.

With its patent-pending bimodulus technology, the new O-ring provides much more than longer life.  Along with the bimodulus design, the D-shape enlarges 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 tools.

Learn more about Eagle® XLD O-rings at Pack Expo Booth LU-7020 or visit www.fennerdrives.com.