Robotic automation in high-tech production applications can contribute significantly to increased speed, efficiency and accuracy. It also comes with its own unique challenges, many of which can be successfully addressed with the introduction of stainless steel metal timing belts and drive tapes.
The Challenges of Robotic Automation
Motion loss and backlash of gears and timing belts can result in inaccurate positioning and robotic movement—a big problem for tasks requiring rapid acceleration, precise positioning and repetitive operations. Belt Technologies offers the PureSteel® solution to these challenges.
PureSteel® drive tapes maintain smooth movement and positional accuracy throughout their lifespan, ensuring efficient product throughput on the device and helping to avoid significant downtime for maintenance and cleaning.
High-strength stainless steel belts are non-stretchable and eliminate backlash for further precision and accuracy. They offer unparalleled durability, a high strength-to-weight ratio, and a much longer lifespan than traditional belt materials like fabric or rubber.
The PureSteel® Solution for Extreme Environments
Robotic equipment often operates in environments that pose major challenges to traditional belt materials, including:
Extreme Temperatures
Our PureSteel® timing belts and drive tapes withstand high and low temperatures without compromising their material integrity.
Cleanroom & Vacuum Environments
PureSteel® stainless steel belts are sanitary and easy to clean, making them ideal for applications requiring cleanroom environments.
They generate no debris or particulates, preventing contamination of delicate parts and products like electronics. Being insusceptible to any oxidation reactions, they will not rust.
Static-Free Environments
Unlike traditional materials like fabric or rubber, PureSteel® stainless steel belts will not generate static electricity, making them the preferred choice for the automated production of delicate electronic components.
Case in Point: PureSteel® in Action
Stainless Steel Belts for Dairy Farm Robotics
Belt Technologies was approached by an OEM producing automated robotic equipment for the dairy industry. The customer’s equipment included a robotic arm approximately three feet long with 18-inch joints controlling milking attachments with a visually guided system.
The OEM was struggling with a metal band component designed to move the arm of the machine. Because of poor attachment points and high torque, the part was experiencing a high rate of failure.
Our design and engineering experts redesigned the assembly, removing high bending loads and performing a stress optimization analysis that resulted in design changes to reduce overall stresses and extend belt life. The result was a more efficient machine that no longer required expensive and time-consuming maintenance and parts replacements.
From One A-Team to Another
Students on the Landsdale Catholic High School robotics team cruised to a number-one ranking out of 30 in competition thanks in part to a PureSteel® stainless steel drive tape from Belt Technologies.
Due to the PureSteel® drive tape’s superior accuracy, precise positioning, durability and strength, the team prevailed over previous champion robots and even won the “Engineering Inspiration” award for inspiring, helping and demonstrating strong engineering competence throughout the season.
Our own Senior Sales Engineer, Scott MacDougal, says: “We were excited for the opportunity to support these students and are so proud of their accomplishments. Growing and encouraging interest in STEM education is important to us. These students and others like them are the leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to seeing their resumes come through the door in the near future.”
The PureSteel® Solution to Your High-Tech Production Application
Call on the experts at Belt Technologies to help you solve your high-tech robotic production challenges and maximize efficiency and quality. Reach out to us today.
