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Belt Drives

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2024-12-11

Revolutionizing Conveyor Belt Technology in Food Processing

With over 20 years’ experience in the food processing industry, Mike Mitchell has filled many roles in his career. Now, as the key accounts manager for Middleby Food Processing brand, MP Equipment, Mitchell has been pivotal in advancing food technology. He understands the demands of frequent, late-night repairs on first generation equipment.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-12-04

Motion Enters into Agreement to Purchase Conveyance Company

Motion Industries, Inc. has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the operating assets of U.S. based International Conveyor and Rubber (ICR). The transaction is expected to close at the end of December 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-10-08

Continental Highlights Conveyor Technology at MINExpo 2024

At MINExpo 2024, Continental recently highlighted solutions tailored for the mining industry, including conveying systems, digital monitoring platforms, fluid hose solutions, and more. These products are designed to withstand the toughest environments while boosting efficiency and productivity. 

PRODUCT NEWS | 2024-10-08

Continental Focuses on Sustainability in the Aftermarket Business

Continental's CONTI NXT Multi V-belt from the ContiTech group shows it will also be possible to power auxiliary units in cars using renewable raw materials and recycled materials. CONTI NXT Multi V-belt will use tension cords made from recycled PET bottles, a textile cover layer made from organic fibers as well as rubber certified according to the mass balance standard and recycled carbon black. Overall, the belt is made of almost two-thirds of more sustainable materials compared to conventional V-ribbed belts. The CONTI NXT will be available in the spring of 2025, in addition to the conventional Multi V-belts of the Continental brand – initially in 25 different types for the most common repair needs.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-10-07

Fenner Launches New Strategy Focused on Global Product Families

Fenner Precision Polymers recently announced the formal launch of a new strategic realignment of the company structure. Fenner Precision Polymers' transformation is designed to benefit customers by enhancing their overall experience. Built on a new global product family approach, the realignment aims to simplify interactions, reduce complexity, and build trust across different products and regions. The global family of brands are now organized under one of three product families: Industrial Motion, High-Tech Coated Fabrics, and Air & Fluid Handling.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-10-01

PTDA Welcomes Eastern Sales and Proton.ai

The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) welcomes new distributor member Eastern Sales and new associate member Proton.ai.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2024-09-13

Massive Machinery and Innovation at MINExpo International 2024

MINExpo boasts 1,900+ companies involved in the global mining industry. Opening sessions allow the industry to come together to debate global challenges, market fluctuations and the future of mining. Resources include exploration, mine site development, open pit mining, underground mining, smelting and refining, processing and preparation and reclamation. Here’s a sample of the companies exhibiting and the products/technologies they will be featuring in Las Vegas from September 24–26, 2024.

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INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-03-06

Gates Offers Advanced Solutions for Data Center Cooling

Gates announces its collaboration and entry into the fast-growing and evolving data center cooling market with CoolIT Systems.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-10-10

Gates Corporation Offers Free Tech Tools to Design Power Mobile App Users

Gates has announced an event that celebrates the capabilities of their Design Power Mobile app. In April 2023, Gates launched the Design Power Mobile app, revolutionizing how engineers and enthusiasts design belt drive systems. Now, they want to celebrate the achievements of app users with the Design Power Mobile Sonic Tension Meter Microphone Giveaway.

REVOLUTIONS | 2023-09-21

Dune Express Provides Historic, 42-Mile-Long Electric Conveyor System

The Dune Express is a 42-mile long, fully electric conveyor system that is expected to transform the Permian Basin and substantially improve the unacceptable safety risk existing on the Permian roadways. Originating from the Kermit, Texas facility and spanning into New Mexico, the Dune Express is intended to eliminate millions of truck miles driven across the Permian resulting in avoided traffic, accidents, injuries, and fatalities within the communities. 

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-08-10

Continental Supplies Conveying Belt for Atlas Energy Solutions Dune Express Project

After nearly five years of planning, Continental is excited to announce Atlas Energy Solutions has contracted Continental to supply the conveyor belt for the Dune Express, a world-renowned conveyor system accompanied by digital solution components.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2023-08-03

Desktop Belt Drive Services with Gates

Gates Design Power and Gates Design Power Mobile combine unique functionality to provide an end-to-end solution that can help from basic troubleshooting and site surveys to full site chain-to-belt replacement and create your most complex power transmission (PT) design applications.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-07-12

Regal Rexnord Offers 6400 Series KleanTop Plastic Spiral Cage Belts

Regal Rexnord Corporation has launched its new Rexnord 6400 Series KleanTop Plastic Spiral Cage Belts for food manufacturers. The 6400 Series is ideal for customers who want to increase productivity while reducing system costs and food safety risks.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-06-29

Gates Publishes 2022 Sustainability Report

Gates recently published its annual Sustainability Report for 2022.  The report highlights our progress on the four pillars of our sustainability strategy: Governance, Technology, Environment, and Stewardship. 

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INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-06-22

Fenner Precision Polymers Completes Land Purchase to Consolidate Business Operations Under One Roof

Fenner Precision Polymers, a Michelin Group Company and world leader in reinforced polymer technology, announced the purchase of 41 acres of property zoned for light industrial development in Lancaster County’s Penn Township. Fenner plans to develop the site, previously owned by Kreider Farms, as a 400,000-square-foot world-class, environmentally responsible manufacturing facility. The project plans to consolidate the majority of Fenner’s manufacturing plant sites in Pennsylvania into one location. The property is located at 426 Hostetter Road, Manheim.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-06-16

JKF Americas Launches New Website for Industrial and Automotive Markets

JKF Americas Inc, a subsidiary of JK Fenner (India) Ltd., has redesigned their North American website, featuring the outstanding Top Drive line of belts, hoses and accessories for automotive and industrial markets. The website features dynamic design, informative videos, vehicle part lookup, literature downloads, company news and fast load times for efficient browsing. 

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-06-06

U.S. Tsubaki Launches Dura Drum Sprockets

U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC (U.S. Tsubaki) introduces Dura Drum sprockets, designed to reduce downtime, increase savings and provide greater reliability for conveyor systems. Available as a full-faced or A-plate drum sprocket, Dura Drum helps keep heavy-duty operations, including forestry and metal recycling facilities, running efficiently and profitably. 

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-05-10

New Categories Introduced for PIE Technology Platform

Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) and the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) announce the introduction of two new product categories, belt drives and bearing accessories and tools, to the PIE Technology Platform (PIE). PIE is a cloud-based platform giving manufacturers and distributors of industrial products access to the most comprehensive catalog for the exchange of rich content product information.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-05-04

Gates Announces Mobile Version of Design Power

Gates announces the launch of the mobile version of the award-winning Gates Design Power, putting advanced digital design tools to support the engineering of belt drive systems on customers’ mobile devices.  

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-04-24

Regal Rexnord Displays Modsort at LogiMAT 2023

Regal Rexnord Corporation will feature its mobile, scalable, approachable and energy-efficient end-of-the-line sortation system, ModSort, at LogiMAT 2023, Booth 1A41 in Hall 1. The show takes place at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Center (Stuttgart, Germany) from April 25-27. 

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-04-11

Continental Expands Belting Options with Direct X

Continental recently added the patented Direct X conveyor belt to its line of industrial belting products with the 2022 acquisition of WCCO Belting. 

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-04-04

Continental Takes to the Sky for Inspection System

Continental offers the CONTI ConveyorInspect drone-based inspection system to allow operators to easily know the condition of their belts and idlers, quickly locate the exact position of failing idlers, and track changes in rotating components over time. With this real-time reporting, operators can better estimate their system’s component life and plan their maintenance. This helps prevent costly damage of conveyor system components and minimizes downtime.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-03-22

Optibelt Honored for Long-Standing EPTDA Membership

Optibelt GmbH has been honored by the European Power Transmission Distributors Association (EPTDA) for its long-standing membership.

REVOLUTIONS | 2023-01-17

Is This the Restaurant at the End of the Universe?

The first fully automated McDonald's has arrived in Fort Worth, Texas. Here, a conveyor belt serves customers food they order online or using a kiosk machine. The fast-food restaurant has no seats, tables or drive-thru greeters.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2022-12-02

2022 PTE Buyers Guide

The 2022 Power Transmission Engineering Buyers Guide was compiled to provide you with a handy resource containing the contact information for significant suppliers of power transmission components.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-10-05

JKF Americas Inc. Launches TOP DRIVE Brand

JKF Americas Inc, a subsidiary of JK Fenner (India) Ltd., has introduced their extensive Top Drive line of power transmission products to the North, Central and South American markets. The launch of the Top Drive brand is especially timely for businesses that have seen delays and shortages in the supply chain, within the context of the emerging sourcing model across the world.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-08-23

Bell-Everman ServoBelt Arc Drive Features New Large-Diameter Rotary Stage

Bell-Everman has introduced a new multi-axis transfer robot based on its proven ServoBelt backlash-free belt drive technology. Called ServoBelt Arc Drive, it features custom designed rotary and tilt axes that precisely position semiconductor glass panels.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-07-06

Continental Acquires WCCO Belting

Continental acquires family-owned belting manufacturer WCCO Belting headquartered in Wahpeton, N.D. With this acquisition, the technology company complements its conveyor belting customer portfolio and strengthens its Conveying Solutions business in the agricultural industry.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-06-29

Rollon Enhances Plus Series Actuators

Rollon provides the Plus System family which features an anodized aluminum structure and steel reinforced driving belt. All series are available with stainless steel elements for applications in harsh environments such as those subject to frequent washes. A dedicated set of accessories enables easy assembly when building high-performance multi-axis systems.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-06-13

Gates Publishes Annual Sustainability Report

Gates recently published its 2021 corporate sustainability report highlighting progress toward goals, transparency and Eco-Innovation. 

REVOLUTIONS | 2022-06-13

Gates Expands Carbon Drive Portfolio for E-Bike Applications

Gates Industrial Corporation continues to invest in and has expanded its Carbon Drive product portfolio.  The company is introducing next-generation belts and other components to enable advances in bicycle drivetrain design and meet growing global demand.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-05-20

Fenner Precision Polymers Relocates Corporate Offices

Fenner Precision Polymers announced the move of its corporate offices. The new location, is in Manheim Township, will be at 187 West Airport Road in Lititz, Pa. Approximately 100 of Fenner’s office staff are expected to move into the new offices beginning fall of 2022. Ongoing construction updates will be underway in the space through October. The company anticipates that the remaining corporate staff will have relocated to the new facility by end of 2022.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-05-10

PTDA Foundation Now Accepting Nominations for 2022 Leadership Awards

The PTDA Foundation is seeking nominations for its Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award and Robert (Bob) K. Callahan Future Leaders Award, respectively. As the charitable arm of the Power Transmission Distributors Association, the PTDA Foundation champions education, outreach and research initiatives relevant to the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry that enhance the knowledge and/or professionalism and productivity for industry stakeholders.  

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-05-06

Gates Wins Motion's 2021 Supplier of the Year Award

Motion Industries, Inc., has named Gates Corporation “2021 Supplier of the Year.” The award recognizes companies that have shown exceptional commitment to Motion through quality products and services, as well as earning the highest score in the multi-faceted Supplier Stratification rating system. The presentation took place May 3rd at Motion’s headquarters in Birmingham.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-04-20

Gates Launches Belt Drive Software Platform

Gates has announced the launch of Gates Design Power, a new software platform offering multiple digital design tools to support the engineering and specification of belt-drive systems across a broad array of applications, making the process easier and more robust than ever before.  

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-04-15

Dunkermotoren Updates Product Portfolio

Dunkermotoren’s product portfolio includes brushless and brushed DC motors up to 5 kW, AC motors and linear systems. Dunkermotoren incorporates a modular system to combine their motors with planetary and right-angle gearboxes, encoders, brakes and integrated or external electronics into a single package. This allows for configurable solution for your application. 

REVOLUTIONS | 2021-11-12

Regal Rexnord Enhances Industrial Powertrain Capabilities

The Regal electromechanical powertrain offering encompasses a broad range of Regal-produced components (e.g., motors, speed reducers, gearing, coup...
REVOLUTIONS | 2021-07-20

Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Selecting & Integrating Linear Modules

Fully integrated linear modules can be versatile and cost-effective for linear transport applications in packaging machinery. When specifying and i...
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2019-06-01

Advanced Belt Drive Systems

Enhancing Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.
| 2018-10-03

Cooling Tower Components: Pros and Cons

Written by: Jerome Jennings, global product manager, SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. Cooling towers can use several power transmission technologi...
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2018-06-01

Pushing Forward with Belts and Chains

The technology continues to evolve in chain- and belt-driven systems
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2018-06-01

Custom Machine and Tool Bolsters Accuracy and Efficiency for Vande Berg Scales

If you can find that magic bullet that will reduce the machining process, you can achieve meaningful efficiency gains. It is imperative that check-weighers or in-motion weighing systems remain both accurate and efficient while attaining a consistently smooth operation because they dynamically weigh products as they move across the belt.
| 2018-02-02

Framo Morat and Dunkermotoren Produce Drive Systems for AGVs

Driverless transport systems have proven to be extremel...
| 2017-11-28

A Look at Belt, Chain and Gear Drive Technology

By Jack Warner The need for producing more energy increases with our rising need for commercial, industrial, and residential space. In North Ame...
INDUSTRY NEWS | 2017-06-19

What's New in Belt and Chain Technology?

Here are the latest product and industry news items involving belts and chains in the power transmission market. Please visit
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2017-04-01

Meet Norm Parker - Bearings Blogger

In case you missed them, following are three recent blog postings by our popular PTE bearings blogger - Norm Parker. We also felt that, should you not be a blog follower, this would be a good way to introduce you to Norm's bearings wisdom. Parker is currently the global senior specialist/roller bearings at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
ASK THE EXPERT | 2017-02-01

How to Prevent Pulley Slippage

I'm not able to get a good connection between the pulley and shaft in my drive assembly. Could you explain the various ways of connecting a pulley to a shaft to prevent the pulley from slipping?
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2016-12-01

Timing Belts and Pulleys - Operations

Synchronous drives are especially well-suited for low-speed, high-torque applications. Their positive driving nature prevents potential slippage associated with V-belt drives, and even allows significantly greater torque carrying capability. Small pitch synchronous drives operating at speeds of 50 ft/min (0.25 m/s) or less are considered to be low-speed. Care should be taken in the drive selection process as stall and peak torques can sometimes be very high. While intermittent peak torques can often be carried by synchronous drives without special considerations, high cyclic peak torque loading should be carefully reviewed.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2015-12-01

Chains and Belts Play to Their Strengths

As with just about everything else in the manufacturing world — and all which that universe entails — it depends. After all, that’s why the art of manufacturing is a process — not a one-system-fits-all discipline. Yes, once that process has been properly designed and correctly implemented for a given manufacturing production need, it may well run like the astest, smoothest cookie-cutter-type operation ever devised.
EVENTS | 2015-08-01

Calendar

Calendar of upcoming events
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2014-09-01

The Automated Parking Garage

ContiTech and Wöhr Team up for Unique Residential Solution.
EVENTS | 2014-06-01

CTI Symposium Raises the Bar on Transmission Technology

The 8th International CTI Symposium on Automotive Transmissions, HEV and EV Drives took place in Rochester, Michigan from May 12-15. The event kicked off with its popular introductory seminar "Basics and Practice of Automotive Transmissions."
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2013-10-01

Musical Gearboxes

Dave Soma, the mechanical supervisor at Leland Olds Station, a coal-fired power plant near Stanton, North Dakota, says he and his maintenance team care deeply about keeping the plant running and providing people electricity, especially in the dead of winter.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2009-10-01

Analyzing Synchronous Belt Failure

If you’re replacing your belts more than once per year, it’s time to analyze your drive. From belt crimping damage to high belt installation tension to sprocket misalignment and adverse environmental conditions, this guide walks you through how to identify the reasons behind premature failure and makes recommendations on corrective and preventive measures.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2008-04-01

Saltwater Solutions from igus

igus bearings solve undersea issues for the marine vehicle industry.
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