FEATURE
BELTS, PULLEYS & CHAINS
QUALITY BELTS AND CHAINS FOR APPLICATION RELIABILITY
Belts and chains are essential components across many industries. In addition to offering high quality and reliable products that meet
application demands, Regal Rexnord provides the supporting components and a consultative approach that can provide long-term value
U
nplanned downtime can be incredibly disruptive for a bakery, with jammed conveyors, worn bearings or even a belt
that takes a long time to clean resulting in lost batches. Specifying the right engineering and components within bakery systems can, however, provide the solution. In fact specifying the right belts and motors, bearings and connection systems, as well as the right mechanical design considerations, can reduce maintenance time and improve overall energy performance. Speed and simplicity are critical when it comes
to service and cleaning within a busy baking environment. While complex components can offer plenty of theoretical benefits, these are often more than outweighed when small errors take production offline for hours at a time. Simplicity and ease-of-use was therefore the driving force behind Regal Rexnord’s PowerKey connection system, featured on the Rexnord 6400 Series KleanTop spiral belts. This patented design allows the belt to be disassembled using only a standard screwdriver, making maintenance and inspection a quick and easy task, the company explains. That same principle of ease carries through to
other technologies in Regal Rexnord’s portfolio. The latest development in the Cambridge flat wire belt range – PacTitan Pro – offers a service life up to six times longer than conventional metal belts, drastically reducing replacement frequency, the company states. Added to that, when it does need to be changed, its design supports simple, tool-free splicing – another way to keep maintenance short and uptime high.
ENSURING RELIABILITY Sometimes, however, reliability is about more than longevity. Spiral conveyors, for instance, are essential to many bakery processes but are also prone to tension-related wear and complexity. Traditional systems rely on friction and speed differentials between the drum and belt, which can introduce vibration and increase the risk of damage or misalignment. Regal Rexnord’s Cambridge Active
Drive system takes a different approach. By using a positive engagement between the belt and the drum via integrated
26 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JUNE 2025
drive pins it eliminates the need for tension- based drive altogether. The result is smoother movement, reduced wear and more consistent product handling, all of which contribute to more reliable throughput and lower energy use. As for supporting components, the IP69K-rated
stainless-steel Sealmaster bearings are lubricated for life, sealed against contamination, and they are also suitable for regular washdowns. In addition, Bauer HiflexDrive geared motors deliver robust performance in a compact, easy-to-clean, package. Available in both aseptic- coated and stainless-steel variants, they offer smooth, energy-efficient motion for food-grade environments, helping minimise power consumption without sacrificing throughput. When these technologies are deployed as part of a wider system – one where motors, belts, bearings and drives all work together – bakeries can unlock meaningful improvements in availability and output. So, rather than specifying components in isolation, bakeries are turning to suppliers like Regal Rexnord to deliver matched, compatible technologies that are designed to work together seamlessly.
HIGH QUALITY CHAIN IS ESSENTIAL In an different environment, e-commerce growth, widespread automation and the ever-present demand for faster and more efficient supply chains, are all driving fundamental changes in material handling and warehouse operations. At the same time, however, external pressures – from geopolitical instability to rising energy costs – are making it more challenging for businesses to maintain flexibility and efficiency. The net result is that companies in the logistics
sector are under pressure to do more with less. Tariffs on imported components are adding costs, with certain industrial chains (at the time of writing) facing up to 25% in duties when entering the US. Meanwhile, in Europe, rising energy prices are affecting manufacturing operations, while distributors managing high stock levels are hesitant to place new orders. With reliability and efficiency more
important than ever, the role of high-quality, durable industrial chain solutions is becoming critical. Conveyor systems, forklifts and lifting applications rely on chains to operate smoothly, and as automation becomes more widespread, the demand for precision- engineered components is growing. A failure in any of these systems can result in costly delays, which is why logistics operators are prioritising robust, well-supported solutions. Ensur ing reliability in an uncertain market
requires more than just quality manufacturing; it demands a strategic approach to the entire product lifecycle. That’s why, with control over its production processes from raw materials to finished chains, Regal Rexnord can provide a stable foundation for any logistics operations. Furthermore, thanks to its in-house engineering expertise, it also ensures that customers receive guidance in selecting the best chain solutions for their specific applications. Another key factor in supporting logistics
businesses is how industrial components fit into the broader power transmission system. Traditionally, chains have been viewed as standalone products, but in modern logistics operations they are part of a larger ecosystem that includes bearings, couplings, gearboxes and braking systems. So, a more consultative approach, one that
goes beyond simply supplying components and instead focuses on troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and optimised application support, can provide long-term value in an industry where even minor inefficiencies can have a significant impact. This is why Regal Rexnord has initiatives aimed at proactively supporting OEMs and end users rather than reacting only when issues arise.
Regal Rexnord
www.regalrexnord.com
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