Gates recently introduced the world¡¯s first wrapped V-Belt technology using Ethylene Elastomer (EE) compounds for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the agriculture, forestry and heavy industrial markets. The launch of the Xtreme V-Force Mega banded V-belt platform leverages Gates¡¯ materials science and manufacturing process expertise to produce unique EE-based solutions that provide customers with increased performance and uptime, and extended operating temperatures.
¡°At Gates, transforming our industrial belt platforms using Ethylene Elastomer compounds is a priority,¡± said Tom Pitstick, CMO and senior vice president of product line management for Gates. ¡°With the development of our PowerGrip GT4 synchronous belts, G-Force RedLine CVT power sports belts and the new Xtreme V-Force EE banded belt family, we are leading the way in advanced materials development in our industry.¡±
The new Gates Xtreme V-Force Mega belt offers a number of benefits vs. currently available products on the market, including:
An extended operating temperature range from -40¡ãC to 130¡ãC;
A 30% increase in load capacity and durability, which enables:
Performance in even more demanding applications;
The ability to design higher-load drives without increasing the design footprint on today¡¯s high-powered equipment
Improved flex for higher-speed drives;
The elimination of chlorinated polymers, which improves the overall environmental impact of these products.
Ethylene Elastomers, which involve complex processing technology, help enable a number of the performance advantages of this new belt platform. Gates¡¯ continued focus on the intersection of materials science and process engineering is what has enabled the company to bring these and other Ethylene-based products to market.
