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AVAFC -
Belt backing used for conveying abrasive materials, with high friction coefficient, very good resistance to
oils and very good resistance to abrasion.
Backings –
Some belts can be modified by adding a backing to achieve abrasion resistance, desired coefficient of
friction, or to act as a cushion. Backings can also be ground to create pockets for product transfer as
in vacuum applications.
Endless Joined –
Generally, an open-end belt that has been joined to form and endless belt via a splice or joint.
FDA/Food Grade –
Polyurethane material is generally acceptable for use in food applications, while rubber is not.
Finger Joint –
Splicing technique for thermoplastic belts where ends of belt are cut in v-shaped “fingers,”
which mesh together and are melted or welded together to form an endless belt.
Mandrel Molded –
Generally, a belt made on a round steel tool with continuously wound (spiral) cords and needs
no splice to form an endless belt.
NFT –
Nylon Fabric on Teeth.
NFB –
Nylon Fabric on Back.
Open-End –
Generally, a belt that must be spliced together via a finger joint or a mechanical joint to form an
endless belt. Belts can also be used in open-end configuration, as is common in linear motion drives.
Polyurethane -
A high-grade plastic with better abrasion, cut, impact, and tear resistance than rubber or many
other plastics (also known as Urethane).
PU –
The abbreviation of Polyurethane.
Shore Hardness -
The scale by which a polyurethane component is measured for hardness, typically expressed as
"shore A."
Thermoplastic -
A urethane which can be repeatedly softened or melted and which will harden to a new shape
when cooled. Thermoplastic materials can be heated to become re-moldable and weld-able. This
allows thermoplastic belts to be easily spliced by reheating the material and melting it to form an
endless belt via a joint or splice.
Thermoset –
A urethane which cures using heat (or catalyst). The material is chemically cross-linked and cannot
be reprocessed. Thermosets, unlike thermoplastics, can be used at elevated temperatures. An
irreversible cure - Thermoset materials cannot be melted and reshaped after it is cured. Not able to
weld cleats.
Truly Endless –
A construction that yields a long length truly endless (no splice) belt without the need for a
mandrel. Our Megaflex® is an example of this type of construction.
POLYURETHANE
POWERING GLOBAL INDUSTRY
GLOSSARY OF
POLYURETHANE TERMS
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