Patented Welding Process Makes Conveyor Belt Stronger and Easy to Clean

Sept. 9, 2010
Ashworth's patent for manufacturing Omni-Pro features welds that increase load bearing capacity and are easy to clean.

Ashworth has manufactured Omni-Pro conveyor belts featuring Zero-Tension, 360° Buttonless Welds. The Zero-Tension, 360° Buttonless Welds are produced with an automated process that precisely positions each rod and then completely melts and fuses the rod and link together, creating strong and smooth welds. All Omni-Pro belts are capable of withstanding the highest loads in their class.
 
In addition to the patented welding process, Omni-Pro's link design includes a patented “wear shield leg” that prevents welds from contacting spiral cage bars and permits the belt to run smoother with less cage bar wear. Furthermore, each link is manufactured with a patented coining process to prevent break-in wear and reduce belt elongation, increasing belt life.

Ashworth now offers the all stainless steel Omni-Pro belt in ¾, 1, 1.2 and 1½-inch pitch options with turn ratios ranging from 1.6 to 2.8 and belt widths from 12 to 60 inches. Withstanding spiral/turn-curve tensions up to 400 pounds (136 kg) for 100,000 cycles vs. competing belts that publish tension ratings for only 50,000 cycles.