Thermoplastic jacket belt

Abstract

A belt having a body, a tensile member and an outer surface. The body comprises an elastomer. An outer surface of the belt having a profile, foe example teeth. A layer of Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene thermoplastic (UHMWPE) is bonded to the profile surface. The layer bonded to the profile surface having a low softening point allowing it to conform to a mold shape prior to cure of the rubber body material. The layer having a molecular weight in the range of 3-7 million grams per mole. The layer causes the belt to exhibit superior abrasion resistance and flexibility while reducing the cost per belt as compared to fabric jacket belts. The UHMWPE jacket belt has significantly reduced dust and debris production during operation.

1 . A method of making a belt comprising the steps of: 
 applying a layer of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene thermoplastic film having a thickness to an outer surface of a mandrel;    applying a layer of elastomeric material over the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene thermoplastic film;    applying a tensile member over the layer of elastomeric material;    applying a layer of elastomeric material over the tensile member;    curing the belt;    quenching the mandrel in a cool fluid; and    removing the cured belt from the mandrel.    
     
     
         2 . The method as in  claim 1  further comprising the step of: 
 using an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having a molecular weight in the range of approximately 3,000,000 to approximately 7,000,000 grams/mole.    
     
     
         3 . The method as in  claim 1  wherein a peak melt temperature for the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer is approximately 128° to approximately 132° C.  
     
     
         4 . The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is in the range of 0.025 to approximately 3.0 mm.