A significant investment in tooling and product engineering by Martin Engineering has produced a patented conveyor belt cleaner that the company says is projected to reduce the cost of ownership by cleaning better and lasting longer.
Martin used roll forming equipment to manufacture the new QB1 Cleaner HD.
“Rather than fabricating the main frame from individual steel profiles welded together, the frame for the new design is roll formed out of a single piece of steel, which produces an extremely strong and durable component,” explained Paul Harrison, director of the conveyor products business group. “The process eliminates the time-consuming steps of having to weld any portion of the frame, which also contributes to the reduced purchase price.”
Described as one of the most comprehensive patents the company has ever been awarded, protection covers the main frame design, manufacturing process and attachment method.
The new cleaner features Martin Engineering’s Constant Angle Radial Pressure (CARP) technology to maintain the most efficient cleaning angle throughout service life, with a no-tool replacement process that can be performed safely by one person in less than five minutes.
“We’ve simplified the manufacturing process and also re-engineered the blade itself,” Harrison continued. “The new profile is less complex to produce, and because it can be roll formed or manufactured on a press brake, it will be easier to source throughout the world from any Martin Engineering manufacturing site.”
The new design also features a special alignment system to facilitate precise installation. “One of the most common problems we see in the field is primary cleaners installed in the wrong position,” said senior product specialist Dave Mueller. “This cleaner was engineered for easy, accurate installation.”
In addition to its cost advantages, the QB1 HD design features a square mainframe positioned to shed dust and spillage. The urethane blade formulation can accommodate belt speeds of up to 900 fpm (4.6 m/sec) and service temperatures of -40° to 160°F (-40° to 70°C).
The QB1 HD is available in lengths of 18 to 96 inches (457 to 2438 mm) and can also be ordered in 10-foot (3.05 meter) sections, allowing distributors or customers to cut to length for increased versatility.