Emerson, a St. Louis-based technology and engineering firm, introduced two new modular plastic belts that the company says offer nonskid conveyor surfaces for heavy-duty material handling and for automotive assembly lines.

The new belts have load ratings of up to 7,800 pounds per foot, the company says. They are particularly well suited for conveying barrels, kegs, or vehicles. The belts can be used in a conveyor retrofit using existing rails. "It offers a nice, clean retrofit," says Jeff Himes, senior product manager for System Plast Power Transmission Solutions, part of Emerson's Industrial Automation business.

The System Plast 2508 heavy-duty belt handles loads up to 5,400 pounds per foot. The System Plast 2630 extra-heavy-duty belt handles loads up to 7,800 pounds per foot. Those loads are among the highest in the industry. The 2508 heavy-duty belt is 0.87 inches thick and is available in widths of 11.8 to 196.8 inches. The extra-heavy-duty 2630 is 1.2 inches thick and available in widths of 3.9 to 196.8 inches.

In addition to the heavy capacity, the belts provide energy savings compared to chain and live roller conveyor for heavy loads. Himes says the belts provide higher conveyor capacity and higher speeds. Those benefits yielded a $34,000 increase in revenue for a $35,000 installation at a PepsiCo facility, he said.