Custom Belt Fabrication of a Transport Belt for Dental X-ray Equipment

A manufacturer of dental X-ray processing equipment was experiencing a quality issue with a carrier belt in one of their systems. The problem arose from the belting system they were using to transport the X-ray film. The belt which is used to carry the finished film to viewing was made from woven polyester fabric with a silicone cover. The problem stemmed from the polyester fabric which was showing through the silicone cover distorting the X-ray image.

How did we approach the problem?

To mitigate this issue, we developed a belting system made from a clear Ultem substrate that was also coated with silicone. The transparent nature of the substrate prevented X-ray image distortion. This further enhanced the knitted endless and spin-casting manufacturing process that was utilized. This innovative solution delivers a seamless belt that offers higher strength and longer service life.

The finished belt featured dimensions of 171 mm in circumference, a width of 30 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm. This transport belt project was completed to the tightest tolerances of +0/-0.01 mm in length and delivered to the client in 6 weeks.

At Megadyne, our ability to manufacture innovative, speciality belting solutions makes us leaders in the industry. In this project, we provided a unique solution to solve the client’s image quality problem and delivered a trouble-free conveying solution. For information on this project, please contact us.

Technical parameters of the case

The company used a woven polyester belt with a silicone cover to process dental X-ray film. The client needed to improve the quality of the X-ray image since the fabric tends to show through the silicone. Megadyne’s solution: a clear spin-cast Ultem substrate with the same silicone surface cover. Still being tested for life cycles.

Product Description - Used in the transportation of dental x-ray films.

Capabilities Applied/Processes:

  • Primary - Knitted Endless Spin Casting
  • Secondary - Coated with Silicone

Overall Part Dimensions

  • Circumference: 171 mm
  • Width: 30 mm
  • Thickness: 1 mm

Tightest Tolerances - +0 / -0.01 mm on Length

Material Used

  • Fabric Substrate – Polyester
  • Silicone Cover
  • Ultem

Material Finish - Knitted Endless.

In-process testing/inspection performed - Dimensional Inspection.

Industry for Use - Dental X-Ray Equipment.

Delivery/Turnaround Time - 6 Weeks.

Delivery Location - Worldwide.

Standards Met - Customer Specifications, 2D CAD Drawing.

Product Name - Transport Belt

Why did you choose this project to showcase? Our problem-solving capabilities to solve a different problem.