A lower purchase price was also one of the primary goals in designing the Martin QB1 Cleaner HD, which was achieved by adopting state-of-the-art roll forming equipment as part of Martin Engineering’s manufacturing capabilities. The move is part of the company’s overall plan to deliver high-performance components at industry-best prices.
Paul Harrison, director of the conveyor products business group at Martin Engineering, said: “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. 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. It delivers outstanding performance and durability, while reducing the total cost of ownership.
Harrison continued: “We’ve simplified the manufacturing process and also re-engineered the blade itself. 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.”
Dave Mueller, senior product specialist, explained: “The new design also features a special alignment system to facilitate extremely precise installation. One of the most common problems we see in the field is primary cleaners installed in the wrong position. This cleaner was engineered for easy, accurate installation.”
The product announcement follows Martin Engineering’s introduction of the company’s ‘forever guarantee’, which ensures lifetime no-cost replacement of tensioners and main frames for any belt cleaner assemblies that are exclusively fitted with the company’s replacement blades.
The Martin QB1 Cleaner HD is engineered to represent the next generation of belt cleaning technology, delivering the cleanest belt and longest blade life at the lowest cost. It can be retrofitted onto any existing Martin Engineering tensioners, as well as most competitor systems.
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 4.6m/sec and service temperatures of -40° to 70°C.
The QB1 HD is available in lengths of 457 to 2,438mm and can also be ordered in 3.05m sections, allowing distributors or customers to cut to length for increased versatility. The new design is one of the many belt cleaners covered by the company’s new Mr Blade programme, under which Martin Engineering’s mobile technicians provide fresh, factory-direct replacement blades, delivered and custom-fitted on-site, and installed free of charge.
