The method of manufacturing rough top rubber or PVC conveyor
belting requires the application of a flexible mould or matrix to imprint a
specific pattern onto the surface of the belting.
There are two methods of manufacturing this specialized type of conveyor belting, one using a press and the other using the Rotocure system. Both methods require the use of an impression fabric as the matrix. The impression fabric is woven in the form of a belt to the same dimensions of the rubber or PVC belting to be manufactured. The fabric is placed onto the face of the belting and pressed onto the uncured rubber. Following the application of heat, which vulcanises the rubber, the fabric and the belting are separated leaving the rough top surface finish.
Marathon Belting Ltd have developed an extensive range of
impression fabric profiles which are widely used in the production of belting
in over 25 countries. Each profile has been developed to meet stringent
customer requirements for specific applications.
There is a wide variation in the sizes of impression fabrics specified by rubber belting manufacturers. Marathon have supplied lengths of fabric from as small as 10 metres and up to 400 metres; the normal length being on average between 100 metres and 150 metres. The width can vary from 1 metre to 2.7 metres to suit individual customer production processes.
The fabrics are used repeatedly and many slabs of belting can be produced before deterioration through wear and tear. It is not possible to be specific on the number of slabs that can be produced as each user has his own standards of quality to consider as to when a replacement matrix is required.
A selection from the range of conventional impression fabrics has been prepared, the most popular and widely used being Type 166. Almost all yarns used in the standard range are Nylon 66 with rayon being available as a non-standard alternative.
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| Type 166 | Type 466 | Type 533 | Type 866 |
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| Type 1066 | Type 1133 | Type 1336 | Type 1633 |
The undoubted success of Marathon fabrics in this arduous application is due to
the close attention given to yarn preparation before weaving. The processes of
uptwisting doubling, cabling, and heat setting before weaving are combined to
give a solid yet flexible matrix which will reproduce a positive and consistent
profile with a minimum of compression, shrinkage, and deformation, throughout a
long working life.
After weaving, close inspection of both sides of the fabric is carried out to ensure that it is knot free and fault free. The risk factor in weaving impression fabric is exceptionally higher than in most other fabrics as a single fault could result in the rejection of a complete roll.
Various styles of low profile fabrics and embossing cloths are also available for the production of belting for specific applications. Marathon are always pleased to develop new matrices to suit the individual requirements of their customers.
Special mention must be made of Type 1266 generally referred to as 'Quarry
Top'. This profile has been developed for use in quarries and mines where
inclined conveyors are prevalent. This characteristic chevron patterned surface
has been designed to give increased durability over standard rough top types
which are not recommended for this application.
Due to the specialized nature of their product Marathon have not appointed overseas distributors. Their sales team have visited most of the rubber and PVC belting manufacturers throughout the world and have developed close direct contact with their customers. The success of Marathon is due to their technical innovation and willingness to produce short lengths of any standard or non-standard impression fabric.
