2010-01-15

New Tsubaki belt top chain Freezer Series released

Plastic chain for use in low temperature environments as cold as -70°C

Significant reduction in man-hours required for maintenance compared to metal mesh conveyors

Tsubakimoto Chain (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan. President: Isamu Osa) has announced the addition of a new model to its belt top chain lineup. The new chain is constructed solely from plastic parts and can be used in freezers and other low temperature environments as cold as -70°C. The new product will be released as the Tsubaki belt top chain Freezer series.

Many of the conveyor systems used in freezers in ice cream and frozen food factories are metal mesh conveyors. These conveyors perform well in low temperatures, but once broken require huge amounts of time for replacement and repair work, leading to reduced operational efficiency. In comparison, belt top chains are easy to maintain thanks to their wide load-bearing surfaces and brick-shaped modular construction.

Focusing on this benefit, Tsubaki has introduced the Freezer series of belt top chains, which are capable of operating at temperatures as low as -70°C. It is now possible to use light, easy-to-handle belt top chains in freezers, an application that was not possible with conventional plastic chains. Moreover, in the event that a chain breaks, the new Freezer series requires significantly less maintenance time than alternative products.

As rising numbers of single households and increasing numbers of women joining the workforce bring big changes to Japan's food culture, Tsubaki anticipates rising demand for its new product in factories that produce ready-to-eat frozen meals.

Features

Operates at temperatures as low as -70°C
Due to its brittle nature at low temperatures, general purpose plastic chain can only be used at temperatures of down to -20°C. The Freezer series employs materials that allow it to be used in environments with temperatures as low as -70°C while still functioning effectively as a chain.
Easy maintenance
In the event that a metal mesh conveyor breaks, the entire mesh belt must be replaced. Belt top chains employ a modular construction wherein damaged parts can be disconnected and replaced, allowing sudden breakages to be repaired cheaply and promptly. (See below for more details.)
Light weight and easy-to-handle all-plastic construction
Plastic chains are lighter than metal mesh belts, which makes them easy to handle. The light-weight design of the Freezer series requires less motive power from drive motors, helping to reduce electricity consumption and environmental footprint. (See below for more details.)
Wide load-bearing surface
The new product features a brick-like design wherein parts are slotted together to create a belt-like carrying surface. It is perfect for continuous conveyor systems handling large volumes.

Applications

Conveying ice cream, ready-to-eat side dishes, and other frozen foods.

Product Lineup

Belt top chain Three types (BTC6, BTN6 and BTC8)

Price

Available on request. (Reference: BTC8 type, 110,000 yen/m2)

Turnaround Time

Made-to-order product

Release Date

January 15, 2010

Sales Forecast

First year (FY 2010) ¥18,000,000 yen/year

Three year's time (FY 2013) ¥25,000,000 yen/year

Reference

The belt top chain, which is made solely of plastic parts, can be disassembled easily by removing the snap attachments on the outer edge of the chain and pushing out the connector pin.

After disassembly, repair work can be completed simply by replacing the damaged links. This design allows sudden breakages to be repaired cheaply and promptly.

Modular construction and ease of maintenance