Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-12-22 Origin: Site
In industrial automation equipment, PU (polyurethane) synchronous belts have become the preferred transmission components for precision industries such as 3C electronics and food processing due to their wear resistance, oil resistance, tear resistance, and other characteristics. However, PU material is extremely sensitive to storage environments, and improper storage methods may cause belt hardening, cracking, or performance degradation, directly affecting equipment operating efficiency. This article will systematically explain the scientific storage methods of PU industrial belts from the dimensions of environmental control, warehouse management, and protective measures.
1、 Environmental Control: Balance of Temperature, Humidity, and Light
PU material is prone to molecular chain breakage in high or low temperature environments, resulting in loss of elasticity. According to industry standards, the storage temperature of PU belts should be controlled between -15 ℃ and 40 ℃, and the relative humidity should be maintained between 50% and 80%. Excessive humidity can lead to the growth of mold, while low humidity may cause the belt to dehydrate and become brittle. For example, a certain 3C electronics company once suffered losses of over one million yuan due to a batch of PU synchronous belts breaking during installation when the humidity in the warehouse remained below 40% for a long time.
Light is another major invisible killer. Ultraviolet radiation can accelerate the aging of PU materials, causing cracks on the surface of the belt. Therefore, the storage environment should avoid direct sunlight and use UV resistant packaging materials. During transportation, it is recommended to use blackout tarpaulin to cover and prevent rain and snow from soaking.
2、 Warehouse Management: Refined Operations from Classification to Warning
Classification and graded storage: Implement ABC classification management based on belt specifications, materials, and frequency of use. A-class (key high-value components) need to be stored separately in a constant temperature and humidity area, and prominently labeled; Class B (regular spare parts) can be placed on regular shelves; C-class (low-frequency usage parts) can be purchased on demand to reduce inventory backlog.
Space optimization: To avoid deformation of the belt under pressure, suspended or flat storage should be used, and the load-bearing capacity of each layer should not exceed the design standard. A certain automobile manufacturing plant has reduced the belt deformation rate from 15% to below 3% by modifying the shelf structure.
Digital warning: Set inventory thresholds through the ERP system, and automatically trigger the replenishment process when the number of belts is below the safety stock. At the same time, establish a belt lifespan ledger and prioritize the use of inventory nearing its expiration date.
3、 Protective measures: Dual protection of isolation and packaging
PU belts are extremely sensitive to chemicals and need to be strictly isolated from acids, alkalis, oils, and organic solvents. It is recommended to set up a dedicated chemical storage area in the warehouse, at least 5 meters away from the belt storage area. In addition, packaging materials should be made of anti-static and moisture-proof PE film or aluminum foil bags, avoiding the use of plastic products containing plasticizers.
For belts that have been stored for a long time, it is recommended to conduct a visual inspection every 6 months, with a focus on whether there are cracks on the tooth surface and whether the backing adhesive has fallen off. If any abnormalities are found, performance testing should be conducted immediately to avoid equipment failure after installation.
4、 Case Study: Successful Experience in the 3C Industry
A globally leading 3C equipment manufacturer has extended the average service life of PU belts from 18 months to 24 months through the following measures :
· Establish a standardized warehousing process, including inbound acceptance, identification and positioning, requisition and return of goods, etc;
· Using RFID technology to achieve full lifecycle traceability of belts;
· Regularly provide professional training to warehouse personnel to improve operational standards.
Conclusion
Uliflex usually recommends customers to use PU industrial belts as soon as possible after purchasing them, otherwise prolonged storage may cause material loss of the industrial belt, and improper storage may result in the industrial belt being unusable.
The storage management of PU industrial belts is not a simple "storage" issue, but a systematic engineering involving material science, warehousing logistics, and information technology. Through environmental control, refined management, and technological innovation, enterprises can significantly reduce belt loss rates and improve equipment operation stability. In the future, with the application of IoT and AI technology, belt storage management will move towards intelligent and predictive maintenance, providing more reliable transmission solutions for the Industry 4.0 era.
