Customer experiences double the belt lifespan, reduced downtime, and increased productivity.
Wet wipes are among the most frequently used products worldwide. In 2020, an average US consumer reached for them over 30 times a week, with sales of disinfecting wipes growing fivefold since the COVID-19 pandemic. They are used for personal hygiene, baby care, household cleaning, and in medical and industrial environments. The production of these wipes is a complex process that demands precision and efficiency, particularly in cutting, folding, and stacking before packaging. Automation in the stacking process relies heavily on a compression belt to ensure consistent results.
A US-based paper hygiene-product manufacturer with a global presence faced frequent belt replacements in their compression application, leading to increased costs and productivity losses due to long lead times for replacement belts. The company approached Newtop Engineering for a more reliable, longer-lasting belt solution.
Newtop Engineering recommended the use of a proven T-5 timing belt in blue food-grade TPU with aramide and a nub pattern top cover. Once installed, the belt fully met the customer’s application needs, efficiently performing the compression job without marking the wipes.
The initial savings from the shorter lead times alone amounted to $69,900 annually. Furthermore, the customer found that Newtop Engineering’s belts lasted nearly twice as long as the previous belts. With reduced downtime and fewer maintenance hours, the manufacturer now estimates annual savings of nearly $105,000.