Abstract
Due to the improvement of the mechanical properties of polymer composite belts used in vacuum belt conveyors, its perforation process causes a lot of technical issues for manufacturers worldwide. The objective of this paper is to analyze the belt punching process with two cutting edges and present the influence of the piercing punch shape on the perforation force. Based on the analysis, the analytical stress model was derived and validated by using both empirical and FEM tests. The application of the proposed model was proved by presenting the methodology used to estimate the perforation force for the flat piercing punch based on the mechanical properties of the belt obtained from simple strength tests (uniaxial tension, compression, and shear), with an error between 4 and 15%. In this report, the analysis of the piercing punch profiles was made and eight different piercing punch profiles were tested. Presented results confirmed that the spherical bowl punch may be considered as a most effective tool for belt punching, because it reduced the perforation force by 60% and the precision of the created holes was the best among the tested punch profiles for all three groups of polymer composite belts. By combining the obtained results, in the form of shape factors β, with the perforation force approximation model, it is possible to calculate peak force value for the specified tool profile and belt type and use this data in the design process of the punching dies.
Highlights
Vacuum conveyor belts (Fig. 1) are commonly used to transport lightweight products, such as paper, foil, or cardboard as well as for transporting sheets [1]
The results shown in this paper prove that the perforation force can be reduced with the use of a proper punch profile
Only three shapes of piercing punches (PDCB, PDDS, and PDSB) should be considered as a possible effective tool for composite belt punching, in the current stage of research the spherical bowl punch gives the best combination of force reduction and hole precision
Summary
Vacuum conveyor belts (Fig. 1) are commonly used to transport lightweight products, such as paper, foil, or cardboard as well as for transporting sheets [1]. Its goal is to make cylindrical holes, through which the air is sucked out to generate the vacuum between transported goods and the belt surface. Choosing a proper perforation method and its parameters is crucial for achieving the necessary properties of the product by ensuring good quality of the holes [2]. Perforation can be made by using either mechanical (punching and drilling) or non-mechanical methods including laser cutting and abrasive waterjet (AWJ). Laser cutting is connected with hightemperatures, which may damage (melt) the structure and change its properties or cause thermal deformation, while AWJ is rather slow and the moist may cause delamination of the belt. Based on the theoretical analysis shown in [3], punching is the most suitable method for vacuum conveyor belts
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
