Recently, a microscopy and imaging equipment OEM for the life sciences industry contacted Belt Technologies, Inc. for a solution to a design issue. One of their devices included a small saw for cutting and preparing biological samples in a cryogenic environment. The customer was seeking a durable belt material that would be able to drive the motion of the saw without being affected by the freezing temperature.
Metal Drive Belt Provides Seamless Motion for Cryogenic Saw
The saw would be operating in a cryogenic environment cooled to –196°C with liquid nitrogen. The cold temperature is necessary for the preservation of sensitive biological samples. Previous belt materials, including a toothed polymer belt, had been unable to withstand breaking in the freezing cold. The customer had worked with Belt Technologies before and felt certain that our team of experienced engineers would be able to provide them with a working solution.
Belt Technologies designed and produced a stainless steel drive belt to drive the motion of the cryogenic saw. Stainless steel has a high resistance to extreme temperatures, giving the belt the necessary resilience to withstand the cryogenic environment. The metal drive belt also provides reliable, accurate motion with virtually no slippage.
Sanitary Stainless Steel Is an Ideal Solution for Life Sciences Automation
In life science equipment, accuracy and reliability are key design aspects that can have a profound impact on the effectiveness of the product. Design elements must also be sanitary, easy to clean, and highly resistant to corrosion.
Stainless steel is the optimal material choice for medical and life science equipment. It is highly resistant to corrosion and does not require lubrication or generate particulates. Easy to keep clean, stainless steel provides a sanitary, impermeable surface that helps prevent the spread of contaminants or disease. In spaces where maintaining sanitary conditions is paramount, such as clean rooms, hospitals, and laboratories, stainless steel is the ideal component material for critical equipment.
Metal Belts Provide Flexible Solutions for Unique Challenges
Applications for metal belts in life science equipment are versatile and numerous. Our team of experts solve automation challenges and provide medical equipment OEMs with innovative and reliable solutions. Contact Belt Technologies today and find out how metal belts can improve the safety and quality of your medical device.
