Flexco leads the way in mechanical belt splice reliability and durability

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F​​​​​​​ounded in 1907 in a small workshop in Chicago, Illinois, Flexco pioneered the first mechanical belt fastener designed for leather belting. Over the years, the company has expanded its innovation, holding more than 70 patents for mechanical belt fasteners and installation tools. Flexco is now a global leader in mechanical belt splicing solutions, serving a wide range of bulk material handling industries worldwide. 

At the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition, Flexco introduced the revolutionary FXC™ steel cord belt fastener—an industry first. The company also highlighted the impressive performance of its XP™ Staple Belt Fastening System, which has set new standards for durability and longevity in the demanding environments of Australian underground coal mines.

When dealing with critical steel cord belts, unexpected downtime can severely impact operations. The Flexco FXC™ belt fastener offers a rapid, reliable solution. It can be installed immediately when a belt is damaged or when pulling a belt onto the conveyor system, allowing operations to continue with minimal disruption. The FXC™ belt fastener bridges the gap while waiting for vulcanised splicing, delivering quick installation and fast recovery for operations. 

Although the FXC™ is designed to be a temporary solution, users can expect full performance at normal levels to fill stockpiles and continue operations while vulcanisation is scheduled. This patented fastener design has undergone extensive internal and field testing to ensure strong performance in the most demanding environments.

Flexco developed the XP™ Staple Belt Fastening System with longevity and strength at the forefront. Combining a robust applicator tool with a highly durable staple fastener and hinge pin, the XP™ system produces a splice capable of withstanding the rigours of underground mining. Constructed using cold-rolled steel, the fasteners achieve increased tensile strength and superior durability, resulting in a smooth, low-profile splice that minimizes damage to belt cleaners and other conveyor components.

A recent trial at an Australian underground coal mine underscored the performance of the XP™ system. The mine had been facing significant issues with its existing staple fastener, which was wearing out quickly and driving up maintenance costs. During the trial, the XP™ fastener was tested against the existing fastener. While the existing fasteners failed within three weeks, falling outside the acceptable limits of their Triggered Action Response Plan (TARP), the XP™ fasteners performed impressively for 17 weeks and were only replaced due to a scheduled belt change.

The XP™ allows the coal mine to keep running their conveyors for an additional 14 weeks with no stoppage, significantly improving production rates and reducing maintenance windows.

Flexco recently announced that it will be exhibiting at MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. Visitors to the show are encouraged to visit Flexco at Booth #2603 to discover the latest innovations in the world of belt conveyor solutions.  The newly released FXC™ Steel Cord Belt Fastening System and XP Staple Belt Fastening System will also be featured at the show and attendees will be able to get a hands-on feel for them in the booth.