VDG (Van der Graaf) has recently released their new patented IronGrip™ Lagging System. The VDG drum motor with this new lagging design extends the lifetime of the lagging, the belt, and the overall conveyor system. Comprised of steel bar reinforcements welded onto the drive shell with sectional lagging panel inserts, this patented design transfers load forces more efficiently than standard rubber lagging, extending the lifespan of all components in the conveyor line. 

Through extensive testing, the IronGrip™ has been designed to improve traction for belts intended for both sliding bed and roller bed conveyors, allowing increased performance in all markets of material handling. Nick Munzar, Production Engineer at VDG explains: “Belt materials can be summarized into two groups: Roller belt conveyor belting, which is typically made of reinforced rubber, and slider belt conveyor belting, which is intentionally low friction and typically requires high pre-tensioning and a rubber lagged drive pulley to maintain traction. For both types of belting, IronGrip™ lagging provides 40% more traction than standard SBR rubber lagging, allowing for less pre-tensioning (which causes bearing failure and belt wear) while providing higher belt pull. The result is significantly longer component lifespan for all parts of the conveyor system; drive motor lagging, belt, and tensioner bearings.” 

Lagging delamination (caused by excess shear force on the glue holding the lagging to the shell) is eliminated as the shear forces on the lagging is transferred to compressed forces on the steel bars, alleviating all force on the adhesive which bonds the lagging to the drive. Throughout the lifetime of the conveyor drive, the steel bars of the IronGrip™ prevent the lagging from wearing lower than the bars, providing continued traction throughout the lifecycle of the IronGrip™. As the steel bars are an even height and are resistant to wear, uneven belt and lagging wear is eliminated and belt tracking is improved. 

About VDG (Van der Graaf): Established in 1985 in USA and Canada, all VDG drum motors are engineered and manufactured in-house using cutting-edge production technology, ensuring quality control, fast delivery and after sales service. With global representation and service centers throughout the USA, VDG offers customized conveyor drive solutions to a wide customer base.