Resin belt production in 2015 was approximately 1.04 million square meters, on a par with the previous period. Demand was stable in the two main segments of food and distribution systems. By product segment, PVC showed a slight increase and polyurethane a slight decrease. All other products showed a double-digit increase.
Japanese rubber belt production in 2015 was around 29,000 tons, marking a 6-percent year-on-year drop to below the 30,000-ton level for the first time in five years, according to statistics compiled by the Japan Belting Manufacturers' Association. Domestic demand held to only a small three-percent decline, but export demand decreased steeply by 15 percent.
Major Japanese belt manufacturer Bando Chemical has developed an optimal seal blade for sliding parts in machine tools using a special polyurethane. The blade has improved coolant resistance, durability under fast wiping and wear resistance. The development is based on technology the company has built up over many years related to polyurethane cleaning blades for office automation equipment.
Kinsei Rubber has developed perfluoroelastomer extrusion-molded tubes and molding parts with superior resistance to chemicals, oil, and solvents. The products have a wide range of uses including O-rings and boards. The tubes are particularly suited to use with semiconductors and pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment.
Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd. has concluded an exclusive distributor agreement with Hydroscand AB, a Swedish seller of high-pressure hoses based in Stockholm. The move will enable Sumitomo Riko to expand sales of high-pressure hoses in 43 countries in Europe and elsewhere. This marks the company's first full entry into the industrial hose business's European market.
Nitta Corp. has launched sales of Linemate LB70, a new series of ultra-flexible resin hose products with applications in hydraulic piping for machine tools and machining work. The new hoses are 15-25 percent more flexible than existing products and also have a major weight advantage.
