Idler lineup features triple labyrinth seal design

Martin Sprocket’s latest idler lineup features a triple labyrinth seal design for protection. Photo by Megan Smalley

Martin Sprocket & Gear showcased its new idler lineup at its booth during ConExpo-Con/Agg 2017.

The company first released the idler lineup to market in July 2016, and it first showcased the idlers at the event.

“About two and a half years ago, Martin Sprocket made the decision to get into the idler business,” says Bob Robbins, general manager of Martin Sprocket’s idler division. “Martin formed a team of industrial idler conveyor experts and brought them together and we built a plant in Fort Worth, Texas.”

The idlers meet and exceed the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) standards, according to Martin Sprocket. The idlers incorporate sealed-for-life ball bearings that allow for improved life even in harsh conditions. Martin Sprocket uses nine-gauge tubing for CEMA C and D idlers and seven-gauge tubing for CEMA E idlers.

The idlers feature the company’s triple labyrinth seal design to protect against impurities entering the bearing housing. The triple labyrinth seal offers additional protections, and a flinger design removes contaminants away from the bearing housing.

“Why it’s important to have a good, solid triple labyrinth seal is to protect against any contaminants coming into the housing,” Robbins adds.

The idlers come in a range of belt sizes. The CEMA C comes in sizes of 18 in. to 60 in.; the CEMA D comes in sizes of 24 in. to 72 in.; and the CEMA E comes in sizes of 36 in. to 94 in.