was invented by Craig Spencer-Smith in 2017 whilst trying to develop a belt splice as strong as the belt itself.
AnnStuMax™ is a new revolutionary Belt Splice Technology which will dramatically transform the world of belting by reducing both the ecotoxical and resource usage implications of conveyor belt use.
The manufacturing process of materials used in conveyor belts as well as the production of belts themselves consume huge natural resources whilst producing significant Greenhouse Gases (GHG) throughout all the stages from cradle to grave. However, conveyor belts are an essential part of everyday life indeed the world would come to a standstill without them, when something is made, it has normally been conveyed. It is therefore essential to extend the life of conveyor belts for as long as possible and that is exactly what AnnStuMax™ technology is all about.
In essence AnnStuMax™ technology increases the strength of a belt joint beyond that of the belt carcass itself, therefore it eliminates the historical ‘Weak Link’ which the splice has always been. This is because a splice is typically only 1/3 the strength of the belt carcass in both tensile and puncture resistance. It is estimated that >80% of belt failure is attributable to splice failure, therefore if the belt splice is no longer prone to fail at the splice, its expected lifespan will be considerably extended.
On realization of the immense potential environmental improvements that AnnStuMax™ could offer the planet, we immediately began to consider the options of who could scientifically verify our technology. We researched many test houses which could conduct testing of AnnStuMax™, but it was paramount to us to have unquestionable transparent data from an Institution at the pinnacle of scientific standards.
AnnStuMax™ has been independently tested and analysed by the Sustainable Materials Innovative Hub of the Henry Royce Institute at the University of Manchester. Beyond question, this is one of the most eminent materials science laboratories in the world, with unsurpassed technical ability.
technology is covered by a UK Patent, with the PCT application already well underway. Further developments of the technology are ongoing. AnnStuMax can be used with almost all belt types, including Conveyor, Monolithic [both tension and positively driven], Power Transmission, Timing and Rubber.
Ecobelt further commissioned the SMI Hub to conduct a ‘LCA’ [Life Cycle Analysis] of ‘AnnStuMax™’ v Standard Splice. The results of which are both impressive and encouraging for the future Ecotoxical impacts of the belting industry upon the planet.
