Mechanical Conveyor Splices
Conveyor belts have become an indispensable tool for easier transportation, processing, and assembly of a huge range of goods. While there are an endless variety of conveyor belt systems available, they will all rely on the integrity of the belt itself. This is why the conveyor belt splice is important. Failure to maximize productivity through efficient conveyor splicing leads to rapid decreases in a site's workflow and potential to maintain profits. When the function of a conveyor belt is to move goods from one location to another, the conformity of the belt itself is critical. No matter the industry or the setting, conveyor splices are a vital component that you will need to consider.
What is Conveyor Belt Splicing?
The most efficient conveyor systems are those that have been designed and built with a specific location and function in mind. This means that the length of the conveyor belt itself will need to be customized to fit the system. This is where the majority of belt splicing occurs. By joining together two separate pieces of conveyor belt, it is possible to elongate your belt specification to match your needs. Splicing is also used to repair conveyor belts that are damaged, either through general wear and tear or due to accidental damage. However, the fact is that there are many types of conveyor belts in use, and that means belt splicing needs to take specific factors into account:
● The type of belt being used
● The common speeds of the conveyor system
● The materials being transported
● The system environment
Why High-Quality Splicing is Important
In any setting where a conveyor system is used, any time spent being unable to run the system can be damaging. Workflow interruptions can have immediate knock-on effects that can have short and long-term consequences. In cases where splicing is carried out inefficiently, this results in a conveyor system that is highly compromised. The goal with conveyor belt splicing is to ensure the longevity of the conveyor system. Using the incorrect methods or materials reduces the integrity of the belt, and that can lead to financial losses through interruptions or lost/damaged materials. Improper assembly will tend to result in a crooked belt, and that will have direct results on your sustainable performance. Poor splicing is very visible and can be recognized by simply watching for fluctuations in the spacing between the belt and the end frame. Every splice needs to be straight.
Types of Splicing
There are two main methods used for conveyor belt splices. Mechanical splicing uses metal hinges and plates, along with a fastener system and an installation process involving a hammer or an electric rivet driver. This is the more versatile splicing option as it can be performed in a wide variety of environments, and can be applied to many different belt materials. The alternative is to use vulcanization, where splices are created using chemicals and/or heat. This is a much more intricate process and will require more awareness of the environment. Vulcanization will need to be carried out in a controlled space, and (unlike mechanical splicing) will need the entire belt to be removed.
A conveyor system is only as strong as its component pieces. The belt itself is often the hardest working of those components, and a weak splice can have dramatic effects on your productivity and profit potential, If you want more reliable performance and improved longevity, then conveyor splices are an area that you
