There comes a time when the ends of a conveyor belts must be joined. Whether a first-time installation, replacement or repair, the question is: what methods are available to fasten the two ends, and which one is best for your application.
Shutting down a conveyor system to install a new belt, or repair an old one, involves downtime — and downtime means lost productivity. Even if the belt is replaced during scheduled maintenance, care must be taken to ensure that the splice meets certain operating criteria. For raw food processing in particular, the belt splice must meet strict hygiene standards.
Other key considerations include belt installation know-how and cost. Maintenance crews in food manufacturing plants are probably familiar with mechanical splicing equipment and techniques. Mechanical splices are easier to make and less costly than vulcanised or welded splices; however, they may compromise belt integrity and pose a food safety hazard.
