Replacing timing belts in the field can be a headache, especially when you have complex machinery that takes time to disassemble.
Field connection timing belt kits might be the solution you're looking for. By letting you connect the belt on site, you don't have to worry about taking apart your entire set up, reducing your downtime.
BRECOflex offers four different polyurethane field connection timing belt kit options that allow you to boost your uptime, and most importantly, save money:
This guide breaks down the characteristics of these different field connection options so you can determine if a field connecting polyurethane timing belt is right for your application.
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Timing belts prepared for field connection are not pre-welded into a continuous loop. Instead, you join the ends on site using either a mechanical connection or a field welder. Just apply tension after the belt is assembled in place and it's ready for use. Field connection belts are typically used as an alternative to spliced and welded timing belts.
There are a few different ways that end of the belt can be connected, including connecting plates, pin screws, or a field welder. The best option depends on your specific needs.
Field connection timing belt kits can have significant advantages, including:
However, field connections aren't the ideal type of timing belt for every application. As a general rule, if a spliced and welded belt wouldn’t be appropriate, a field connection likely won’t be either. For instance, power transmission systems typically require a truly endless belt to handle the high torque demands reliably.
BRECOflex has four timing belt kit solutions for field installations:
Pitches: AT10, T10
Widths: 32, 50, 75, 100mm
Timing Belt Locks are connecting plates that attach the ends of the timing belt in a continuous loop. Each timing belt lock kit includes a belt with factory machined ends, 10 connecting plates, 10 tooth inserts, and screws.
Compatible with standard AT10 and T10 pulleys and assembled using a standard screwdriver, Timing Belt Locks are an excellent choice for timing belt replacements. Timing Belt Locks aren't a permanent connection so they can be uninstalled and reinstalled if needed.
While you can select the width and length of the belt, timing belt lock kits aren't as customizable as other options, as backing materials and profiles cannot be attached in the lock area.
Standard Version Pitches: ATN 10, ATN12.7, ATN10K6, ATN12.7K6
Deep Connection/Deep Connection Pro Pitches: ATN10, ATN12.7, ATN20, ATN10k6, ATN12.7K6
Widths: 50, 75, 100 mm
ATN Connecting Kits allow you to mechanically attach the ends of the belt together and profiles to the back of the belt. Like Timing Belt Locks. ATN Connecting Kits come with connection plates that can be quickly assembled, disassembled, and reinstalled on a conveyor system.
There are three kinds of ATN Connecting Kits, each best suited for different use cases. Version C, also known as the standard version, has top plates that rise 0.9 mm above the belt back and cannot have profiles mounted in the connection area.
If clearance is a concern, both the DC and DC-Pro versions have recessed top plates that are flush with the belt back. However, the DC-Pro is the only version that allows profiles to be attached on the connection plates.
The following table outlines the differences between the three ATN Connection Kit versions:
Pitches: T10, T20, AT10, AT20,T1/2”, Self Tracking
Widths: 25 to 100 mm standard widths
PinLock timing belts are a popular alternative to spliced and welded belts for faster field installation. Instead of connecting plates, the end of each belt has water-jet-cut fingers with lateral holes through the teeth. Rust-proof stainless steel threaded pins are inserted through the teeth, securing the belt into a continuous loop.
The finger splices are optimized to ensure equal load distribution and allow for a high load-bearing capacity. Kits are available with six or ten pins, with ten pins providing higher tensile strength.
Another benefit of PinLock belts, aside from being easy to install, is that they are customizable. Belt backings and profiles can be attached, custom widths are available, and a custom number of pins can also be accommodated.
Pitches: All standard pitches
Widths: 12 mm to 150 mm
The BRECOflex Field Welder provides the best of both worlds: all of the benefits of a field connection belt plus the strength of a factory weld.
Each field welder includes a press, toothed and top plates, and the controls, and can weld a belt in approximately 30 minutes. BRECOflex prepares belts for field welding with the proper finger pattern at your desired length.
The Field Welder is the best option for applications that require high tensile strength but benefit from onsite assembly. The field welding equipment has a higher upfront cost than other field connections, but it is a one-time purchase. After your initial purchase, you can continue to use the field welder in the future. Also remember that field welded belts can’t be disassembled and reinstalled like PinLock or belt lock timing belts.
Watch the video below to get a full breakdown of how to use the BRECOflex Field Welder:
Tensile strength of field connection timing belts can vary widely depending on the type of field connection belt you choose, the pitch, and the width. As a rule of thumb, field welded belts will have the highest maximum allowable tensile strength, followed by belt lock connections, then PinLock belts, but it depends on the exact specifications. The following table outlines the Maximum Allowable Tensile Strengths of timing belt field connections:
You can find more detailed information about BRECOflex field connection timing belt kits in our interactive catalog.
Field connecting timing belt kits are an excellent choice if:
BRECOflex has the largest selection of polyurethane field connection timing belt kits on the market, and a wide array of customization options so you can get the timing belt you need. Contact us today to find out more about our field connection kits so you can keep your production line running and minimize downtime.