Conveyor Belt Vulcanizing Vs Mechanical Splice
Vulcanization is used to increase the conveyor belt’s life. To bring together a conveyor belt the physical and mechanical characteristics have to be the same or atleast close to the remaining of the conveyor belt qualities. Conveyor belt joint follows two splicing methods, mechanical splicing, where the ends of the belt joints are connected using metal plates or hinges and vulcanized splicing where the joints are conjoined using chemicals or heat. It is important to understand the splicing methods to take a decision on which type of vulcanizing needs to be used. Explaining vulcanizing process Vulcanization is a simple and quick vulcanization procedure that offers smooth splice without much risk of tearing, snagging and other harmful belt wearing. There are many types of conveyor belt vulcanizing process like hot and cold. Each of these has their own unique tools and knowledge of rubber bonding procedures. Hot vulcanization Here the splices are heated then cured under pressure using a vulcanized press. The cold vulcanization does not make use of any press but instead uses bonding agent like chemical reaction to join the two belt ends. The vulcanizing process takes hours based on the working conditions. The vulcanization requires time for specialized equipment and crew and this is can be brought to the onsite where the operations is closed for extended periods and may cost the company. The loss is calculated in terms of material, labour and downtime. Mechanical splicing The mechanical fasteners are of many types and depending on the lengths, width, speed, tension, cleaners and thickness. Despite the condition of the belt the mechanical fasteners are the ideal choice for worn out belts, old belts and new belts. The fasteners are separated by removing the hinge pin and are part of the procedure where the belt is removed often, shortened or extended. The fastening system allows separate belt halves to be pre-spliced with only the hinge pin to be inserted. Mechanical fasteners are quick and easy to install onsite. For this the installation tools are carried to the jobsite and it is the most versatile installation methods. The splices are installed with basic installation tools and hammer, power tools, etc.