Non-Metallic Alligator® Spiral Lace Conveyor Belt Fasteners
01 November 2006
The non-metallic Alligator® Spiral Lace Fastener system offered by Flexco offers a low-profile, easily separable alternative to costly, high-downtime vulcanized splicing for thin, light-duty conveyor belts. As a totally non-metallic splice, Spiral Lace accommodates applications guarded by metal detectors or X-ray monitors, does not mark or scratch products being conveyed, and provides FDA-approved materials for use in food or pharmaceutical production.
Spiral Lace features continuous plastic spirals, similar to notebook binding, that are pre-assembled into a webbing material. This assembly is then fabricated into both belt ends through various vulcanizing / bonding processes. When belt ends are brought together, the spirals mesh and a polyester connecting pin is inserted through the loops to lock the spirals into a hinged joint.
Pre-splicing allows spare belts to quickly replace broken belts without dismantling and reassembling conveyor components. This is especially helpful where enclosures or tight clearances would otherwise make on-site vulcanization extra difficult.Easily separated and rejoined by pulling out and re-inserting the connecting pin, Spiral Lace also helps simplify maintenance where frequent cleaning is required.
Spiral Lace is made of polyester - in white for belts requiring FDA approval, in black for general applications (both with max operating temperatures up to 300°F (150°C) or in tan Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) for temperatures up to 392°F (200°C). Various sizes accommodate belt thicknesses from 1/32in (0.8mm) to 1/4in (6.4mm) with mechanical fastener ratings up to 50 PIW (8.7kN/m). The smallest size operates smoothly around pulleys or nosebars as small as 1/2in (12.7mm) in diameter. Most sizes are offered in continuous rolls 10ft, 33ft or 82ft (3m, 10m or 25m) long, in double-web constructions for thicker belts and single-web for thin belting.
Connecting pins in diameters matched to the three Lace sizes are offered in coils 100ft (30m) long. For faster pin insertion, pins are optionally offered in 15ft (4.5m) lengths tipped with a rigid, smaller diameter 3ft (0.9m) long lead pin that thread more easily through the splice loops.
