Methods for Ensuring Square Ends and Alignment
When joining belt ends with mechanical fasteners, the primary requirement for a solid joint is to cut the belt ends squarely. Failure to do so causes the splice area to consistently veer to one side of the conveyor structure during operation. This misalignment results in a noticeable side-to-side motion as the spliced area passes over any point along the conveyor.
It's crucial not to rely on the belt edge as a guide for squaring, as it may not be perfectly straight, especially in used belting where edges can become worn and indistinct. To achieve a precise cut, consider one of the following methods:
A. Centerline Method:
- Measure the distance between both belt edges at five points along the belt, each approximately 300 millimeters (12 inches) from the belt's end.
- Mark a series of points along the center of the belt using these measurements.
- Connect these points using a chalk line or ruler to establish the average centerline.
- Draw a perpendicular line across the belt at this average centerline to mark the cut line.
To determine the belt’s average centerline, connect the center of five measuring points across the belt.
Use a square to draw a cut line across the belt perpendicular to the average centerline.
B. Double-Arc Method:
- For increased accuracy, especially on belts with worn edges, employ the "double intersecting arc" method.
- After determining the average centerline as described above, select a point on this centerline that is two to three times the belt width away from the belt end.
- Use a string with a nail as a pivot point on this selected centerline point to draw an arc across the belt, ensuring it intersects the belt edge on both sides.
- Establish a second pivot point much closer to the belt end on the same centerline and draw a second arc across the belt in the opposite direction, crossing the first arc on both sides of the average centerline near the belt edges.
- Connect the intersection points of these arcs on either side of the belt with a straight line. This new line, perpendicular to the belt's centerline, marks the precise cut or splice line.
Step One: First draw an arc from a pivot point two or three times the belt width from the belt end.
Step Two: Then draw a second arc so that it intersects the first arc near the belt edge on both sides.
Step Three: Finally, mark the line to cut on by connecting the points where the two arcs intersect near both edges of the belt.