Edge & Rod-End Welding Options
Flexible Rod conveyor belts can be supplied with standard U-shaped edge links or reinforced edge-link configurations. The rod-end connection secures the cross rod to the edge assembly and influences the belt's outer profile, cleaning access and clearance against conveyor components.
The three options below show different rod-end welding arrangements. Select the connection together with the link dimensions, belt loading, conveyor geometry and maintenance requirements. Confirm the selected construction and weld details on the approved belt drawing.
360° Buttonless Weld
The rod end is fused to the link around its circumference without a projecting button head. This creates a compact rod-to-link connection with fewer recesses around the joint.
A smooth, continuous weld can improve cleaning access. Confirm the weld finish and edge clearance for the application; load capacity depends on the complete belt construction.
Bridge-Tension Weld
Also called a traditional bridge weld, this arrangement uses a localized weld to bridge the rod-end button and the adjacent link. The weld covers part of the connection rather than forming a full circumferential joint.
Include the weld and surrounding recesses in routine cleaning and inspection. For replacement belts, match the rod-end profile and link geometry to the existing conveyor.
Button Cap Weld
A separate cap fits over the rod end and is welded in place to form the retaining end connection. This capped construction differs from a buttonless weld and from a button head formed directly on the rod.
Specify the cap dimensions, projection and weld locations on the drawing. Check clearance against the drum, guides and wear strips, and include the cap-to-rod joint in cleaning and inspection.
Selection note: Rod-end welding style and edge-link reinforcement are separate specification choices. Confirm both for the selected belt. Weld appearance alone does not establish belt strength, fatigue life or food-contact suitability; the approved drawing, manufacturing requirements and application review define the supplied construction.
Materials & Operating Conditions
Available Materials
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Material
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Configuration and selection notes
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SS304
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Available for stainless steel belt configurations. Select for the actual product, process atmosphere and cleaning conditions.
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SS316 / SS316L
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Available stainless steel options. Chemical compatibility must be assessed for the actual cleaning agent, concentration, temperature and contact time.
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SS201
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Available stainless steel option; confirm suitability for the intended process and cleaning environment.
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Carbon steel
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Infrequently used and available only for open-rod belts without a spiral mesh overlay. Application suitability requires review.
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Temperature: The operating limits of the complete belt depend on the configuration, load, speed, joints, atmosphere, drive and supports. Provide minimum and maximum process temperatures and exposure duration for review; wire-material reference temperatures are not assembled-belt ratings.
Cleaning and food contact: Material grade alone does not establish suitability for every food-contact condition. Confirm the food type, contact time, temperature, cleaning chemicals and available supporting documentation. SS316 and SS316L are not immune to chloride-related corrosion.
Dimensional Drawings
Standard Configuration — Links at Both Sides
A: Spiral coil pitch; B: Coil wire diameter; C: Cross rod pitch; D: Cross rod diameter; E: Link width; F: Link thickness; G: Link height.
Dimensions are in mm. A and B apply only to mesh-covered belts.
Center-Link Configuration — Additional Internal Link
A: Spiral coil pitch; B: Coil wire diameter; C: Cross rod pitch; D: Cross rod diameter; E: Link width; F: Link thickness; G: Link height.
Dimensions are in mm. A and B apply only to mesh-covered belts.
Record each subscripted dimension separately as marked on the relevant drawing or enquiry form. For a center-link belt, include the link position measured from a clearly identified belt edge and a marked drawing or photograph. Do not assume that the internal link is always at half the overall width.
Where practical, measure across 10 cross rod pitches with the sample laid straight and divide by 10. Measurements from worn or stretched belts are for initial identification; confirm the nominal specification against the original drawing or an unworn sample.
Specification Options
Standard and Center-Link Flexible Rod Conveyor Belts
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Parameter
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Standard / Reinforced Edge Links
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Center-Link Configuration
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Coil wire diameter (mm)
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1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.0
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1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.0
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Cross rod diameter (mm)
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4.9, 5.0, 5.9, 6.0
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4.9, 5.0, 5.9, 6.0
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Edge-link height (mm)
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11.1, 12.7, 15
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11.1, 12.7, 15
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Cross rod pitch (mm)
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19.05, 25.4, 27.4, 30, 30.5, 38.1
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inner×middle×outer: 19.1×19.1×27.4, 27.4×27.4×38.1
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Belt width: curve / spiral (mm)
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304.8–1371.6
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305–1219
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Belt width: straight run (mm)
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304.8–1524
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305–1219; confirm for the selected layout
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Turn ratio K = Ri / W
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1.6–2.5
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0.8–2.1
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Link arrangement
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Links at both sides
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Links at both sides plus an internal center link
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Sprocket drive station
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Matched sprockets engaging the links
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Matched sprockets engaging the links
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Listed dimensions are reference options, not interchangeable combinations. Coil dimensions do not apply to open-rod belts. Available combinations, tolerances, effective carrying width, minimum turn radius and operating limits are subject to review. The confirmed drawing and quotation define the supplied specification. Contact PFM SCREEN to discuss custom dimensions.
Turn Ratio & Conveyor Geometry
K = Ri / W, where Ri is the inside running radius of the belt and W is the overall belt width. Use the same units for both dimensions. Confirm the exact width measurement points on the belt drawing; overall width is not the same as effective product-carrying width.
Standard configurations have turn ratios of 1.6–2.5; center-link configurations have turn ratios of 0.8–2.1. Each range covers different configurations. The minimum permitted radius must be confirmed for the selected belt width, link geometry, center-link position and drive arrangement.
For example, W = 600 mm and K = 2.2 give Ri = 1320 mm. This illustrates the calculation only. Drum radius is not automatically equal to belt inside running radius; equipment interfaces and running clearances must also be checked.
Drive Compatibility
At the sprocket drive station, matched sprockets engage the belt links. Spiral conveyors may also use a rotating drum or cage; identify the actual arrangement before selecting a replacement belt. Compatibility with another drive system must be checked for the specific configuration.
Provide cross rod pitch and diameter, link dimensions, sprocket tooth profile and positions, shaft layout, inside turn radius, drum or cage details, return path and photographs of worn components. Matching belt pitch and width alone is not sufficient.
Confirm your standard or center-link belt dimensions
Include total belt length, overall and effective carrying widths, rod and link dimensions, rod-end welding style, center-link position where applicable, load, line speed, temperature and drive details.
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