+86-15369679157
Full strand weaving joins a single loop edge flexible flat conveyor belt (rod network belt) by taking a single strand from the excess belt and weaving it through the leading and trailing ends. The result is a seamless splice at full belt strength with an uninterrupted carrying surface — which is why this method is the standard for coating and enrobing lines, where a splice gap would mark the product. The weave is a three-move pattern repeated from the centre out to each edge; the seven steps below show it in photos.
Before You Begin
- Turn off and lock out power to the conveyor, and slacken any belt take-up adjuster.
- Cut the join strand from the excess of the new belt. Never take repair strands from a worn-out belt — wire that has been in service is already fatigued.
- If helpful, temporarily tie the two belt ends together through the outside spaces with cable ties, removing them as the weave progresses.
Tools You Will Need
- Safety glasses
- Flat end pliers
- Needle nose pliers
- Cable ties
- Cutting pliers
Step 1 — Begin Joining in the Centre
The arrows in the photos illustrate the movement of the splicing strand between steps. When bending the splicing strand, limit the bending to the straight portions of the strand — never bend in the “Z” bend area itself.
Step 2 — Insert the Strand Ends Through the Centre Space
Insert the strand ends up through the centre space of the opposite near side edge.
Step 3 — Down Through the Next Z-Bend
Flex or bend the strand in the centre of the next space and insert it down through and around the Z-bend in this space, on the belt end wire closest to you.
Step 4 — Up Through the Z-Bend Beside the Centre
Bend the wire toward the centre and insert it up through and around the Z-bend next to the centre space.
Step 5 — Repeat the Three Moves to the Belt Edge
Repeat these three moves until you reach the side edge of the belt, straightening any working bends as you go.
Step 6 — Connect the Edge Loop on the Near Edge
Using your pliers, connect the join strand’s edge loop to the belt’s edge loop on the near edge by hooking the edge loop up.
Step 7 — Weave the Strand to the Other Side and Finish
Return to the centre and weave the other half of the strand out to the opposite edge using the same three-move pattern, then connect its edge loop as in Step 6.
To finish: straighten any remaining working bends with flat end or needle nose pliers, trim any excess strand at the edges with cutting pliers, then re-tension the belt to the recommended level — no tighter. Improper tension at the splice is the leading cause of belt failure; see the top 10 causes of belt downtime. Run the conveyor briefly and watch the splice pass over the sprockets before returning to production.
Which Joining Method Should You Use?
Full strand weaving gives the strongest, seamless splice, but it is also the slowest to perform. If speed matters more, joining clips are the fastest field splice for single loop edge belts (at the cost of a double space pitch gap), and the steel tube join method is a quick middle ground that works on most edge types. Double loop edge belts follow the same weave but a different edge assembly — see the double loop edge full strand procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where does the join strand come from?
A: From the excess length of the new belt — one strand is separated out and used as the weaving wire. This guarantees the splice wire matches the belt exactly in material, wire diameter, and pitch. Never harvest strands from a retired belt.
Q: Why does the weave start in the centre instead of at one edge?
A: Working from the centre outwards in both directions keeps the two belt ends square to each other and distributes the working bends evenly, so the finished splice runs straight over the sprockets.
Q: How much excess belt should I order for future splices?
A: A common practice is to order a few extra metres with every new belt and reserve it exclusively for repairs — it supplies matched join strands and replacement rods for years of maintenance.
Need a new belt with repair excess included, or matched strand material for an existing belt? Record your belt’s specifications using our measurement and identification guide and send them to our engineers.
