+86-15369679157
Full strand weaving is the strongest way to join a flexible flat conveyor belt (rod network belt): a single strand taken from the excess belt is woven through the leading and trailing ends to create the join. Because belt strength is maintained and the carrying surface stays uninterrupted, this method is the standard choice for coating and enrobing lines, where a splice gap would mark the product. This guide covers the double loop edge (DLE) version of the method — the five steps for assembling the edges.
Before You Start: Weave the Strand First
The weaving of the join strand across the belt width is identical to the single loop edge full strand instructions — complete that weaving first. The procedure below covers only what is different on a double loop edge belt: joining the edge assembly. (A double loop edge has two wires looped together at the belt edge, forming a small space inside the last large space — it is the edge type used on most enrober belts.)
Tools You Will Need
- Safety glasses
- Flat end pliers
- Needle nose pliers
- Cable ties, soft wire, or string (optional)
- Cutting pliers
- Wire straightening tool (optional)
Step 1 — Diagram A: Feed the Strand into the Double Loop Edge
- At the last space before the double loop edge, gently bend the joining strand in the centre of the last space.
- Insert the end of the joining strand into the double loop edge (the small space) on the near side. You will need to rotate the wire to feed the DLE through the space.
Note: If you have difficulty with this step, you may unhook the main belt near-edge lug first, and re-connect it at the final stage of the process.
Step 2 — Diagram B: Pull the Strand Up into the Space
- Insert needle nose pliers from underneath, grip the centre of the DLE on the strand, and pull it up into the space.
- Straighten the initial bend.
Step 3 — Diagram C: Hook the DLE Over the Last Z-Bend
- Flex the belt by pushing down in the centre of the last row of spaces on the near edge.
- Rotate the joining strand so you can push its end up from underneath the last space on the far edge.
- Hook the DLE up over the last large space Z-bend.
- Straighten any distortion to this connected Z-bend using needle nose pliers or a wire straightening tool.
Step 4 — Diagram D: Connect the Near Side Loop Edge
- Connect the splice strand edge hook to the near side loop edge, using pliers to hook it up under the near-edge strand.
Step 5 — Diagram F: Connect the Far Side and Mirror the Opposite Edge
- Connect the far side loop edge by hooking it into the splice strand with pliers.
- Connect the opposite edge of the belt in the same manner, in mirror image.
- Straighten any remaining bends in the wire strands.
Important Notes
- Avoid permanent deformation of the “Z” form links when joining. To make the weaving easier, it may be necessary to place a bend in the wire space adjacent to the space being woven — but this bend must be straightened before continuing the joining operation. Re-straightening can be done at this stage or at the end of joining, using flat end pliers, needle nose pliers, or a wire straightening tool.
- Avoid any bending of the join strand wire in the vertical plane. Any necessary bending should take place in the horizontal plane only.
- After joining, re-tension the belt to the recommended level — no tighter. Improper tension at splice points is the leading cause of failure; see the top 10 causes of belt downtime.
Which Joining Method Should You Use?
Full strand weaving keeps the splice seamless and at full belt strength, which is why it is preferred on enrobing and coating lines. If installation speed matters more than a seamless surface, the steel tube join method is much faster and works on most edge types. Joining clips are the quickest option of all, but they are designed for single loop edge belts and leave a double space pitch gap. Single loop edge belts have their own full strand procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do enrober belts use double loop edges and full strand splices?
A: The double loop edge gives the belt extra edge stability and precise tracking through the enrober, and the full strand splice keeps the carrying surface uninterrupted — so chocolate or coating flows evenly with no marking at the joint.
Q: What are the “small space” and “large space” on a double loop edge?
A: The large spaces are the normal mesh channels of the belt; the small space is the narrow channel formed inside the doubled edge wires. In Step 1 the joining strand feeds through this small space — that is what locks the edge assembly together.
Q: Can I use tubes or clips on a double loop edge belt instead?
A: The steel tube method can be used on many double loop edge belts — send us your belt specification to confirm. Joining clips, however, are designed for single loop edges and are not recommended on DLE belts.
Working on an enrober line and need spare joining strand, a wire straightening tool, or a replacement belt? Record your belt’s specifications using our measurement and identification guide and send them to our engineers.
