Ashworth Catalog 2012-13-1
Ashworth Catalog 2012-13-1
www.ashworth.com
Table of Contents
Mission Statement & Testimonials.........................2 Straight Running Belts: Postive Driven ..............97
About Ashworth...................................................3 Belt Selection Guide...............................................98
A History of Firsts................................................4 Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWA1..................102
Innovating The Future.........................................5 Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWA2..................104
What's New.........................................................6 Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWA3..................106
Ashworth Factory Service.....................................10 Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWA4..................108
Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWA5..................110
Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts......................................15 Flat Wire-Standard Duty-FWA5SC..................112
Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWB1..................114
Belt Selection Guide...............................................16 Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWB2..................116
Omni-Pro® Metal Spiral Belts.............................19 Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWB3..................118
Omni-Pro® 075..................................................20 Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWB4..................120
Omni-Pro® 100..................................................22 Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWB5..................122
Omni-Pro® 120..................................................24 Flat Wire—Heavy Duty—FWC1......................124
Omni-Pro® 150..................................................26 Flat Wire—Heavy Duty—FWC2......................126
Small Radius Omni-Pro® ..................................28 Flat Wire—Heavy Duty—FWC6 SB................128
Space Saver Omni-Grid® .................................30 Flat Wire—EZ Transfer—FWH3......................130
Advantage™ Plastic Spiral Belts.......................33 Cleatrac® Belt & Sprocket System...................131
Plastic Belt Air Flow Performance.....................34 Positive Drive Chain Edge (PDCE).................137
Advantage™ 120...............................................38 Eye Link Belts..................................................147
Advantage™ 200...............................................40 Engineering & Maintenance Information
Omni-Flex® Rugged Metal Spiral Belts..............43 Positive Driven: Straight-Running Belt
Omni-Flex® E1 & E2...........................................44 Selection & Engineering Calculations..........156
Omni-Flex® E3...................................................46 Troubleshooting—Flat Wire Belts....................160
Small Radius Omni-Flex® G1 & G3...................48 Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven ............161
ExactaStack™.......................................................51 Belt Selection Guide.............................................162
Self-Stacking Spiral Belts..................................52 Ashworth's Performance Guarantee..................163
ExactaStack™ Standard Belt.............................52 Baking Bands..................................................164
ExactaStack™ WD.............................................54 CB5 Baking Band............................................166
Engineering & Maintenance Information CB3 Tortilla Band............................................167
Concepts of Lotension.......................................64 Control Systems..............................................168
Spiral System Requirements.............................66 Balanced Weave Conveyor Belts....................170
Lotension Design Data Sheets.......................69 WG Woven Wire..............................................180
Plastic Belt Tension Ratings..............................72 Lehr Belts........................................................182
Lotension: Spiral Belt Selection Engineering & Maintenance Information
& Engineering Calculations.............................75 Friction Driven: Straight-Running
Installation of Spiral Belts..................................81 Belt Selection & Engineering Calculations.....189
UHMWPE Cage Bar Cap Profiles.....................85 Mesh Designation for Woven Wire Belts.........190
Measuring Overdrive.........................................87 Installation & Tracking.....................................192
Cleaning & Lubricating......................................90 Baking Band Cleaning.....................................195
Troubleshooting Spiral Belts.............................93 Troubleshooting—Baking Bands.....................196
Straight Running Belt Design Data Sheets....... 200
Conveyor Design ............................................202
Glossary of Terms ...............................................233
Appendix A: Wire Selection Guide ....................239
Appendix B: Common Conversion Formulas ...241
LTS0205
Introduction
"Great service and support. Follow-up was “Very reliable, backed by outstanding support. “Excellent product - Good Value! Exceptional
great. We were very satisfied with our recent Top notch support is very important to me. service - knowledge and ability with continuous
spiral project. Ashworth recognized all of our Ashworth is very knowledgeable and has been ongoing product support. Product is durable
concerns and addressed them. Because of instrumental on getting me up to speed and economical to own."
Ashworth, we no longer have to worry about on lotension." Maintenance Manager
downtime due to belt failure." Maintenance Manager T. Marzetti
Refrigeration Manager General Mills
House of Raeford Farms
“Outstanding customer service and excellent “A great professional team that will pull out all “Ashworth was the original belt supplied with our
product knowledge. The support (ie: Tension the stops to assist a customer. We recently lost spiral freezer. It lasted nearly 20 years! In our
Tests) help us feel confident our system is an oven band and required a new one to be industry we can not afford long breakdowns.
running well and will continue to run trouble fabricated and installed. The entire Ashworth Ashworth has proven reliable and well
free, reducing downtime." team from order taking through logistics did an supported.”
Engineer & Manager outstanding job!” Plant Engineer
Raybern Foods LLC Production Manager S&F Foods
BFG Kitchener
“We've purchased belts from Ashworth for 30 “Ashworth rushed 382 feet of belting for me and “The product we purchased is reliable and
years. We switched to the Ashworth did an exceptional job of getting my factory durable which allows our systems to operate at
ExactaStack™ because Ashworth provides back into production." maximum capacity for a long period of time."
reliable products and services that reduce our Engineering Manager Materials Manager
maintenance costs." Seviroli Foods Energy Sciences, Inc.
Maintenance Manager
Pilgrim's
2 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Introduction
About Ashworth
Tracing its roots to the 1860’s, Ashworth has been a major supplier of conveyor belts to the food processing
industry since 1946 when Ashworth formed the Metal Products Division in Worcester, Massachusetts, and
began producing woven metal conveyor belts. In 1967, Ashworth revolutionized the food processing industry
with the development of its patented lotension spiral system. Today, Ashworth's manufacturing facilities are
located in Winchester, Virginia, and West Bromwich, United Kingdom and has a worldwide network of sales
offices, distributors, and agents.
As the lotension experts, Ashworth offers the most comprehensive range of spiral and turn-curve belting
available on the market. The all-metal Omni-Pro® is the new industry standard, and our Advantage™ series of
plastic and steel hybrid belts has revolutionized the food processing industry. In 2009, we introduced a drop-in
replacement self-stacking spiral belt, ExactaStack™, which is available in all industry-standard sizes and can
be fitted with our patented Advantage™ overlay. We also know a thing or two about straight-running belts; the
industry standard CB5 Baking Band® was introduced in 1963, and the positively driven woven wire Cleatrac®
in 1988. Cleatrac® still provides the tightest transfers in the industry.
We know how important our product performance is to your business and that is why we offer Ashworth
Factory Service, located in Northfield, Minnesota. This group of industry experts brings unparalleled design,
service and support expertise for both spiral and straight-run systems to our customers. From our 24/7 emer-
gency customer service and our full range of factory services to our broad selection of spiral and turn-curve
belting, you can trust Ashworth to keep you running.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 3
Introduction
A History of Firsts
True Tracking
1963 Ashworth introduced the true-tracking CB5 Baking Band® that remains the standard oven band in the baking
industry today.
4 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Introduction
Innovating The Future
A Self-Stacking Alternative
Ashworth enters the self-stacking spiral belt market with ExactaStack™; designed for both complete instal-
2009 lations or spliced-in sectional repairs. ExactaStack™ is available in all tier heights and widths including wide
belts, and is delivered in our patented Rack & Roll crate system for easy installation and storage.
The New Standard in Lotension Belting
The high strength Omni-Pro® hits the market with patented protrusion leg technology to keep systems run-
2007 ning smoothly. Featuring patents on both the button-less rods and 360° welds, Omni-Pro® becomes the new
standard in lotension belting.
New Technologies and Services Launched
Ashworth Engineering Services becomes Ashworth Factory Service Corporation, and opens its doors
2007 in Northfield, Minnesota. AFS provides both spiral and straight-running belt repair, installation, retrofit
and optimization.
The First & Only NSF & USDA Plastic Spiral Belt
2006 The Advantage™ 120/200 series of belts continues to change the face of the belting industry as it becomes
the first spiral belt to be tested and certified by NSF as well as USDA Accepted for Meat and Poultry.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 5
ExactaStack™ - Replacement Stacker Belt
Introduction
uu What's New
ExactaStack™ - Replacement Stacker Belt
The ExactaStack™ is available in all widths, tier heights, and mesh
configurations including the patented Advantage™ overlay, for both
spliced-in sections and complete self-stacking belt replacements.
The ExactaStack™ self-stacking spiral belt is a drop-in replace-
ment for standard and wide belt stackers with no system drive
modifications required.
ExactaStack™ is also available with Ashworth’s patented Advan-
tage™ plastic overlay. Because Advantage™ is easy to clean, it is
the market's only plastic spiral belt that is USDA Accepted for meat
and poultry. The combination of ExactaStack™ and Advantage™
makes it the market's first and only self-stacking spiral belt with a
plastic overlay providing a perfect solution for existing sticky prod-
uct applications. Advantage™ has also been proven by ETL Labo-
ratories to have the greatest open area of all plastic spiral modular
belting making it a perfect solution for vertical air-flow patterns in
self-stacking spirals.
ExactaStack™ is manufactured to ensure quality craftsmanship,
quick deliveries and cost savings. With every option available, in-
cluding the Advantage™ overlay, Ashworth can provide the right
belt for many specific production needs to increase capacity and
minimize product damage.
6 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Omni-Pro® 150
Introduction
uu What's New
Omni-Pro® 150
Ashworth Bros., Inc. introduced the 1½-inch pitch Omni-Pro® link
to extend the Omni-Pro® line of spiral/turn-curve conveyor belts.
The 1½-inch pitch Omni-Pro® 150 retains the same design fea-
tures that allow the belt to minimize cage bar wear, maintenance
costs and downtime in your most demanding high-tension spiral
applications. Expanding the Omni-Pro® line reflects Ashworth’s
commitment to meet today’s processing demands.
Omni-Pro® is one of the strongest belts on the market today and
the Omni-Pro® 150 withstands spiral/turn-curve tensions of 400
pounds (136 kg) for 100,000 cycles vs. competing belts that
rate for 50,000 cycles. The increased strength of the Omni-Pro®
comes from the new 360° button-less weld technology utilizing a
“zero tension” design which allows a higher load bearing capacity.
Unlike a traditional bridge weld, the 360° button-less weld is free
from surface imperfections and crevices which improves hygienic
characteristics by eliminating the possibility of bacteria entrap-
ments.
Omni-Pro’s state-of-the-art link design includes a patented “protru-
sion leg” preventing welds from contacting spiral cage bars and
permits the belt to run smoother with less system wear. Each link is
formed with a patented coining process to prevent break-in wear,
reducing belt elongation and increasing belt life. Turn ratios range
from 1.6 to 2.5 and belt widths are available in even widths from 12
to 54 inches for spiral and turn curve applications.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 7
Small Radius Omni-Pro®
Introduction
uu What's New
Small Radius Omni-Pro®
Ashworth Bros., Inc. introduction of the 3/4-inch pitch Small Radius
Omni-Pro® Belt to extend the Omni-Pro® line of spiral/turn-curve
conveyor belts. The 3/4-inch pitch Small Radius Omni-Pro® retains
the same design features that allow the belt to minimize cage bar
wear, maintenance costs and downtime in your most demanding
high-tension spiral applications.
Omni-Pro® is one of the strongest belts on the market today and
the 3/4-inch pitch Small Radius Omni-Pro® withstands spiral/turn-
curve tensions of 150 pounds (68 kg) for 100,000 cycles vs. com-
peting belts that rate for 50,000 cycles. Turn ratios range from 1.0
to 2.0 and belt widths are available in even widths from 12 to 48
inches for turn curve and spiral applications.
8 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Fatigue Resistant Cleatrac® System
Introduction
uu What's New
Fatigue Resistant Cleatrac® System
Ashworth Bros., Inc. developed a manufacturing process using
a proprietary stainless steel specification to offer a belt having
up to 2.5 times the working strength of our standard Cleatrac®
belting. The strength of the Fatigue Resistant Cleatrac® System
make this the ideal belt for use in tunnel freezers and tunnel oven
applications.
The Fatigue Resistant Cleatrac® consists of a precision balanced
weave wire mesh fabric consisting of alternating right and left-hand
spirals joined by crimped connecting rods, with a matched positive
drive system of sprockets, filler rolls, and support bearings.
Offering meshes in both 16 and 17 gauge stainless steel wire,
Fatigue Resistant Cleatrac® can be used successfully in applica-
tions requiring longer conveyor lengths and increased belt strength.
The Fatigue Resistant Cleatrac® offers reduced belt stretch and
increased belt life.
To ensure correct product orientation and minimize product dam-
age (and operating costs), the Fatigue Resistant Cleatrac® smooth-
ly moves around the industry's smallest diameter sprockets.
Fatigue Resistant Cleatrac® conveyor belting lasts longer, requires
less maintenance and reduces costs because of its more durable
construction compared to single-plane wire designs. The balanced
weave wire mesh design makes it resistant to damage from abra-
sives such as salts, product fines and breading.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 9
Ashworth Factory Service
Factory Service for Lotension, Self Stacking Spirals, and Baking Bands
"The technicians at Ashworth Factory Service “Ashworth Factory Service is top-notch. They
are knowledgeable and provide very capable installed the belt, turn-key and stress free, allowing
installation services. Ashworth is easy to work me to focus on other projects. We have reduced
with and completed the installation to meet our waste and downtime, and the belt has increased
plant schedule, plus the belt and service cost efficiency in our proofer.”
less than the competition." Jon Sims
Dale Walenski Maintenance Manager, San Francisco Foods
Plant Engineer, McCain Foods
more experience with lotension spiral belt, and an adjustment to your exist- as well as provide training on proper
systems than Ashworth. ing drive system for peak efficiency belt maintenance and tracking, in ad-
and service life. dition to our standard replacement
and optimization services.
10 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Ashworth Factory Service
Improve capacity n n n
Spiral reconfiguration n n
Belt positioning n
Turnkey installation n n n
Installation &
On-site installation specialist n n n
Commissioning
Belt commissioning n n n
Emergency repairs n n n
Spiral upgrades n n
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 11
Ashworth Factory Service
Technical Specifications
The Spiral Belt Tension Test is performed with Ashworth's proprietary tension gauge that records belt tension throughout each tier in a spiral.
By loading the recorded data into Ashworth's tension assessment program, a visual graph is created representing the variations in tension
throughout the spiral system. By analyzing the results, Ashworth Factory Service can make recommendations to correct any unforeseen or
potential problems.
The Ashworth Tension Gauge can measure spiral belt tensions of up to 650 lb. with tier spacing as low as 2.25 inches. It is designed to
operate in freezing and ambient conditions, so tension measurements can be taken in fully operational freezers and coolers. The Tension
Gauge can be used on any spiral belt; the belt does not need to be an Ashworth belt in order to be tested.
Ashworth has performed tension tests on numerous spirals and found most operating above the manufacturer’s rating. After locating the high-
tension problems, Ashworth Factory Service can provide solutions to save you from unexpected breakdowns.
Ashworth's Spiral Belt Tension Test is fast, easy and, one phone call away.
Contact Ashworth Factory Service to schedule your Spiral Belt Tension Test
It is fast, easy, and one phone call away.
Toll Free:
1-866-204-1414
Factory Service
12 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Ashworth Factory Service
Factory Service
Ashworth's Tension Assessment screenshot illustrating the variations in tension throughout a spiral system
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 13
Ashworth Factory Service
NOTES
Factory Service
14 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
spiral Products
ExactaStack™ Advantage™ 120/200
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 15
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
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Specifications Units
Stainless Stainless Stainless
Link Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Steel Steel Steel
Stainless Stainless Stainless
Material(s) Rod Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Steel Steel Steel
Stainless Stainless Stainless
Mesh Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Steel Steel Steel
Turn Ratio 2.2 to 2.5 1.6 to 2.5 1.7 to 2.8 1.6 to 2.5 1.1 to 2.0 0.7 to 2.2 1.7
Width
Limits in.
12.00–48.00 12.00–48.00 12.00–60.00 12.00–60.00
Straight (mm) N/A N/A N/A
(304.8–1,219.2) (304.8–1,219.2) (304.8–1,524.0) (304.8–1,524.0)
1.08 (27.4)
Pitch 0.75 (19.1) 1.08 (27.4) 1.20 (30.5) 1.50 (38.1) 1.08 (27.4) (30.0 to 59.9)
& 0.75 (19)
Maximum Curve* 150 (68) 200 (91) 400 (181) 400 (181) 150 (68) 150 (68) N/A
Tension
Straight* lb. 300 (136) 400 (182) 800 (364) 800 (364) 300 (136) 300 (136) N/A
(kg)
Maximum Curve* N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Belt Pull Straight* N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Spiral Applications
Freezer u u u u u u u
Proofer u u u u u u
Chiller u u u u u u
Cooker u u u u u u
Advantages
Frozen Product Release
Sanitary Design u u u u
Superior Air Flow u u u u u u u
High Load Capacity u u u u
Superior Beam Strength u u u u u u u
Small Footprint u u u u
Special Features
Wear Resistant Links u u u u u u
Fatigue Resistant Pickets
Integral Guard Edge u u u
Weldless Construction
Flippable Design u u u u
Self Stacking u
16 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
™ ™ ® ® us ®
ge ge ex t x di lex
ta ta l e tan -Fle a
an 0 n i-F u i l R -F
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Ad 12 Ad 20 O
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Specifications Units
Stainless Stainless Stainless
Link Acetal Acetal
Steel Steel Steel
Stainless Stainless Stainless
Material(s) Rod Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Steel Steel Steel
Stainless Stainless Stainless
Mesh Acetal Acetal
Steel Steel Steel
Turn Ratio 1.5 to 2.8 1.5 to 2.8 1.8 to 4.0 1.8 to 4.0 1.0 to 2.0
Maximum Curve* 200 (91) 300 (136) 300 (136) 400 (181) 300 (136)
Tension
Straight* lb. 400 (182) 600 (273) 600 (273) 800 (362) 600 (273)
(kg)
Maximum Curve* 500 (226) 750 (340) N/A N/A N/A
Belt Pull Straight* 1000 (453) 1500 (680) N/A N/A N/A
Spiral Applications
Freezer u u u u u
Proofer u u
Chiller u u u u u
Cooker
Advantages
Frozen Product Release u u
Sanitary Design u u
Superior Air Flow u u u u u
High Load Capacity u u u u u
Superior Beam Strength u u u u u
Small Footprint u u u
Special Features
Wear Resistant Links
Fatigue Resistant Pickets u u u
Integral Guard Edge u u
Weldless Construction u u
Flippable Design u u u u
Self Stacking
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 17
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
NOTES
spiral belt selection
18 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
spiral Products
Cross-section Cross-section
Patented of 360° of Traditional
Coining Buttonless Bridge Weld
Feature Weld
Omni-Tough® Mesh Overlay Patented Pigtail Spirals Integral Guard Edges Patented Special Mesh Spirals
2½ times stronger than Reduces wire breakage Available for 100/120/150, are A cost effective solution for
conventional overlays and is more durable and easier to clean adding lane dividers or flights
resistant to product sticking in than modular guard edges
freezer applications
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 19
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
¾-Inch Pitch
uu Omni-Pro® 075
Available Options
Omni-Tough ® Mesh Overlay
Variable Loop Count Overlay (Patented)
Overlay which has varied loop spacing
across the width of the belt allows the
loops to get progressively closer together
as the spiral goes from the inside of the
belt to the outside of the belt (inside and
Omni-Tough ® is a stainless steel, spring Designation B/U X – Y – Z outside in respect to a turn).
wire, spiral overlay available in 16 and 17
wire gauges. It is 2-1/2 times stronger and Special Spirals (Patented)
fL h
Sp s/F al W ve
ls ot o ave
y
t o idt
rla
gt
r ea
O
f
o
oo
n
ge
/F
au
n
Ba
Examples:
ire
in freezer applications.
• Maximum height is equal to belt pitch
W
o
B30-16-16
of
o.
o.
U42-16-17
N
20 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Omni-Pro® 075 ¾-Inch Pitch
UHMWPE Sprockets
OVERALL Pitch Hub
DIAMETER
Nom. Bore Min. Bore Max.*
PITCH Teeth Diameter Diameter
DIAMETER Size in. (mm) in. (mm)
in. (mm) in. (mm)
#3 12 2.90 (73.7) 2.25 (57.2) 1.00 (25.4) 1.44 (36.6)
Sprockets available in Stainless Steel, Plain Steel, and UHMWPE.
BORE MAX.
UHMWPE material type components have a 150°F (66°C) maximum operating temperature.
BORE MIN. Maximum bore sizes listed for UHMWPE material is based on 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of material above keyway.
* Maximum bores provide adequate material thickness for standard keyway. Specify special sizes to be used
when necessary.
Supports
HUB HUB
DIAMETER WIDTH Supports are required at a maximum of 18" apart on load side and 24" maximum on return side.
Rollers may also be used. For light loads, support rails may be placed further apart: Consult Ashworth
Engineering for assistance.
spiral Products
type to determine weight of mesh
• Add the weight of the base belt to weight 24 (610) 3.75 (5.6) 44** (1118) 6.34 (9.4)
of mesh overlay 26 (660) 4.01 (6.0) 46** (1168) 6.60 (9.8)
• Multiply calculated value by belt length 28 (711) 4.27 (6.4) 48** (1219) 6.86 (10.2)
for total belt weight 30 (762) 4.53 (6.7) **Recommended for Straight run only.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 21
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
1-Inch Pitch
uu Omni-Pro® 100
Available Options
Omni-Tough ® Mesh Overlay
Variable Loop Count Overlay (Patented)
Overlay which has varied loop spacing
across the width of the belt allows the
loops to get progressively closer together
as the spiral goes from the inside of the
belt to the outside of the belt (inside and
Omni-Tough ® is a stainless steel, spring Designation B/U X – Y – Z outside in respect to a turn).
wire, spiral overlay available in 16 and 17
wire gauges. It is 2-1/2 times stronger and Special Spirals (Patented)
fL h
Sp s/F al W ve
ls ot o ave
y
t o idt
rla
gt
r ea
O
f
o
oo
n
ge
/F
au
n
Ba
Examples:
ire
in freezer applications.
• Maximum height is equal to belt pitch
W
o
B30-12-16
of
o.
o.
U42-12-17
N
Integral Guard
Edges are available
for Omni-Pro®
100/120/150 and are
more durable and
easier to clean than
modular guard edges Equilateral Triangle Isosceles Triangle
22 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Omni-Pro® 100 1-Inch Pitch
UHMWPE Sprockets
OVERALL Pitch Hub
DIAMETER
Nom. Bore Min. Bore Max.*
PITCH Teeth Diameter Diameter
DIAMETER Size in. (mm) in. (mm)
in. (mm) in. (mm)
#4 13 4.53 (115.1) 3.90 (99.1) 1.00 (25.4) 2.19 (55.6)
#6 18 6.24 (158.5) 5.65 (143.5) 1.00 (25.4) 3.75 (95.3)
BORE MAX.
BORE MIN.
#8 23 7.96 (202.2) 7.39 (187.7) 1.00 (25.4) 4.00 (101.6)
UHMWPE material type components have a 150°F (66°C) maximum operating temperature.
*Maximum bore sizes listed for UHMWPE material is based on 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of material above keyway.
Supports
HUB
DIAMETER WIDTH Supports are required at a maximum of 18" apart on load side and 24" maximum on return side.
Rollers may also be used. For light loads, support rails may be placed further apart: Consult Ashworth
Engineering for assistance.
spiral Products
• Add the weight of the base belt to weight 24 (610) 2.94 (4.4) 44** (1118) 4.74 (7.1)
of mesh overlay 26 (660) 3.12 (4.6) 46** (1168) 4.92 (7.3)
• Multiply calculated value by belt length 28 (711) 3.30 (4.9) 48** (1219) 5.10 (7.6)
for total belt weight 30 (762) 3.48 (5.2) **Recommended for Straight run only.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 23
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
1.2-Inch Pitch
uu Omni-Pro® 120
Available Options
Omni-Tough ® Mesh Overlay
Variable Loop Count Overlay (Patented)
Overlay which has varied loop spacing
across the width of the belt allows the
loops to get progressively closer together
as the spiral goes from the inside of the
belt to the outside of the belt (inside and
Omni-Tough ® is a stainless steel, spring Designation B/U X – Y – Z outside in respect to a turn).
wire, spiral overlay available in 16 and 17
wire gauges. It is 2-1/2 times stronger and Special Spirals (Patented)
fL h
Sp s/F al W ve
ls ot o ave
y
t o idt
rla
gt
r ea
O
f
o
oo
n
ge
/F
au
n
Ba
Examples:
ire
in freezer applications.
• Maximum height is equal to belt pitch
W
o
B30-10-16
of
o.
o.
U42-10-17
N
Integral Guard
Edges are available
for Omni-Pro®
100/120/150 and are
more durable and
easier to clean than
modular guard edges Equilateral Triangle Isosceles Triangle
24 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Omni-Pro® 120 1.2-Inch Pitch
HUB
Supports
DIAMETER WIDTH
Supports are required at a maximum of 18" apart on load side and 24" maximum on return side.
Rollers may also be used. For light loads, support rails may be placed further apart: Consult Ashworth
Engineering for assistance.
spiral Products
• Add the weight of the base belt to weight
of mesh overlay 24 (610) 4.07 (6.1) 42 (1067) 6.27 (9.3) 60 (1524) 8.48 (12.6)
• Multiply calculated value by belt length 26 (660) 4.31 (6.4) 44 (1118) 6.52 (9.7)
for total belt weight 28 (711) 4.56 (6.8) 46 (1168) 6.76 (10.1)
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 25
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
1½-Inch Pitch
uu Omni-Pro® 150
Technical Specifications Units
Available Options
Omni-Tough ® Mesh Overlay
Variable Loop Count Overlay (Patented)
Overlay which has varied loop spacing
across the width of the belt allows the
loops to get progressively closer together
as the spiral goes from the inside of the
belt to the outside of the belt (inside and
Omni-Tough ® is a stainless steel, spring Designation B/U X – Y – Z outside in respect to a turn).
wire, spiral overlay available in 16 and 17
wire gauges. It is 2-1/2 times stronger and Special Spirals (Patented)
fL h
Sp s/F al W ve
ls ot o ave
y
t o idt
rla
gt
r ea
O
f
o
oo
n
ge
/F
au
n
Ba
Examples:
ire
in freezer applications.
• Maximum height is equal to belt pitch
W
o
B30-8-16
of
o.
o.
U42-8-17
N
Integral Guard
Edges are available
for Omni-Pro®
100/120/150 and are
more durable and
easier to clean than
modular guard edges Equilateral Triangle Isosceles Triangle
26 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Omni-Pro® 150 1½-Inch Pitch
UHMWPE Sprockets
OVERALL Pitch Hub
DIAMETER
Nom. Bore Min. Bore Max.*
PITCH Teeth Diameter Diameter
DIAMETER Size in. (mm) in. (mm)
in. (mm) in. (mm)
#8 17 8.16 (207.3) 7.43 (188.7) 0.75 (19.1) 3 (76.2)
UHMWPE material type components have a 150°F (66°C) maximum operating temperature.
BORE MAX.
*Maximum bore sizes listed for UHMWPE material is based on 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of material above keyway.
BORE MIN.
Supports
Supports are required at a maximum of 18" apart on load side and 24" maximum on return side.
HUB Rollers may also be used. For light loads, support rails may be placed further apart: Consult Ashworth
DIAMETER WIDTH
Engineering for assistance.
spiral Products
• Add the weight of the base belt to weight
24 (610) 3.47 (5.2) 42 (1067) 5.24 (7.8) 60 (1524) 7.00 (10.4)
of mesh overlay
• Multiply calculated value by belt length 26 (660) 3.67 (5.5) 44 (1118) 5.43 (8.1)
for total belt weight 28 (711) 3.86 (5.7) 46 (1168) 5.63 (8.4)
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 27
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
¾-Inch Pitch
uu Small Radius Omni-Pro®
Available Options
Omni-Tough ® Mesh Overlay Variable Loop Count Overlay (Patented)
Overlay which has varied loop spacing
across the width of the belt allows the
loops to get progressively closer together
as the spiral goes from the inside of the
belt to the outside of the belt (inside and
outside in respect to a turn).
Omni-Tough ® is a stainless steel, spring Designation B/U X – Y – Z Special Spirals (Patented)
wire, spiral overlay for all Omni-Grid ®
• Available in Omni-Tough® overlay only
conveyor belt constructions, available in
fL h
Sp s/F al W ve
ls ot o ave
y
t o idt
rla
en
ve
f L ila d W
o
oo
ge
la
/F
au
n
Ba
G
ira
ire
a flatter surface than standard overlays • Available options: height, spacing, loca-
W
o
o.
Designation Examples:
B30-12/16-16
U42-12/16-17
28 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
¾-Inch Pitch Small Radius Omni-Pro®
Steel Sprockets *
Pitch Diameter Hub Diameter Bore Min. Bore Max.**
OVERALL Nom. Size Teeth
DIAMETER PITCH
in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm)
DIAMETER
#3 12 2.90 (73.7) 2.36 (59.9) 1.00 (25.4) 1.44 (36.6)
#3-12 tooth sprockets are available in T303 stainless steel and C1141 hardened steel.
3/4" pitch Omni-Pro® can use #60 roller chain sprockets modified as follows:
BORE MAX. 1. Face off sprocket such that the overall tooth width is 5/16 (7.94)
BORE MIN. 2. Chamfer corners of the newly machined teeth
*Stock Sprocket. More available upon request.
** Maximum bores provide adequate material thickness for standard keyway. Specify special sizes.
spiral Products
of mesh overlay 16 (406) 3.30 (4.9) 30 (762) 5.19 (7.7) 44 (1118) 7.08 (10.5)
• Multiply calculated value by belt length 18 (457) 3.57 (5.3) 32 (813) 5.46 (8.1) 46 (1168) 7.35 (10.9)
for total belt weight
20 (508) 3.84 (5.7) 34 (864) 5.73 (8.5) 48 (1219) 7.62 (11.3)
22 (559) 4.11 (6.1) 36 (914) 6.00 (8.9)
Open Surface Area % for 24 (610) 4.38 (6.5) 38 (965) 6.27 (9.3)
¾" Small Radius Omni-Pro®
Mesh Straight 1.1 Turn Omni-Tough® Overlay Weight
none 74.4 75.9
16 ga. (1.6 mm) 16 ga. (1.6 mm) 17 ga. (1.4 mm) 17 ga. (1.4 mm)
18-12/16-16 60.1 63.3 Mesh Inside Mesh Outside Mesh Inside Mesh Outside Mesh
18-12/16-17 61.9 64.2 lb/ft² (kg/m²) lb/ft² (kg/m²) lb/ft² (kg/m²) lb/ft² (kg/m²)
24-12/16-16 55.6 58.3 12 0.44 (2.1) 0.57 (2.8) 0.38 (1.9) 0.43 (2.1)
24-12/16-17 58.0 60.6 18 0.63 (3.1) 0.84 (4.1) 0.48 (2.3) 0.63 (3.1)
30-12/16-16 51.1 54.1 24 0.83 (4.1) 1.00 (4.9) 0.62 (3.0) 0.84 (4.1)
30-12/16-17 54.1 56.9 30 1.03 (5.0) 1.27 (6.2) 0.77 (3.8) 0.94 (4.6)
36-12/16-16 46.6 49.8 36 1.23 (6.0) 1.51 (7.4) 0.92 (4.5) 1.12 (5.5)
36-12/16-17 50.2 53.2 42 1.43 (7.0) 1.77 (8.6) 1.07 (5.2) 1.31 (6.4)
42-12/16-16 42.1 45.6 48 1.63 (8.0) 2.02 (9.9) 1.22 (6.0) 1.66 (8.1)
42-12/16-17 46.3 49.5 60 2.03 (9.9) 2.44 (11.9) 1.53 (7.5) 2.07 (10.1)
48-12/16-16 37.6 41.3 Note: 14 and 18 gauge mesh is available for certain applications.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 29
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
1-Inch Pitch
uu Space Saver Omni-Grid®
Available Options
spiral Products
G for of L dth
y
rla
Sp s/ al av
O )
ge 8" ng
ve
ls ot
30 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Space Saver Omni-Grid®
HUB
DIAMETER WIDTH
spiral Products
of mesh overlay
• Multiply calculated value by belt length
for total belt weight
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 31
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
NOTES
spiral Products
32 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
spiral Products
Compare the rod exposure and 67% open Assembly and disassembly are quick and The Advantage™ 120 and 200 feature
area of Advantage™ 200 (left) to the all- easy, requiring only a screwdriver. unique fully slotted rod openings, allowing
plastic belt competition (right). for more open area and belt strength.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 33
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
Procedure
Each conveyor belt sample was clamped to the discharge of a 24" (609.6 mm) high by 18" (457.2 mm) wide
duct in both a fully expanded and a fully collapsed condition. The selected air flow volumes were 1,200 cfm,
1,650 cfm, and 2,100 cfm; typical air flows used in spiral freezers. The test method employed was ANSI/AMCA
210-99, ANSI/ASHRAE 51-1999, American National Standard “Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Rating.”
An orifice metering station was employed for measuring the air volume.
ETL measured the pressure drop across each belt in both an open and closed position at each of the three
air volumes for a total of six readings. The open and closed readings for each air volume were averaged to
simulate the position of a belt in a spiral with the inside edge being fully collapsed and the outside edge being
spiral Products
fully open.
Results
These readings represent the air pressure drop that would be measured as air flows through each tier of the
spiral. Results for 2" (51 mm) pitch belts are shown in Figure 1.
34 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
[Figure 1]
0.350
Sample E Sample E
0.300
Sample B
0.250
Inches of H2O
0.200
Sample B
0.150
Sample F
Sample C
0.100
spiral Products
Advantage 200
Sample F
0.050
0.000
1200 1650 2100
CFM
Sample C
The lower the air pressure drop, the more efficient the belt is since
more air is passing through it. More air flow results in greater air
contact with your product, lower dwell times, and increased pro-
duction. Less air resistance also increases your evaporator fans’
efficiency, resulting in lower electricity bills. ETL’s testing proved
that the Advantage™ 200 (depicted by the dark blue line at the
bottom of Figure 1) performs remarkably better than any of the
competitors’ all-plastic belts.
Ashworth’s Advantage™ 200
The difference in open area between
Ashworth’s Advantage™ 200 and the
competition is unquestionable.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 35
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
For smaller pitched belts, the results were even more dramatic. Ashworth’s Advantage™ 120 belt (depicted by
the dark blue line at the bottom of Figure 2) had 278% less pressure drop than its closest competitor and 401%
less than its worst performing competitor.
Results for belts with pitches of 1.2" to 1.5" (30.48 mm to 38.10 mm) are depicted in Figure 2.
[Figure 2]
0.5
Sample H
Sample H
0.45
0.4
Sample G
0.35
Inches of H2O
0.3
spiral Products
0.25
Sample G
0.2
0.15
Advantage 120
0.1
0.05
36 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
Summary
The results are clear. Ashworth’s Advantage™ belts are significantly superior in enabling greater air
flow. Advantage™ belts are designed with steel cross rods, rather than plastic cross rods. Steel rods
carry heavier loads than plastic, so the Advantage’s surface modules are less bulky than the all-plastic
modular belts. Less bulky modules increase the belt’s open area and, the greater the open area, the
greater the air flow through the belt. The resulting benefits are reduced dwell times, faster freezing,
higher throughput, and reduced energy consumption.
Note: A copy of the original Intertek ETL test report is available from Ashworth upon request. ETL’s original test data is summarized below.
spiral Products
Drop as Compared to N/A 85% 88% 330% 374%
Advantage™ 200 @ 2100 cfm
Note: Figures denoted in the white cells are ETL’s test readings for open and closed belt positions. Ashworth calculated the average of ETL’s test readings.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 37
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
1.2-Inch Pitch
uu Advantage™ 120
Available Options
Integrated Guard Edges Lane Dividers Friction Top (FDA Approved)
Optional integrated guard edges are molded Optional rod-anchored stainless steel Optional friction top modules are available
into the link and can be installed on one or lane dividers can be installed at customer for Advantage™ belts. Gray in color,
both belt edges. Available in 1/2" and 1" specified locations within the surface friction top modules are placed within the
(12.7 and 25.4 mm) heights. module section of the belt. Available in 1/2" surface module section of the belt.
and 1" (12.7 and 25.4 mm) heights.
38 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1.2-Inch Pitch Advantage™ 120
BORE MIN.
#6 16 6.05 (153.7) 5.38 (136.7) 0.75 (19.1) 3.00 (76.2)
#8 21 7.88 (200.2) 7.27 (184.7) 0.75 (19.1) 4.00 (101.6)
*Maximum bores provide adequate material thickness for standard keyway.
Specify special sizes to be used when necessary.
HUB
DIAMETER WIDTH
spiral Products
24 (610) 3.7 (5.5) 42 (1067) 6.4 (9.5) 60 (1524) 9.0 (13.4)
NSF Certification
The Advantage™ 120 is NSF Certified to NSF/3-A/ANSI 14159-3 hygiene
requirements for the design of mechanical belt conveyors used in meat and
poultry processing.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 39
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
2-Inch Pitch
uu Advantage™ 200
Available Options
Integrated Guard Edges Lane Dividers Friction Top (FDA Approved)
Optional integrated guard edges are molded Optional rod-anchored stainless steel Optional friction top modules are available
into the link and can be installed on one or lane dividers can be installed at customer for Advantage™ belts. Gray in color,
both belt edges. Available in 1/2" and 1" specified locations within the surface friction top modules are placed within the
(12.7 and 25.4 mm) heights. module section of the belt. Available in 1/2" surface module section of the belt.
and 1" (12.7 and 25.4 mm) heights.
40 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
2-Inch Pitch Advantage™ 200
HUB
DIAMETER WIDTH
spiral Products
26 (660) 3.6 (5.4) 44 (1118) 6.0 (8.9)
NSF Certification
The Advantage™ 200 is NSF Certified to NSF/3-A/ANSI 14159-3 hygiene
requirements for the design of mechanical belt conveyors used in meat and
poultry processing.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 41
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
NOTES
spiral Products
42 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
Ashworth Omni-Flex® belts are the original turn-curve conveyor belts and have been delivering reliable
performance since 1959. These flat wire belts are constructed with heavy duty, precision formed rod ends
for extended cage life and buttonheads for maximum strength and reduced wear. Unlike straight-running flat
wire belts, Omni-Flex® belts are constructed with slots instead of holes. The slotted design allows the belt to
collapse on either side, for both left-hand and right-hand turns.
spiral Products
Standard Bar Link Short Slotted Bar Link
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 43
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
1-Inch Pitch
uu Omni-Flex® E1 & E2
Available Options
Guard Edges Lane Dividers Fatigue Resistant Pickets (Patented)
Plates assembled onto belt
edges to prevent product Fatigue Resistant
Picket Side View
from falling off. Guard
edges serve to replace
Guard Edge
bar links on a one-to-one
basis. Available heights
(above the conveying surface) are: 0.50" Detachable Non-Detachable
(12.7 mm), 0.75" (19.1 mm), 1" (25.4 mm), Lane Divider Lane Divider
1.5" (38.1 mm), and 2" (50.8 mm). These special pickets, which are
Detachable or non-detachable plates manufactured with an outward facing
assembled into the belt’s surface to radius centered on the trailing face of the
locate product. Available heights (above picket, are designed to extend the service
the conveying surface) are: 0.50" (12.7 life of the belt by approximately 30%. This
mm), 0.75" (19.1 mm), 1" (25.4 mm), radius serves to lengthen the belt pitch
1.5" (38.1 mm), and 2" (50.8 mm). The in selected openings near the outside
maximum number of lane dividers = Belt edge of the belt. This causes the bar
Width / 9" (228.6 mm). links to bear the full load of the belt in a
turn, relieving stress on the picket, which
increases the belt’s service life.
44 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Omni-Flex® E1 & E2
Steel Sprockets
Pitch Hub
Bore Min. Bore Max.*
Nom. Size Teeth Diameter Diameter
OVERALL in. (mm) in. (mm)
DIAMETER in. (mm) in. (mm)
PITCH
DIAMETER #4 13 4.53 (115.1) 3.90 (99.1) 1.00 (25.4) 2.63 (66.8)
#6 18 6.24 (158.5) 5.65 (143.5) 1.00 (25.4) 3.50 (88.9)
#8 23 7.96 (202.2) 7.39 (187.7) 1.00 (25.4) 4.50 (114.3)
BORE MAX.
BORE MIN.
spiral Products
12 (305) 3.49 (5.2) 3.72 (5.5)
Open Surface Area % for
14 (356) 4.01 (6.0) 4.28 (6.4)
Omni-Flex® E2
16 (406) 4.52 (6.7) 4.84 (7.2)
Mesh Straight 2.0 Turn 18 (457) 5.04 (7.5) 5.39 (8.0)
½x1 64.0 52.0 20 (508) 5.56 (8.3) 5.95 (8.9)
22 (559) 6.07 (9.0) 6.51 (9.7)
24 (610) 6.59 (9.8) 7.07 (10.5)
26 (660) 7.11 (10.6) 7.63 (11.4)
28 (711) 7.62 (11.3) 8.19 (12.2)
30 (762) 8.14 (12.1) 8.74 (13.0)
32 (813) 8.66 (12.9) 9.30 (13.8)
34 (864) 9.17 (13.6) 9.86 (14.7)
36 (914) 9.69 (14.4) 10.42 (15.5)
38 (965) 10.21 (15.2) 10.98 (16.3)
40 (1016) 10.72 (16.0) 11.54 (17.2)
42 (1067) 11.24 (16.7) 12.09 (18.0)
44 (1118) 11.76 (17.5) 12.65 (18.8)
46 (1168) 12.27 (18.3) 13.21 (19.7)
48 (1219) 12.79 (19.0) 13.77 (20.5)
Note: Weights listed apply to standard construction Omni-Flex® with double bar links on both edges of
the belt. Consult Ashworth Engineering for weights of non-standard configured belts.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 45
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
1-Inch Pitch
uu Omni-Flex® E3
Available Options
46 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Omni-Flex® E3
Steel Sprockets
Overall Pitch Hub Hub
Nom. Bore Min. Bore Max.*
OVERALL Teeth Diameter Diameter Diameter Width
Size in. (mm) in. (mm)
DIAMETER PITCH in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm)
DIAMETER
#4 13 5.03 (127.8) 4.53 (115.1) 3.90 (99.1) 1.50 (38.1) 1.00 (25.4) 2.63 (66.8)
#6 18 6.65 (168.9) 6.24 (158.5) 5.65 (143.5) 1.50 (38.1) 1.00 (25.4) 3.50 (88.9)
BORE MAX. #8 23 8.39 (213.1) 7.96 (202.2) 7.39 (187.7) 1.50 (38.1) 1.00 (25.4) 4.50 (114.3)
BORE MIN. *Maximum bores provide adequate material thickness for standard keyway. Specify special sizes.
spiral Products
14 (356) 4.24 (6.3)
16 (406) 4.80 (7.1)
18 (457) 5.35 (8.0)
20 (508) 5.90 (8.8)
22 (559) 6.46 (9.6)
24 (610) 7.01 (10.4)
26 (660) 7.56 (11.3)
28 (711) 8.12 (12.1)
30 (762) 8.67 (12.9)
32 (813) 9.22 (13.7)
34 (864) 9.78 (14.6)
36 (914) 10.33 (15.4)
38 (965) 10.88 (16.2)
40 (1016) 11.44 (17.0)
42 (1067) 11.99 (17.8)
44 (1118) 12.54 (18.7)
46 (1168) 13.10 (19.5)
48 (1219) 13.65 (20.3)
Note: Weights listed apply to standard construction Omni-Flex® E3 with double bar links on both edges
of the belt. Consult Ashworth Engineering for weights of non-standard configured belts.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 47
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
1-Inch Pitch
uu Small Radius Omni-Flex® G1 & G3
Available Options
Bar Links on Inside Edge Lane Dividers Fatigue Resistant Pickets (Patented)
Fatigue Resistant
Picket Side View
48 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Small Radius Omni-Flex® G1 & G3
OVERALL
DIAMETER PITCH
DIAMETER
BORE MAX.
BORE MIN.
spiral Products
16 (406) 4.07 (6.1) 4.54 (6.8)
Open Surface Area % for 18 (457) 4.54 (6.8) 5.06 (7.5)
Omni-Flex® G3 20 (508) 5.01 (7.5) 5.59 (8.3)
22 (559) 5.47 (8.1) 6.11 (9.1)
Mesh Straight 1.0 Turn
24 (610) 5.94 (8.8) 6.64 (9.9)
½x1-½x1½ 62.6 63.5
26 (660) 6.41 (9.5) 7.16 (10.7)
28 (711) 6.87 (10.2) 7.69 (11.4)
30 (762) 7.34 (10.9) 8.21 (12.2)
32 (813) 7.81 (11.6) 8.74 (13.0)
34 (864) 8.27 (12.3) 9.26 (13.8)
36 (914) 8.74 (13.0) 9.79 (14.6)
38 (965) 9.21 (13.7) 10.31 (15.3)
40 (1016) 9.67 (14.4) 10.84 (16.1)
42 (1067) 10.14 (15.1) 11.36 (16.9)
44 (1118) 10.61 (15.8) 11.89 (17.7)
46 (1168) 11.07 (16.5) 12.41 (18.5)
48 (1219) 11.54 (17.2) 12.94 (19.3)
50 (1270) 12.01 (17.9) 13.46 (20.0)
52 (1321) 12.47 (18.6) 13.99 (20.8)
54 (1372) 12.94 (19.3) 14.51 (21.6)
Note: Weights listed apply to standard construction Small Radius Omni-Flex® with double bar links as-
sembled in the center of the belt and with no bar links along the edges. Consult Ashworth Engineering
for weights of non-standard configured belts.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 49
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
NOTES
spiral Products
50 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
ExactaStack™
Drop-in Replacement Belt for
Self Stacking Spirals
spiral Products
ExactaStack™ with the patented ExactaStack™ is shipped in the Rack & ExactaStack™ is available in all widths, tier
Advantage™ plastic module overlay Roll® crating system for easy installation. heights, and mesh configurations for either
sectional or complete replacement.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 51
Self-Stacking Spiral Belts
Available Options
Wire Mesh Overlays Special Wire Mesh Overlays
Typically, special mesh configurations can Open Surface Area %
spiral Products
Mesh is specified using the standard be made to match existing belts with non- for ExactaStack™
designation for existing systems, X-Y-Z, as standard mesh overlay. Please consult
shown below. Mesh Straight 1.7 turn
Ashworth engineering.
M6-1.6 57.2 47.5
X = Belt Width Y = Pitch Z = Wire Dia.
Special Plastic Overlay M9-1.6 65.9 58.2
Plastic mesh with nominal 13 mm (0.5”)
42 = 420 mm 6 mm 1.6 mm
openings is available. Maximum operat- M13-1.6 71.3 64.8
58 = 580 mm 9 mm 1.8 mm ing temperature is 180°F. Plastic mesh is M20-1.6 75.6 70.1
64 = 640 mm 13 mm not suitable for applications where caustic
76 = 760 mm 20 mm cleaners are used. Please consult Ash-
worth engineering.
52 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
ExactaStack™
spiral Products
150 mm 8.21 7.27 6.68 6.23 7.52
180 mm 8.79 7.85 7.26 6.81 8.10
220 mm 9.56 8.62 8.04 7.58 8.87
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 53
Self-Stacking Spiral Belts
uu ExactaStack™ WD
Available Options
Wire Mesh Overlays Special Wire Mesh Overlays
Typically, special mesh configurations can
Open Surface Area %
spiral Products
Mesh is specified using the standard be made to match existing belts with non- for ExactaStack™ WD
designation for existing systems, X-Y-Z, as standard mesh overlay. Please consult Mesh Straight 1.7 turn
shown below. Ashworth engineering
M6-1.6 50.4 39.1
M9-1.6 59.2 49.9
X = Belt Width Y = Pitch Z = Wire Dia.
M13-1.6 64.5 56.4
76 = 760 mm 6 mm 1.6 mm
92 = 920 mm 9 mm 1.8 mm M20-1.6 68.8 61.7
106 = 1060 mm 13 mm
20 mm
54 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
ExactaStack™ WD
spiral Products
220 mm 17.41 18.82 15.63 16.57 14.57 15.23 13.75 14.19
Note: Multiply lb/ft x 1.49 to convert to kg/m
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 55
Self-Stacking Spiral Belts
NOTES
spiral Products
56 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
Mesh Diagrams–Omni-Pro®
Omni-Pro ® 075 with B36-16-17 Mesh Omni-Pro ® 075 with B60-16-16 Mesh
mesh diagrams
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 57
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
Mesh Diagrams–Omni-Pro®
Omni-Pro ® 100 with B24-12-16 Mesh Omni-Pro ® 100 with B30-12-17 Mesh
MESH DIAGRAMS
Omni-Pro ® 100 with B36-12-16 Mesh Omni-Pro ® 100 with B48-12-17 Mesh
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Mesh Diagrams–Omni-Pro®
Omni-Pro ® 100 with B72-12-17 Mesh Omni-Pro ® 100 with U54-12-16 Mesh
Available on select widths. Contact Customer Service for further information.
mesh diagrams
Omni-Pro ® 120 with B36-10-16 Mesh Omni-Pro ® 120 with U42-10-16 Mesh
Available on select widths. Contact Customer Service for further information.
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Mesh Diagrams–Omni-Pro®
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mesh diagrams
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Mesh Diagrams–Omni-Flex®
Omni-Flex ® E1 Omni-Flex ® E2
MESH DIAGRAMS
Omni-Flex ® E3
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mesh diagrams
Advantage™ 200
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Concepts of Lotension
Lotension Engineering
Invented By Ashworth
Food manufacturers have increasingly turned to lotension spiral technology as a means of achieving produc-
tion efficiencies in cooking, proofing, cooling, and freezing of their products. Spiral systems offer significant
advantages such as a smaller footprint and increased production capacity. Due to the low tension nature of
the systems, they reduce wear on the belts and other conveyor system components, typically reducing down-
time and replacement costs.
Cage/Drum
Auxiliary Drive
Take-up
Tier
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Overdrive
As indicated, the belt is driven through the system by virtue of it being tightly held against the side of the cage
or drum. The tighter the belt is against the drum the more effective the cage is in driving the belt through the
spiral, until the point of maximum effectiveness is reached (without creating unnecessarily high tension levels
within the system). At this point, a small amount of slip, also known as overdrive, exists between the cage and
the conveyor belt. The belt is moving effectively at this speed, so it is unnecessary to increase the amount of
force on the belt (via the auxiliary drive). The relationship between the speed of the belt and the speed of the
cage can be measured in terms of the slip between the surfaces. Without slip, there is no overdrive and the
amount of belt tension can reach high, unsatisfactory levels. This can cause damage to the belt and/or cage
which may lead to system failure.
The amount of overdrive in a lotension spiral system is quantified and controlled. The intent is to set the
amount of slip relative to the desired belt speed, in order to obtain the least amount of force needed to move
the belt. Since the belt is being driven both horizontally and vertically around the cage, overdrive must be
adjusted to compensate for the amount of required vertical movement. For this reason, the amount of slip or
overdrive is measured in terms of vertical movement per revolution or tier pitch. In most lotension systems, a
minimum of 2–4 tiers of overdrive are observed.
Lotension spiral systems are designed to have slip or overdrive built into the system’s operation, so it is
common to have the cage or drum start up before the auxiliary drive. This keeps system tension as low as
possible. When the auxiliary drive starts, the belt is pulled tight around the cage and the conveyor belt starts
to move. Because all belting materials contract in reaction to cold temperatures, this must be accounted for in
design of the system. Multiple safety devices are used in a spiral system, including belt take-up mechanisms
with proximity switches that signal abnormal changes in belt length and tension.
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The following points are basic engineering considerations to keep in mind when designing and/or operating a
lotension spiral system.
Flip-up Detectors
Electrical or mechanical switches are recommended on every tier of an up cage or every other tier of a down
cage and positioned to detect a change in belt position. When Advantage™ belts are specified, it is important
to ensure the detectors are compatible with plastic belts.
Take-up
In a straight run or fixed turn setup, an unsupported loop of belt (catenary sag) following the drive sprockets is
a satisfactory take-up solution. In a spiral system, the following guidelines apply:
Stainless Steel Belts:
A rule of thumb is that the take-up should be able to accommodate 1.0% of the total belt length. This value is
dependent on the temperature differences in the spiral.
Advantage™ Belts:
A double loop take-up with free hanging weight is recommended as plastic belts can require twice as much
take-up travel as all-metal belts. Accordingly, the rule of thumb for Advantage™ belts is that the take-up
should be able to accommodate 2.5% of the total belt length. As with steel belts, the actual value is depen-
dent on the temperature differences in the spiral.
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Lubrication
For information on lubricating spiral belting, reference the section, “Cleaning & Lubricating.”
Ground Strap
Belts operating on plastic wear strips will generate and hold a mild static electrical charge. This is particularly
true for plastic belts. To prevent electrical shock, a grounding device should be installed in the return path.
Overdrive
For information on overdrive requirements, please reference the section, “Measuring Overdrive.”
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Note: This is only a guideline; it does not take into account the influence of speed. At speeds above 75 ft/min. (23 m/min), Ashworth recommends increasing
the distance A and shortening the wear strips as much as one belt pitch in length.
Pitch Diameter
[Figure 5]
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Lotension DESIGN
DATA SHEETS
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Lotension DESIGN
DATA SHEETS
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Lotension DESIGN
DATA SHEETS
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As illustrated in the table, the different measurement techniques yield large differences in the results. Maxi-
mum Belt Pull methodology results in tension ratings that are up to 2.5 times the result obtained using Maxi-
mum Allowable Tension. Don’t be fooled by some manufacturers’ rating methodology—make sure you are
comparing apples-to-apples when it comes to tension ratings.
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Maximum Allowable Tension Testing and Number of Test Cycles
Are published test ratings from one manufacturer to another directly comparable? Unfortunately, the answer
to this question is no.
First of all, one must be sure the test methodology is comparable, as there is no recognized standard test rat-
ing methodology for either modular plastic or steel conveyor belts for maximum allowable tension. Ashworth
tests its turn-curve conveyor belts on a 90° turn test conveyor where tension ratings are carefully monitored
over the course of the test. A test belt is run for several weeks (more on test cycles below) and inspected on
a regular basis to detect problems with links, rods, modules, sprockets, and any other critical components that
have the potential to cause the belt to fail. Over the many years that Ashworth has been producing conveyor
belts, we have found this test methodology accurate in determining our belts’ maximum allowable tension and
their potential service life in cycles.
Even in cases where the test method is judged to be comparable, a critical issue is how many test cycles are
used in rating the belt. This is important because the majority of belt failures are caused by fatigue, and fa-
tigue is both a function of the stress (i.e., the amount of tension placed on the belt) and the length of time the
belt was subjected to that stress (i.e., the number of fatigue cycles).
The bottom line is that a belt that is rated at 50,000 cycles will have a higher maximum allowable tension
rating than the same belt rated at 100,000 cycles. It is also important to note that, because of the way most
conveyor belts wear, the relationship between maximum allowable tension ratings and fatigue cycles is not
linear, so one cannot assume that a belt rated at 50,000 cycles will have twice the maximum allowable tension
rating as a belt rated at 100,000 cycles.
Unless stated otherwise, all Ashworth maximum allowable tension ratings are published at 100,000 cycles. In
contrast, some of Ashworth competitors quote and/or publish tension ratings at 50,000 cycles. The only way
to make apples-to-apples comparison between different competitors’ tension ratings is to make sure the basic
tests are comparable, and that the tension ratings are specified at the same number of cycles. For more
information on Ashworth’s test methodology, please contact Ashworth.
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NOTES
Lotension Engineering
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Lotension:
Spiral Belt Selection
& Engineering Calculations
Lotension Engineering
The following are basic engineering formulas used in the design of lotension spiral systems.
Contact Ashworth engineering should you require further explanation or assistance.
Belt Selection
Ashworth lotension spiral conveyor belts are available in a wide variety of materials and designs with many
available options. In selecting the belt that is optimal for your application, accurate information and care-
ful consideration of your system’s operating characteristics, the environmental conditions, and your product
specifications are essential.
Use of the "Selection Guide for Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts”, combined with some basic engineering calcula-
tions, will help you select the belt that is right for your particular system. Specific factors to evaluate include:
• Overall dimensions of the installed belt
• Overall dimensions of your spiral equipment and its in-feed and out-feed characteristics
• Characteristics of the product being conveyed including its size, shape, and weight
• Process change in the product during conveyance: cooling, freezing, proofing, and cooking
• Product transfer requirements
• Required levels of cleanliness and sanitation
• Characteristics of the operating environment; temperature, humidity, cleaning methods, and solutions
Turn Ratio
All spiral and turn-curve belts are designed to negotiate curves; however, some are designed to negotiate
tighter turns than others. The turn ratio of the belt designates how tightly the belt will negotiate a turn. The
lower the turn ratio, the tighter the belt will turn. To calculate a belt’s required Turn Ratio (TR), measure and
record the Inside Radius (IR) of the spiral cage and divide this number by the required Belt Width (BW). The
required turn ratio can, therefore, be expressed as:
If the turn ratio of the system does not exactly match one of the available belt ratios, specify the next smaller
belt turn ratio. (Example: If the system turn ratio is 2.1, specify a belt turn ratio of 1.9 rather than 2.2.) In
general, a belt with a given turn ratio will work on a system with a larger turn ratio, but not on a system with a
smaller turn ratio. However, take care not to select a belt with a turn ratio substantially less than the required
system turn ratio. This may cause the belt to vibrate or “chatter” where the inside edge of the belt contacts
the drum. As a rule of thumb, the belt’s turn ratio should be no less than 0.3 of the system’s turn ratio.
[Figure 6]
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Calculation:
Note: Convert all units to feet (ft) and pounds (lb.) or meters (m) and kilograms (kg).
• Calculate the system radius (R) by measuring the inside turn radius and adding the belt width. For small
radius belts, measure from the inside radius to the center link.
• Calculate the weight of the belt (WB). Information on how to calculate WB is contained in the appropriate
product sections of this catalog.
• Determine the weight of product (WL) that will be loaded on one foot (or meter) of belt length. Product loading
information is presented in the following sections.
• Determine the friction coefficient (fr) between the belt and support rails (see Figure 8 on the next page).
• Determine the friction coefficient (fc) between the belt and cage bars (see Figure 8 on the next page).
• Substitute the values into the equation and calculate.
Note: Radius Weight is recommended not to exceed the maximum turn-curve/spiral tension rating provided in the appropriate product specification sections
of this catalog.
Example:
Assuming a radius to the tension link of 10 ft (3.05 m), and a combined weight of the belt plus load equal to
10 lb/ft (14.9 kg/m), with the rail and cage friction both at 0.2, we have:
RW = R x W x (fr / fc)
= 10 x 10 x (0.20 /0.20)
= 100 lb.
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Friction Coefficients (Used in Radius Weight Calculations)
[Figure 7]
Where:
AS = Allowable Spacing 30" (762 mm)
IR = Inside Turn Radius
BW = Belt Width
Sample Spacing Calculation:
IR = Inside Turn Radius = 66" (1676 mm)
BW = Belt Width = 30" (762 mm)
Tension Link Radius
R = 66.0"
= IR + BW (R1676.4 mm)
= 66" (1676 mm) + 30" (762 mm)
= 96" (2438 mm)
Allowable Spacing
= 96" / 66" (2438 mm / 1676 mm)
10"
= 1.46 (254 mm)
Allowable spacing is, therefore, one product length per
1.46 lengths of belt. In other words, 46% of the product
length must be left between products in straight runs to
prevent products from touching in a turn. 4.6"
(116.8 mm)
[Figure 8]
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Tips to Reduce Belt Tension and Wear
• Clean product debris from the support rails.
• Clean ice and product debris from the belt, sprockets, and idlers.
• Monitor the effect of temperature on the coefficient of friction between the supports and the belt. Some prod-
ucts may leave a slick residue at room temperature that can become viscous or sticky as the temperature
decreases. At freezing temperatures, the debris may become slick again or leave a rough surface, depend-
ing upon its consistency.
• Lubricate the outside support rails to reduce friction between the belt and rails. See the “Cleaning & Lubricat-
ing” section for more information.
• Make sure all idler sprockets are free-turning and that shaft bearings are properly lubricated.
• Clean lubricants off the belt’s inside edge to increase driving friction (spiral systems only).
• Replace worn wear strips on supports and on the inside edge of turns.
• Align sprockets properly and insure that they do not migrate on the shaft.
• Most importantly, do not overload the belt beyond its specified rating.
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NOTES
Lotension Engineering
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Preparation
Before installing a new spiral belt, the wear strips should Cage/Drum
be examined for excessive deterioration. These are located
on the belt support rails and usually made from Ultra High
Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). They should
Auxiliary
be clean, smooth, and free from embedded debris. Worn or
Drive
contaminated wear strips should be replaced. Wear strips
should also be examined to see that they are firmly seated Take-up
on the rails and that their leading ends are firmly attached
to the leading ends of the rails. The leading edge of all rails Tier
should be relieved or bent down to prevent catching of the
belt as it comes onto the rails.
UHMWPE cage bar caps on the spiral cage should also
be inspected. If the cage bar caps are heavily grooved or
worn, they should be replaced. Make sure they are firmly Tier Pitch = Change in elevation over one revolution
attached to the cage bars. They should be clean and free
from grease or oils that could reduce the driving friction of the drum. The cage bar caps should also have
rounded or beveled edges where they meet the belt. This prevents the belt edge from catching on the corner
of a cage bar cap and temporarily eliminating all overdrive.
An Advantage™ belt may be installed on cage bar systems with or without cage bar caps. Bare, stainless
steel cage bars will typically increase the driving force against an Advantage™ belt’s inside edge. Take care
to eliminate any sharp corners or rough surfaces that might gouge or prematurely wear the belt. The cage bar
surface finish should be smooth to the touch.
An Advantage™ belt can similarly be installed directly on steel support rails, without UHMWPE wear strips.
When implementing this alternative, the spiral operator should insure that support rails are smooth and sharp
corners eliminated. The spiral operator should also be aware that the friction coefficient for steel is higher
than for UHMWPE, so total belt tension (radius weight) increases with this installation alternative. See the
“Spiral Belt Selection & Engineering Calculations” section for more information on friction coefficients and
radius weight calculations.
Next, check motor rotation in new systems and make sure the proper number of sprockets are on the take-up
drive shaft. A short piece of belting can be used as a template to properly space these sprockets on the shaft
(refer to belt assembly instructions for proper locations). This is also a good time to clean all construction and
repair debris from the system enclosure. This will help prevent the possibility of the belt dragging metal filings
and other sharp debris into the system during installation.
Finally, take a few minutes to plan the actual installation. Determine placement of the rolls of new belt, where
you will feed them into the system, and how you will gather up the old belt (if you are removing it at the same
time). Each spiral system is unique, so no standard plan will suffice; however, some general installation
guidelines are provided in the next section.
Conveyor belting can be heavy and awkward to handle, elevating safety concerns during its installation.
Safety is, therefore, the number one priority during installation of a new belt, so it is important to make sure
all safety procedures are observed, including proper lockout and tagout procedures. Special care should be
taken to know where everyone is prior to starting any machine.
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Direction Direction
of Travel of Travel
Direction Direction
of Travel of Travel
[Figure 12] [Figure 13]
* Includes Advantage™
120 & Advantage™ 200
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New belts are most often installed by pulling the belt onto the support rails at the system in-feed. Once the
belt is wrapped around the cage several times, the system can be energized and the drum used to help pull
the belt through the system, providing the belt is held tightly against it. This can be accomplished by fasten-
ing a section of rope to the leading inside edge of the belt and pulling it tightly against the drum. Additionally,
the take-up drive can sometimes be used to unwind the heavy rolls of new belt so they can be more easily fed
into the system. The ability to utilize the take-up drive will be determined by the system layout and space for
the rolls of new belt.
As the end of a belt roll approaches the feed-in point, the system is de-energized so the next new roll of belt
may be spliced onto the succeeding roll (for splicing instructions, see the appropriate Technical Bulletin on
belt assembly). Because the belt will continue running through the system for several feet after the system
is stopped, it is advisable to know how much the drive will coast after the power is turned off. Otherwise, the
end of the belt could run too far and delay installation.
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After Installation
Once the new belt is installed, there are several items that should be examined before the belt is cleaned and
used for production. First, check the system carefully for catch points, especially along the outside edge of
the belt. The in-feed and outrun are particularly vulnerable, as the belt will typically swing wide in these areas.
Also check any flanges on enclosure doors for the potential to catch on the belt when the doors are closed.
While inspecting the system, make sure that the flip-up detectors or product height detectors are not going
to impinge on the belt. If there are any hold-down rails on the system, be sure there is 1/4" to 3/8" clearance
between the belt and the rails. Next, check the location of the drive and idler sprockets. Be sure that they are
centered in the belt or link opening and are locked down to the shaft. Any filler rolls should also be checked to
ensure they are set in place and are the proper size to work with the sprockets.
After the system has been thoroughly checked for proper clearances, it should be energized to confirm it is run-
ning correctly. Start the system out at slow speed and continue to monitor the sprocket placement. Listen and
observe for any indication of belt impingement on the framework or other parts of the system. Note the position
of the take-up drive at start-up and watch whether it rises or falls as the system operates. A take-up roll that
rises indicates reduction of belt tension. A take-up roll that falls indicates that belt tension is rising. The posi-
tion of the take-up should quickly stabilize to a mid-position. Once the system has operated for a few complete
turns, check the overdrive by following the procedure outlined in the Ashworth Technical Bulletin on this subject.
Adjust the overdrive, if necessary, to achieve the lowest possible belt tension with the belt operating smoothly.
If possible, the system should be operated for up to 200 hours before final cleaning and product loading. This is
particularly important for new systems utilizing a steel belt, as this will help the belt components polish each other
and reduce the chances of excessive internal wear. See the “Cleaning & Lubricating” section for further informa-
tion.
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1.27
1.26
1.38
1.19 0.38
0.38
2.00 1.75
1.75
0.25
0.07 0.38 1.32
0.13
1.44 1.38
0.06
0.75
2.27 2.27
1.75
0.13 0.13
0.13
1.38 1.77 1.77
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1.56 1.82
1.97
0.63 0.89
0.05
0.64 0.64 0.54
0.28 0.95
0.29
1.82 1.97
1.30 0.89
0.23 0.05
0.54
0.65 0.64 0.95
0.25
2.31
1.97 1.73
2.06
0.10 0.10 0.013
0.42 0.51
0.22
1.72
2.20
1.00
0.13
0.57
0.38
LSA0023 LSA0031
(FITS SHEET METAL CAGE) (FITS SHEET METAL CAGE)
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Measuring Overdrive
Lotension Engineering
Positive overdrive must exist for lotension spiral systems to operate properly. Overdrive is defined as the
amount of slippage between the belt and the drum or cage. This means that the drum surface must move
faster than the inside edge of the belt. If it doesn’t or if the drum surface is moving slower than the belt, high
tension develops within the system, likely resulting in belt damage or failure.
Distance of
Overdrive
@ Inside
Cage Marker
Belt Direction
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Overdrive can also be measured at the outside of the edge of the belt, but this distance must be multiplied by
the ratio of the inside radius divided by the outside radius. The following formula is used:
Where:
TO = Tiers of Overdrive
MDO = Measured Distance of Outside object
TP = Tier Pitch
IR = Inside Radius
BW = Belt Width
OR = Outside Radius, which equates to the Inside Radius plus the Belt Width
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Measuring Overdrive
Lotension Engineering
Setting Overdrive
Steel Belts:
• Allow a minimum of 2 to 4 tier pitches of overdrive in systems where a steel belt edge contacts a plastic
cage surface.
• Allow a minimum of 1 to 2 tier pitches of overdrive in systems where a steel belt edge contacts a steel
cage surface.
Advantage™ Belts:
• Allow a minimum of 3 to 5 tier pitches of overdrive in systems equipped with UHMWPE-capped cage bars.
• Allow a minimum of 2 to 4 tier pitches of overdrive in systems equipped with stainless steel cage bars or a
stainless steel drum.
These minimums are Ashworth’s recommended values. However, since every system is unique, the over-
drive value may need to exceed recommended minimums and may be as high as equal to one full belt width.
If the belt continually jerks or surges during operation, reduce the overdrive setting until the belt surge stops.
As a rule of thumb, correct tension on the belt is achieved when it is possible to pull the belt an inch from the
cage with moderate hand force. Make a note of the motor current and take-up roll location for future reference.
Experience and testing has proven these ranges appropriate for producing the lowest possible belt tensions.
An approximation of belt tension can be calculated by applying a formula that uses the radius of the system
and the unit weight of the belt. This is referred to as radius weight and is discussed in the “Spiral Belt Selec-
tion & Engineering Calculations”.
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Ashworth Conveyor Belts are to be cleaned and sanitized using the following 7-Step Process.
Step 1: Dry Wipedown
Clean the conveyor belt and related equipment by removing large pieces of soil and food from the belt’s
surfaces. Also make sure compacted debris is removed from the sprockets, idler wheels and support rails
(heretofore referred to as the belt’s support system).
When cleaning the conveyor belt, work in a top-down, inside-edge-of-belt to outside-edge-of-belt pattern.
All subsequent cleaning and sanitizing steps of this procedure are to be completed using this same pattern.
Step 2: Pre-Rinse
Pre-rinse the belt and support system with hot water heated to a temperature of 125°–130°F (52–54°C) and
at a pressure of 150–300 psi (10–20 bar). Care is to be taken that floor drains are kept clear of debris to avoid
pooling of water.
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caustic solutions not be left on the belt or used in any stronger concentrations than necessary to meet lo-
cal regulations. Use of these products must strictly follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Of special concern is the use of caustic or harsh chemicals on plastic belts, support rails, and cage bar
caps. These chemicals can soften plastic materials which can lead to damage or failure of the belt and
other components. Food processors should likewise be aware that chlorine-based cleaning products can
also affect stainless steel and rubber components that are common to food processing equipment.
3. Conveyors and equipment that operate Ashworth conveyor belts can be large and often have exposed
moving parts. When working around operating conveying equipment, workers must be aware of possible
safety hazards and work within their company’s safety guidelines to prevent personal injury.
4. It is sound practice to alternate appropriate sanitizers to prevent development of bacteria resistance to
any one sanitizing agent and to prevent overgrowth by certain bacteria strains.
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Advantage™ Belts:
A run-in period is not normally required for Advantage™ belts. However, a thorough cleaning is recommend-
ed prior to beginning production.
The following measures will aid in the removal of any debris that is created during run-in:
• Install strong bar magnets at the terminal rolls or at the take-up. The addition of an air knife will assist in blow-
ing the debris off the belt and onto the magnets.
• Ensure the belt is electrically grounded. The belt will carry a small static electrical charge generated from the
friction between the belt and wear strips. This is particularly true for Advantage™ belts. If this charge is not
dissipated, it will tend to hold the debris to the belt surface.
• Periodically wash the walls, floor and ceiling and other surrounding equipment to help eliminate the possibility
of air born contamination of the belt and associated surfaces.
• Periodically measure and adjust belt tension to specified levels. Excess tension accelerates belt wear and
increases the amount of contaminants on the belt and support rails, increasing friction. System tension may
be reduced by increasing overdrive or by cleaning and lubricating the support rails (never lubricate the cage
or the inside edge of the belt).
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High Tension
High tension occurs when the coefficient of friction between belt and support rails is higher than coefficient of
friction between belt and cage. The estimated system tension is also called the “Radius Weight” of the system.
Example:
Assuming a radius to the tension link of 10 ft (3.05 m), and a combined weight of the belt plus load equal
to 10 lb/ft (14.9 kg/m), with the rail and cage friction both at 0.2, the radius weight or tension equals 100 lb.
(445 Newton’s).
The table below indicates changes in tension when coefficients of friction are altered.
RAILS CAGE fr fc fr/fc RW
Normal Normal 0.2 0.2 1.0 100 (445 N)
Dirty Normal 0.3 0.2 1.5 150 (667 N)
Normal Oily 0.2 0.1 2.0 200 (890 N)
Dirty Oily 0.3 0.1 3.0 300 (1334 N)
Oily Oily 0.1 0.1 1.0 100 (445 N)
Oily Normal 0.1 0.2 0.5 50 (222 N)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Overdrive (Tier Pitches)
[Figure 15]
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Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
Lotension Engineering
estimation of the overdrive can be made. If the wear marks on the cage bar wear strips are nearly vertical,
the system has been operating with little or no overdrive, indicating high tension within the system. The marks
are made when the same buttonhead remains on the same cage bar for a long period of time as it rises up or
drops down the cage surface.
Wear marks that are 30°–45° to horizontal will indicate an overdrive in the range of 2 to 4 tier heights. In this
case, the system is operating with the proper amount of tension.
Finally, nearly horizontal wear marks
indicate a very high amount of over-
drive. High overdrive is indicative of low
tension in the system and is not harm-
ful to the belt, even if it causes some
surging. If this is not objectionable to
the application, the overdrive should
not be re-adjusted.
Figure 16 illustrates these markings.
[Figure 16]
94 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
Lotension Engineering
Jerky Operation
Jerky operation can be caused by a number of potential problems, including:
• Surging caused by high overdrive • Chordal action on the small sprocket at the
• Rod ends protruding in and hanging up on cage bars cage drive
• Stick-slip frictions caused by dirty or otherwise high • Drive motor surging or pulsing
friction wear surfaces
Dirty Systems
Process dirt and belt wear debris may contaminate product and reduce the useful life of the belt if the user
does not practice proper cleaning. Cleaning practices and schedules are application specific. Reference
Technical Bulletin TB-TC-002 for detailed discussion and recommendations.
Tenting
Tenting is a symptom of too high tension
within a lotension system. The solution Designated Path
is to reduce tension and/or to add hold
down brackets.
Swing Wide
It is normal for a spiral belt to “swing wide”
(Figure 17) as it exits the spiral cage, fol-
lowing a path that is offset but parallel to
the normal tangent line to the cage. Ide-
ally, the spiral and its out-feed should be Actual
Swing Wide Path
designed to incorporate this effect. How-
ever, if the spiral design does not allow for
the natural tendency of the belt to swing [Figure 17]
wide, the belt edge may come in contact with the spiral framework. In this case, the usual reaction of the spiral
operator is to restrict the path of the belt from swinging wide, typically by use of rollers or shoe guides. This is
not recommended as restraining the belt can have several adverse effects on its service life:
• The belt can wear through a shoe guide, allowing the edge to snag. This will eventually cause an increase in
belt tension and damage the belt edge.
• Outside edge restraints can push individual rods inward. The rods can be held in this inward position by belt
tension. There is then a potential for the projecting rods to catch on the vertical cage bar capping, causing
damage to the belt, damage to the cage bar capping, and high belt tension.
• If the belt is pushed into a straight tangent path, the tension carried in the outside edge of the belt is shifted
to the inside edge of the belt, resulting in a pronounced tendency for one edge of the belt to lead the other.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 95
Lotension Spiral & Turn-Curve Belts
NOTES
Lotension Engineering
96 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 97
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
Selection Guide:
Straight Running Belts
1 2 3 4 5 1
A ) A ) A ) A ) A ) B )
W ty W ty W ty W ty W t y W ty
–F Du –F Du –F Du –F Du –F Du –F Du
ire rd ire rd ire rd ire rd ire rd ire rd
W a W a W a W a W a W a
at nd at nd at nd at nd at nd at nd
Fl Sta Fl Sta Fl Sta Fl Sta Fl Sta Fl Sta
( ( ( ( ( (
Specifications Units
Material(s) Stainless Steel, Carbon & Galvanized Steels, High Temperature Alloys
4.50 - 208 4.50 - 204 3.50 - 208 4.50 - 208
Width Limits 3.50 - 204 (90 - 5182)
(114 - 5283) (114 - 5182) (90 - 5283) (114 - 5283)
in.
Pitch 1.07 (27.2) 0.54 (13.77) 1.07 (27.2)
(mm)
Formed Pickets Formed Pickets Formed Pickets Formed Pickets
Mesh Type
1 x 1 (25.4 x 25.4) 0.5 x 1 (12.7 x 25.4) 0.5 x 0.5 (12.7 x 12.7) 1 x 1 (25.4 x 25.4)
lb/ft
Maximum Tension 350 (522) 500 (745) 420 (626)
kg/m
Open Area % 78 77 77 65 77
Industrial Washers u u
Large Product Transfer
Lehr Oven Belt
Oven/Baking Belt u u u u u u
Package Accumulation u u u u u u
Package Conveyance
Pasteurizing Applications u u u u u u
Product Washing u u u u u u
Quench Tanks u u u u u u
Rubber Parts Handling u
Small Product Transfer u u u u
Veneer and Wood Drying
Washers and Degreasers u u u u u
98 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
Selection Guide:
Straight Running Belts
)
)
)
ty
ty
ty
d 5
ty
Du 1
d 4
d 2
Du 2
d 3
Du
ar B
vy WC
Du
ar B
Du
ar B
vy WC
Du
ar B
)
ty
nd W
ty
nd W
nd W
nd W
ta –F
ea –F
ta –F
ta –F
ea –F
ta –F
W at
W at
W at
W lat
W lat
W lat
(S ire
(H ire
(S re
(S ire
(H re
(S ire
Fl
Fl
Fl
F
F
i
Specifications Units
Material(s) Stainless Steel, Carbon & Galvanized Steels, High Temperature Alloys
3.50 - 204 3.50 - 208
Width Limits 3.50 - 204 (90 - 5182) 4 - 204 (101.6 - 5182)
(90 - 5182) (90 - 5283)
Pitch in. (mm) 1.07 (27.2) 0.54 (13.77) 1.08 (27.53) 1.08 (27.53)
Formed Pickets Formed Pickets Formed Pickets Formed Pickets Formed Pickets Formed Pickets
Mesh Type
1 x 1 (25.4 x 25.4) 0.5 x 1 (12.7 x 25.4) 0.5 x 1 (12.7 x 25.4) 0.5 x 0.5 (12.7 x 12.7) 1 x 1 (25.4 x 25.4) 0.5 x 1 (12.7 x 25.4)
Maximum lb/ft
350 (522) 600 (895) 1350 (2013) 1750 (2609)
Tension kg/m
Open Area % 77 76 76 64 68 62
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 99
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
Selection Guide:
Straight Running Belts
ge e
Ed riv
sfe 3
r)
an H
ain e D
Tr W
ink
c
Z F
Ch sitiv
tra
(E ire–
W lat
eL
ea
F
Ey
Po
Cl
Specifications Units
Material(s) Stainless Steel, Carbon & Galvanized Steels, High Temperature Alloys
4.80 - 178 1.5 - 168 2 - 236
Width Limits Application Specific
(121.8 - 4521) (38 - 4267) (50 - 6000)
in. (mm)
Mesh Chain 1.18 (30), 1.97 (50), 2 (50.8),
Pitch 1.08 (27.53)
Dependent Dependent 2.95 (75)
Unilateral, Balanced,
Formed Pickets
Mesh Type Balanced Weave Conventional or Eye-link and Cross wire
0.5 x 1 (12.7 x 25.4)
Compound Balanced Weave
Fryer Belt u u
General Conveyance u u u
Incline Conveyors u
Industrial Dryers u
Industrial Washers u
Lehr Oven Belt
Oven/Baking Belt u u
Package Accumulation u u u
Package Conveyance u
Pasteurizing Applications u
Product Washing
Quench Tanks
Rubber Parts Handling u u
Small Product Transfer u u
Veneer and Wood Drying u
Washers and Degreasers u
100 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
NOTES
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 101
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
1-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWA1
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The formed
to prevent undesirable marking. They can angle lift uses a flight clip to fasten it to the
also be used to keep the product from belt. The flat bar lift is welded to the belt.
sliding on inclines or declines.
Limits for Use:
Limits for Use: • Maximum Lift Width:
• Maximum height above belt surface Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
is 0.38" (9.5 mm) • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
up can pass through the return path than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
• Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift
can pass through the return path
102 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWA1
strAIght Products
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 103
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
1-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWA2
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The formed
to prevent undesirable marking. They can angle lift uses a flight clip to fasten it to the
also be used to keep the product from belt. The flat bar lift is welded to the belt.
sliding on inclines or declines.
Limits for Use:
Limits for Use: • Maximum Lift Width:
• Maximum height above belt surface Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
is 0.38" (9.5 mm) • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
up can pass through the return path than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
• Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
104 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWA2
#10 31 5.5 (2.49) 10.72 (272.3) 10.16 (258.1) 1.00 (25.4) 7.13 (181.1)
#12 37 8 (3.63) 12.68 (322.1) 12.22 (310.4) 1.00 (25.4) 8.84 (224.5)
UHMWPE material type components have a 150º F (66º C) maximum operating temperature.
13 through 31 tooth sprockets must have tooth height reduced to 3/8” (9.5 mm) for use with standard weight belts.
*Maximum bore size listed for UHMWPE material is based on 1/2” (12.7) of material above keyway.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 105
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
1-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWA3
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts Beveled Edges
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from Beveling the edge of the flat wire pickets
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The formed facilitates product transfer by eliminating or
to prevent undesirable marking. They can angle lift uses a flight clip to fasten it to the reducing tippage of sharp edge cans or bottles.
also be used to keep the product from belt. The flat bar lift is welded to the belt. This option offers advantages on all transfer
sliding on inclines or declines. operations where the terminal roll or sprocket
Limits for Use: diameter is smaller than 10" (254 mm).
Limits for Use: • Maximum Lift Width:
• Maximum height above belt surface Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
is 0.38" (9.5 mm) • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
up can pass through the return path than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
• Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift Beveled edge on top surface only
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
106 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWA3
strAIght Products
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 107
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
1-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWA4
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts Beveled Edges
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from Beveling the edge of the flat wire pickets
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The formed facilitates product transfer by eliminating or
to prevent undesirable marking. They can angle lift uses a flight clip to fasten it to the reducing tippage of sharp edge cans or bottles.
also be used to keep the product from belt. The flat bar lift is welded to the belt. This option offers advantages on all transfer
sliding on inclines or declines. operations where the terminal roll or sprocket
Limits for Use: diameter is smaller than 10" (254 mm).
Limits for Use: • Maximum Lift Width:
• Maximum height above belt surface Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
is 0.38" (9.5 mm) • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
up can pass through the return path than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
• Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift Beveled edge on top surface only
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
108 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWA4
strAIght Products
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 109
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
½-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWA5
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The flat bar
to prevent undesirable marking. They can lift is welded to the belt.
also be used to keep the product from
sliding on inclines or declines. Limits for Use:
• Maximum Lift Width:
Limits for Use: Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
• Maximum height above belt surface is • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
0.38" (9.5 mm) greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
up can pass through the return path • Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
110 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1
/2-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWA5
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 111
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
½-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire-Standard Duty-FWA5SC
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The flat bar
to prevent undesirable marking. They can lift is welded to the belt.
also be used to keep the product from
sliding on inclines or declines. Limits for Use:
• Maximum Lift Width:
Limits for Use: Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
• Maximum height above belt surface is • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
0.38" (9.5 mm) greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
up can pass through the return path • Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
112 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1
/2 -Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWA5SC
strAIght Products
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 113
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
1-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWB1
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The formed
to prevent undesirable marking. They can angle lift uses a flight clip to fasten it to the
also be used to keep the product from belt. The flat bar lift is welded to the belt.
sliding on inclines or declines.
Limits for Use:
Limits for Use: • Maximum Lift Width:
• Maximum height above belt surface Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
is 0.38" (9.5 mm) • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
up can pass through the return path than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
• Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
114 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWB1
strAIght Products
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 115
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
1-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWB2
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The formed
to prevent undesirable marking. They can angle lift uses a flight clip to fasten it to the
also be used to keep the product from belt. The flat bar lift is welded to the belt.
sliding on inclines or declines.
Limits for Use:
Limits for Use: • Maximum Lift Width:
• Maximum height above belt surface Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
is 0.38" (9.5 mm) • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
up can pass through the return path than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
• Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
116 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWB2
#10 31 5.5 (2.49) 10.72 (272.3) 10.16 (258.1) 1.00 (25.4) 7.13 (181.1)
#12 37 8 (3.63) 12.68 (322.1) 12.22 (310.4) 1.00 (25.4) 8.84 (224.5)
UHMWPE material type components have a 150º F (66º C) maximum operating temperature.
13 through 31 tooth sprockets must have tooth height reduced to 3/8” (9.5 mm) for use with standard weight belts.
*Maximum bore size listed for UHMWPE material is based on 1/2” (12.7) of material above keyway.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 117
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
1-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWB3
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts Beveled Edges
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from Beveling the edge of the flat wire pickets
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The formed facilitates product transfer by eliminating or
to prevent undesirable marking. They can angle lift uses a flight clip to fasten it to the reducing tippage of sharp edge cans or bottles.
also be used to keep the product from belt. The flat bar lift is welded to the belt. This option offers advantages on all transfer
sliding on inclines or declines. operations where the terminal roll or sprocket
Limits for Use: diameter is smaller than 10" (254 mm).
Limits for Use: • Maximum Lift Width:
• Maximum height above belt surface Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
is 0.38" (9.5 mm) • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
up can pass through the return path than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
• Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift Beveled edge on top surface only
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
118 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWB3
strAIght Products
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 119
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
1-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWB4
Available Materials Stainless, carbon, and galvanized steels, high temperature alloys
Rod Diameter 11 gauge, 0.121 (3.1)
Picket Dimension 0.375 high x 0.046 thick (9.5 x 1.2)
Nominal Mesh Opening 0.5 x 1 (12.7 x 25.4)
Edge Treatment in. (mm) Welded
Available Widths 3.50–204.00 (88.9–5181.6)
Conveying Surface Full belt width minus 0.19 (4.8)
Longitudinal Pitch 1.07 (27.2)
Weight lb/ft² (kg/m²) 2.19 (10.7)
Open Area 76%
Maximum Allowable Tension lb/ft (kg/m) 600 (895)
Maximum Temperature °F (°C) Galvanized: 240 (115) Carbon: 1000 (538) Stainless: 1100 (593)
Positively driven with matching sprockets or friction driven with a minimum
Method of Drive in. (mm)
12 (304.8) diameter flat-faced drum
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts Beveled Edges
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from Beveling the edge of the flat wire pickets
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The formed facilitates product transfer by eliminating or
to prevent undesirable marking. They can angle lift uses a flight clip to fasten it to the reducing tippage of sharp edge cans or bottles.
also be used to keep the product from belt. The flat bar lift is welded to the belt. This option offers advantages on all transfer
sliding on inclines or declines. operations where the terminal roll or sprocket
Limits for Use: diameter is smaller than 10" (254 mm).
Limits for Use: • Maximum Lift Width:
• Maximum height above belt surface Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
is 0.38" (9.5 mm) • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
up can pass through the return path than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
• Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift Beveled edge on top surface only
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
120 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWB4
#12 37 8 (3.63) 12.68 (322.1) 12.22 (310.4) 1.00 (25.4) 8.84 (224.5)
UHMWPE material type components have a 150º F (66º C) maximum operating temperature.
13 through 31 tooth sprockets must have tooth height reduced to 3/8” (9.5 mm) for use with standard weight belts.
*Maximum bore size listed for UHMWPE material is based on 1/2” (12.7) of material above keyway.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 121
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
½-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Standard Duty—FWB5
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts Beveled Edges
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from Beveling the edge of the flat wire pickets
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The flat bar facilitates product transfer by eliminating or
to prevent undesirable marking. They can lift is welded to the belt. reducing tippage of sharp edge cans or bottles.
also be used to keep the product from This option offers advantages on all transfer
sliding on inclines or declines. Limits for Use: operations where the terminal roll or sprocket
• Maximum Lift Width: diameter is smaller than 10" (254 mm).
Limits for Use: Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
• Maximum height above belt surface • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
is 0.38" (9.5 mm) greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
up can pass through the return path • Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift
can pass through the return path Beveled edge on top surface only
strAIght Products
122 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1
/2 -Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWB5
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 123
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
1-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Heavy Duty—FWC1
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The formed
to prevent undesirable marking. They can angle lift uses a flight clip to fasten it to the
also be used to keep the product from belt. The flat bar lift is welded to the belt.
sliding on inclines or declines.
Limits for Use:
Limits for Use: • Maximum Lift Width:
• Maximum height above belt surface is Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
0.38" (9.5 mm) • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
up can pass through the return path than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
• Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
124 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWC1
*Maximum bore size listed for UHMWPE material is based on 1/2” (12.7) of material above keyway.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 125
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
1-Inch Pitch
uu Flat Wire—Heavy Duty—FWC2
Available Options
Pin-up Attachments Lifts
Pin-up attachments are flat wire strips Lift attachments keep the product from
that lift the product from the belt surface sliding on inclines or declines. The formed
to prevent undesirable marking. They can angle lift uses a flight clip to fasten it to the
also be used to keep the product from belt. The flat bar lift is welded to the belt.
sliding on inclines or declines.
Limits for Use:
Limits for Use: • Maximum Lift Width:
• Maximum height above belt surface Belt Width: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
is 0.38" (9.5 mm) • Lift Thickness: Normal limits are no
• Belt must be supported so that the pin- greater than 0.18" (4.8 mm) or smaller
up can pass through the return path than 0.06" (1.52 mm)
• Lift Height: Check with Engineering if
greater than 6" (152 mm)
• Minimum Lift Spacing: 2" (50.8 mm)
• Belt must be supported so that the lift
can pass through the return path
strAIght Products
126 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
1-Inch Pitch Flat Wire FWC2
*Maximum bore size listed for UHMWPE material is based on 1/2” (12.7) of material above keyway.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 127
Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
128 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Flat Wire FWC6 SB
*Maximum bore size listed for UHMWPE material is based on 1/2” (12.7) of material above keyway.
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
EZ Transfer Plate
Width No. of No. of
The EZ Transfer Plate enables efficient OA Loops Openings
transfers from the FWH3 belt to other
conveyors. 4.80" (121.9 mm) 4 7
12.09" (307.1 mm) 10 19
Limits for Use:
24.31" (617.5 mm) 20 39
• The belt’s width must coincide with the
width of the plate which is produced in 36.5" (927.1 mm) 30 59
standard modular widths. 48.72" (1237.5 mm) 40 79
• Proper clearance for the 0.75" (19.1 mm)
thick belt and plate must also be observed. 60.91" (1547.1 mm) 50 99
73.09" (1856.5 mm) 60 119
85.34" (2167.6 mm) 70 139
Transfer plate fingers and belt
97.5" (2476.5 mm) 80 159
109.72" (2786.9 mm) 90 179
121.63" (3089.4 mm) 100 199
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Cleatrac® Belt & Sprocket System
Available Materials Stainless steel, carbon and galvanized steels, high temperature alloys
Available Widths 1.50–168.00 (38.1–4267.2)
Conveying Surface Full belt width
in. (mm)
Thickness (Mesh Dependent) 0.16–0.35 (4.1–8.9)
Lateral Pitch (Mesh Dependent) 0.20–0.67 (5.1–17.0)
Weight (Mesh Dependent) lb/ft² (kg/m²) 0.67–1.58 (3.3–7.7)
Open Area (Mesh Dependent) 34–74%
Working Strength per Unit of Width lb/ft (kg/m) Up to 1100 (1640)
Maximum Temperature 400 (204)
°F (°C)
Minimum Temperature -40 (-40)
Construction Balanced Weave
Positively driven by a matching minimum diameter drive system consisting
Method of Drive
of sprockets, filler rolls and support bearings
Features
diameter for the Cleatrac® belts is 0.63" end-to-end distance of 10' (3 m) or less and CTB 18-16 1.00" (25.4 mm)
(15.9 mm) for the CTB 30, 42, 48, and 60 the belt fits loosely around the conveyor, CTB 30-24 0.50" (12.7 mm)
mesh belts. Generally, use of nose rolls is the minimum nose roll diameter may be
not recommended with CTB 18 mesh belts. decreased as follows: CTB 42-36 0.38" (9.5 mm)
CTB 48-48 0.25" (6.4 mm)
CTB 60-48 0.25" (6.4 mm)
CTB 60-60 0.20" (5.1 mm)
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
Cleatrac® Meshes
Working Strength per
Thickness Lateral Pitch Weight Opening Size (approx.)
Mesh* Unit of Belt
in. (mm) in. (mm) lb/ft² (kg/m²) in. (mm)
lb/ft (kg/m)
CTB 18-16-16 0.30 (7.6) 0.67 (17.0) 0.67 (3.3) 0.60 x 0.69 (15.2 x 17.5) 100 (149)
CTBFR 18-16-16 0.30 (7.6) 0.67 (17.0) 0.67 (3.3) 0.60 x 0.69 (15.2 x 17.5) 250 (370)
CTB 18-16-14 0.35 (8.9) 0.67 (17.0) 1.13 (5.5) 0.59 x 0.67 (15.0 x 17.0) 250 (372)
CTB 30-24-17 0.29 (7.4) 0.40 (10.2) 0.88 (4.3) 0.35 x 0.45 (8.9 x 11.4) 200 (298)
CTBFR 30-24-17 0.29 (7.4) 0.40 (10.2) 0.88 (4.3) 0.35 x 0.45 (8.9 x 11.4) 500 (745)
CTB 30-24-16 0.26 (6.6) 0.40 (10.2) 1.19 (5.8) 0.34 x 0.44 (8.6 x 11.2) 300 (446)
CTBFR 30-24-16 0.26 (6.6) 0.40 (10.2) 1.19 (5.8) 0.34 x 0.44 (8.6 x 11.2) 750 (1100)
CTB 42-36-17 0.24 (6.1) 0.29 (7.4) 1.35 (6.6) 0.23 x 0.28 (5.8 x 7.1) 325 (484)
CTBFR 42-36-17 0.24 (6.1) 0.29 (7.4) 1.35 (6.6) 0.23 x 0.28 (5.8 x 7.1) 810 (1200)
CTB 42-36-18 0.24 (6.1) 0.29 (7.4) 1.03 (5.0) 0.24 x 0.29 (6.1 x 7.4) 240 (357)
CTBFR 42-36-16 0.25 (6.2) 0.29 (7.4) 1.79 (8.8) 0.24 x 0.29 (6.1 x 7.4) 930 (1400)
CTB 48-48-17 0.24 (6.1) 0.25 (6.4) 1.57 (7.7) 0.20 x 0.20 (5.1 x 5.1) 450 (670)
CTBFR 48-48-17 0.24 (6.1) 0.25 (6.4) 1.57 (7.7) 0.20 x 0.20 (5.1 x 5.1) 1100 (1640)
CTB 60-48-1820 0.16 (4.1) 0.20 (5.1) 0.93 (4.5) 0.16 x 0.21 (4.1 x 5.3) 120 (179)
CTB 60-48-18 0.21 (5.3) 0.20 (5.1) 1.54 (7.5) 0.15 x 0.20 (3.8 x 5.1) 350 (521)
CTB 60-60-18 0.22 (5.6) 0.20 (5.1) 1.58 (7.7) 0.15 x 0.15 (3.8 x 3.8) 350 (521)
Stock belt length is 25 ft (7.62 m), widths vary per mesh. Contact Ashworth for details.
System Requirements
Application Notes
• UHMWPE material type components have a 150° F (66°C) maximum operating temperature.
• Molded Acetal material type components have a 180° F (82°C) maximum operating temperature.
Use with caution as debris may accumulate the shaft will have to be kept clean to allow over longer conveyor runs (typically 10ft
in mesh openings or on the drive sprockets to “float.” For flour-based products (3m) or greater). Replacement belts for
components, prohibiting sprocket teeth in elevated temperatures, arrange the drive these applications require that the order
engagement. Install a rotary brush, or similar configuration such that a shield prevents reference previous purchase orders.
cleaning method, near sprocket locations to debris from accumulating on the shaft and
minimize debris. drive components.
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Cleatrac® Belt & Sprocket System
Cleatrac® Sprockets
No. of
Stock Bore
Rows Flat-to-Flat Sprocket Width Min. Bore Max. Bore
Sprocket No. (UHMWPE) Note
of in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm)
in. (mm)
Teeth
CTS 18-8 8 1.51 (38.4) 2.00 (50.8) 0.50 (12.7) 1.00 (25.4) 0.75 (19.1) U
CTS 18-12 12 2.50 (63.5) 2.00 (50.8) 0.63 (16.0) 1.75 (44.5) 1.00 (25.4) U
CTS 18-14 14 2.95 (74.9) 2.00 (50.8) 0.50 (12.7) 1.94 (49.3) N/S U/S
CTS 18-18 18 3.95 (100.3) 2.00 (50.8) 0.50 (12.7) 2.75 (69.9) N/S U/S
CTS 30-8* 8 0.94 (23.9) 1.20 (30.5) 0.50 (12.7) 0.50 (12.7) N/S U/S
CTS 30-12 12 1.60 (40.6) 1.20 (30.5) 0.75 (19.1) 1.00 (25.4) 0.75 (19.1) U/S
CTS 30-14 14 1.91 (48.5) 1.50 (38.1) 0.50 (12.7) 1.25 (31.8) N/S U/S
CTS 30-16 16 2.23 (56.6) 1.20 (30.5) 0.50 (12.7) 1.38 (35.1) N/S U/S
CTS 30-18 18 2.58 (65.5) 1.20 (30.5) 0.50 (12.7) 1.69 (42.9) N/S U/S
CTS 30-20 20 2.89 (73.4) 1.20 (30.5) 0.75 (19.1) 1.88 (47.8) 1.00 (25.4) S
CTS 30-24 24 3.52 (89.4) 1.20 (30.5) 0.50 (12.7) 2.25 (57.2) N/S U/S
CTS 30-26 26 3.84 (97.5) 1.20 (30.5) 0.75 (19.1) 2.50 (63.5) N/S S
CTS 42-12* 12 1.01 (25.7) 1.14 (29.0) 0.50 (12.7) 0.50 (12.7) 0.50 (12.7) U
CTS 42-20 20 1.88 (47.8) 1.14 (29.0) 0.75 (19.1) 1.25 (31.8) 0.75 (19.1) U
CTS 42-24 24 2.30 (58.4) 1.14 (29.0) 0.63 (16.0) 1.50 (38.1) 0.75 (19.1) U/S
CTS 42-30 30 2.93 (74.4) 1.14 (29.0) 0.50 (12.7) 1.88 (47.8) N/S U/S
CTS 42-32 32 3.15 (80.0) 1.14 (29.0) 0.50 (12.7) 2.13 (54.1) 1.00 (25.4) U
CTS 42-40 40 4.00 (101.6) 1.14 (29.0) 0.50 (12.7) 2.50 (63.5) N/S U/S
CTS 42-56 56 5.70 (144.8) 1.14 (29.0) 0.50 (12.7) 4.00 (101.6) N/S U/S
CTS 48-20 20 1.34 (34.0) 1.50 (38.1) 0.50 (12.7) 0.63 (16.0) N/S U/S
CTS 48-24 24 1.66 (42.2) 1.50 (38.1) 0.75 (19.1) 1.00 (25.4) N/S U/S
CTS 48-32 32 2.31 (58.7) 1.50 (38.1) 0.94 (23.9) 1.50 (38.1) 0.75 (19.1) U/S
CTS 60-8** 8 0.43 (10.9) 1.00 (25.4) 0.20 (5.1) 0.25 (6.4) 0.20 (5.1) U
CTS 60-12 12 0.77 (19.6) 1.00 (25.4) 0.50 (12.7) 0.50 (12.7) 0.50 (12.7) U
CTS 60-24 24 1.74 (44.2) 1.00 (25.4) 0.75 (19.1) 1.00 (25.4) 0.75 (19.1) U/S
CTS 60-42 42 3.16 (80.3) 1.00 (25.4) 1.00 (25.4) 2.13 (54.1) 1.00 (25.4) U/S
CTS 60-54 54 4.09 (103.9) 1.00 (25.4) 1.00 (25.4) 2.75 (69.9) 1.00 (25.4) U
CTS 60-82 82 6.32 (160.5) 1.00 (25.4) 1.00 (25.4) 4.50 (114.3) N/S U
CTS 6060-28 28 1.57 (39.9) 1.00 (25.4) 0.50 (12.7) 0.75 (19.1) 0.75 (19.1) U/S
CTS 6060-40 40 2.34 (59.4) 1.40 (35.6) 0.75 (19.1) 1.63 (41.4) 1.00 (25.4) U/S
CTS 6060-92 92 5.64 (143.3) 1.40 (35.6) 0.50 (12.7) 4.00 (101.6) N/S U/S
* Non-Standard keyway (1/8 in² [3 mm²]) used on 30-8, 42-12 sprockets with 5/8 in. (15.88 mm) bore.
** This is a non-driving component and is not available with a keyway.
N/S denotes sprockets that are not kept in stock.
strAIght Products
U denotes UHMWPE.
S denotes stainless steel.
Available in cast T303 stainless steel with a 11/16 in. dia. pilot bore.
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
Sprockets
Number of Sprockets
Spacing Between Sprockets
The minimum number of sprockets per A = Max. Spacing Between Sprockets Minimum Spacing
Mesh
shaft (X) can be calculated based on the in. (mm) in. mm
following formula: CTB 18 5.00 (127.0) 0.67 (17.0)
CTB 30 3.25 (82.6) 0.40 (10.2)
X = Belt Width / (A + B)
CTB 42 3.50 (88.9) 0.28 (7.1)
Where: CTB 48 3.25 (82.6) 0.25 (6.4)
A= Maximum allowable spacing CTB 60 3.00 (76.2) 0.20 (5.1)
between sprockets CTB 6060 3.00 (76.2) 0.20 (5.1)
B= Overall Sprocket Width
134 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Cleatrac® Belt & Sprocket System
their presence.
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
The number of support bearings is a func- d = B x {5.1/P x [(Cb x M)2 + [(Ct x T)²]1/2}1/3
tion of the shaft length and shaft diameter.
It is determined by iteration starting with Where:
an assumed shaft diameter, typically the B = 1 for solid shafts M = (Wr x L)/8
maximum bore of the subject sprockets. If P = 6000 for a shaft with keyway
the calculated shaft diameter is larger than P = 8000 for a shaft without keyway Where:
the assumed diameter, the belt width is di- Wr = Resultant weight in pounds of shaft,
vided by 2 to mimic the insertion of a sup- Cb = Service Factor in Bending sprockets, belt, and belt tension
port bearing. If the calculated diameter is Ct = Service Factor in Torsion Wr = [R² + (BT)²]1/2
still larger than the assumed diameter, the T = Torque in units of inch-lb. R = Weight in lb. of (Shaft + One Linear
belt width is divided by 3 to mimic the inser- Foot of Belt + Load/Linear Foot)
tion of 2 support bearings. This procedure T = Belt Tension x 1/2 (Pitch L = Length of shaft between bearings
is continued until the assumed diameter is Diameter of Sprockets) (in inches)
larger than the calculated diameter.
Cb Ct Type Loading
1.5 1.0 gradually applied
1.5–2.0 1.0–1.5 steady load
2.0–3.0 1.5–3.0 suddenly applied minor shock load;
suddenly applied heavy shock load
6060-28 1.57 (39.9) 0.91 (23.1) 0.75 (19.1) 0.38 (9.7) 2.25 (57.2) 1.50 (38.1) 5/16 (M8)
6060-40 2.34 (59.4) 1.44 (36.6) 0.75 (19.1) 0.38 (9.7) 2.25 (57.2) 1.50 (38.1) 5/16 (M8)
* Cleatrac® support bearings carried in stock
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Positive Drive Chain Edge (PDCE)
Technical Specifications
Available Materials
Stainless steel, carbon and galvanized steels, high temperature steel alloys
(Mesh and Connector Rods)
Minimum Width* Defined by customer specified chain and mesh widths
Maximum Mesh Width* No absolute maximum width; dependent on customer application and belt specifications
Conveying Surface Equal to mesh width or inside guard edge dimension if guard edges are used
Weight Dependent on mesh, rod, and chain weights
Allowable Tension Defined by chain strength
Available Mesh Types Balanced weave, compound balanced weave, or conventional weave
Turn Capability Straight run only
Maximum Temperature Dependent on chain type and material; see section on chains, described below
Notes
* When specifying a PDCE belt, three dimensions PDCE belt assemblies employing steel
are required; overall belt width, distance between roller chains are widely used in conveyor
chain centers, and maximum mesh width. Typically,
applications because of uniformity of pitch,
only one of these dimensions is critical and the
belt will be designed around that dimension. The high tensile strength and relatively light
other two are calculated based on the required belt weight. An almost unlimited variety of
construction. If the critical dimension is not given, custom-designed PDCE belts are possible,
Ashworth will use the chain centers dimension as combining the numerous types of mesh,
the hold or critical dimension for manufacture of
chain, and cross supports (rods).
the belting.
Chains
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
Mesh
A PDCE belt’s mesh can be of any balanced Meshes on PDCE belts can be manufactured in one of three ways:
weave, compound balanced weave, or
conventional weave variety. However, the • Thicker than normal mesh is woven to accommodate large cross supports or
second count (SC) number is a function accommodate the cross supports, which when a very dense mesh is specified.
of cross support spacing, unless a special are inserted through the spirals. The • Mesh is of standard thickness and is
spiral* is used or the cross support is spirals are all of uniform size throughout attached to the top of the cross supports
attached to the underside of the mesh. (for the belt. (flat bars channels or angles).
more information see the section on “Mesh • Mesh is of standard thickness but is
Designation for Woven Wire Belts.” * A special spiral is larger than a standard spiral
interspersed with special spirals* to
and can be manufactured in various shapes such
as oval, diamond, square, etc.
Cross Supports
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Positive Drive Chain Edge (PDCE)
Available Options
Guard Edges Guard edges are generally plates that Flights (Lifts or Cleats)
Guard edges are located on the inside of may be offset, of interlocking design, or Generally, flights are attached to the belt by
the chain. Height above the belt surface flat plates that are assembled in either a welding or brazing them to the mesh and/or
and material is customer specified. Guard shingled or staggered arrangement. Plates the guard edges (if applicable). The style,
edges are usually used with round cross can be square or rectangular and either material, height, and spacing above the belt
supports (rods, turned down rods, or pipe/ flared or notched as required (Figure 18). surface is customer specified. The length of
rod) which are inserted through holes in the Plates with double tabs may be used. The the flight is usually the same as the mesh
guard edge. bottom tabs may be inserted through the width but can be narrower if specified.
mesh or the tabs may straddle the mesh
and are welded or brazed to it. Whenever Usually, flights are produced from formed
guard edges are specified, the inside guard angle stock, although commercially
edge (IGE) dimension should be specified available flat bar, keystock, cut sheet metal,
by the customer. or other customer specified shapes may
be used. Angle types usually have slots
Guard Edge Shapes: or holes punched in the bottom to facilitate
plug-welding to the mesh. It should be
noted that flights are not meant to carry
product up inclines but are just to prevent
product slippage.
Wipers
Wiper attachments, typically fabricated from
wire mesh, hang from the bottom surface of
the belt to wipe debris from drip pans, trays,
Notched—Used to Standard Flared—Used to bins, etc. These attachments are typically
allow reverse bends prevent gaps when attached to belt mesh with a straight or
traversing sprockets crimped connector rod. Mesh designation
(if applicable), material, length below belt
[Figure 18] surface, width of wiper, and spacing are
customer specified.
(Positive if conveyor inclines, negative if it declines) Increase above values by 50% when
C = Force conversion factor poorly lubricated.
1.0 if Imperial
9.8 if Metric
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven Chain Edge Specifications
Power Requirements
The power requirements of a speed reducing Horsepower requirements are calculated with
gear box or a reduction unit needed to the following formula:
transmit power to the conveyor are usually
in terms of torque output at a specific speed. Output H.P. of Reducer =
The following formula is used:
Torque Required (inch–lb.) x Output R.P.M.
Torque Output (inch–lb.) = 63,025
Total Chain Pull x 1/2 (Pitch Diameter of
Chain Edge Drive Sprocket) Motor H.P. =
Output H.P. + losses in the speed reducer
Note: It is common practice to select a reduc-
tion unit whose output is substantially more than To select the proper size of the motor to drive
the theoretical requirements as determined by a conveyor through a speed reducer, use the
this formula. This is done to allow for high start- chart in Figure 19*
ing friction, lack of rigidity in the conveyor frame,
poor lubrication, misalignment of parts, and non-
[Figure 19]
uniform loading.
40 1/2 HP
is used from the reduction unit to the drive 35 3/4 HP
2 HP
shaft of the chain edge sprockets. 30 1/3 HP
25
1/4 HP
If additional speed reduction between the 20
15
gear box and the conveyor drive shaft is 1/6 HP
10
strAIght Products
Torque Required =
Torque (inch-lb.)
x Torque (as calculated above)
x Chain Edge Sprocket Speedx
* The values in this chart are representative of commercial worm gear reduction units on the market, but
Reduction Unit Output Speed they should be used as a guide only. Consult the recommendations of the manufacturer of the particular
unit to be used in each installation.
140 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Positive Drive Chain Edge (PDCE)
ANSI Double Pitch Roller Conveyor Chains ANSI Double Pitch Roller Conveyor Chains
C Type Standard Rollers C Type Oversized Steel Rollers
ANSI No. Units C2040 C2050 C2060H C2080H ANSI No. Units C2042 C2052 C2062H C2082H
Pitch–P 1.000 1.250 1.500 2.000 Pitch–P 1.000 1.250 1.500 2.000
Roller Width–W 0.312 0.375 0.500 0.625 Roller Width–W 0.312 0.375 0.500 0.625
Roller Diameter–R 0.312 0.400 0.469 0.625 Roller Diameter–R 0.625 0.750 0.875 1.125
Plate Height–H 0.463 0.593 0.683 0.935 Plate Height–H 0.463 0.593 0.683 0.935
in. in.
Plate Thickness–T 0.060 0.080 0.125 0.156 Plate Thickness–T 0.060 0.080 0.125 0.156
Pin Diameter–D 0.156 0.200 0.234 0.312 Pin Diameter–D 0.156 0.200 0.234 0.312
Overall Width–F 0.320 0.403 0.586 0.699 Overall Width–F 0.320 0.403 0.586 0.699
Overall Width–G 0.377 0.453 0.662 0.813 Overall Width–G 0.377 0.453 0.662 0.813
Average Weight Per Foot 0.340 0.560 1.010 1.670 Average Weight Per Foot 0.580 0.880 1.480 2.400
lb. lb.
Average Ultimate Strength 3,960 6,600 12,100 19,800 Average Ultimate Strength 3,960 6,600 12,100 19,800
Finish Carbon Steel Finish Carbon Steel
Nickel Plated ANSI Conveyor Chains Nickel Plated ANSI Conveyor Chains
C Type C Type
ANSI No. Units C2042NP C2052NP C2062HNP C2082HNP ANSI No. Units C2040NP C2050NP C2060HNP C2080HNP
Pitch–P 1.000 1.250 1.500 2.000 Pitch–P 1.000 1.250 1.500 2.000
Roller Width–W 0.312 0.375 0.500 0.625 Roller Width–W 0.312 0.375 0.500 0.625
Roller Diameter–R 0.625 0.750 0.875 1.125 Roller Diameter–r 0.312 0.400 0.469 0.625
Plate Height–H 0.463 0.593 0.683 0.935 Plate Height–H 0.463 0.593 0.683 0.935
in. in.
Plate Thickness–T 0.060 0.080 0.125 0.156 Plate Thickness–T 0.060 0.080 0.125 0.156
P Diameter–D 0.156 0.200 0.234 0.312 Pin Diameter–D 0.156 0.200 0.234 0.312
strAIght Products
Overall Width–F 0.320 0.403 0.586 0.699 Overall Width–F 0.320 0.403 0.586 0.699
Overall Width–G 0.377 0.453 0.662 0.813 Overall Width–G 0.377 0.453 0.662 0.813
Average Weight Average Weight Per
0.580 0.880 1.480 2.400 0.340 0.560 1.010 1.670
Per Foot Foot
lb. lb.
Average Ultimate Average Ultimate
3,700 6,100 11,880 20,900 3,700 6,100 11,880 20,900
Strength Strength
Finish Nickel Plated Finish Nickel Plated
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven Chain Edge Specifications
Pin Diameter–D 0.156 0.200 0.234 0.312 P Diameter–D 0.141 0.156 0.200 0.234 0.312
Overall Width–F 0.320 0.403 0.586 0.699 Overall Width–F 0.230 0.320 0.401 0.500 0.636
Overall Width–G 0.377 0.453 0.662 0.813 Overall Width–G 0.284 0.375 0.450 0.549 0.750
Average Weight Average Weight Per
0.340 0.560 1.010 1.670 0.240 0.420 0.710 0.970 1.680
Per Foot lb. Foot lb.
Working Load 98 154 250 415 Working Load 59 98 154 231 397
Finish Stainless Steel Finish Stainless Steel
142 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Positive Drive Chain Edge (PDCE)
Chain Specifications
Pin Inner Diameter–D2 0.157 0.202 0.235 0.318 T 0.050 0.060 0.080 0.094 0.125
Overall Width–F 0.319 0.394 0.492 0.638 Average Ultimate
lb. 2,100 3,700 6,100 8,500 14,500
Overall Width–G 0.358 0.453 0.547 0.695 Strength
Average Weight Per Foot 0.360 0.580 0.860 1.480 Finish Carbon Steel
Average Ultimate lb.
2,700 4,500 6,100 11,400
Strength
Finish Carbon Steel
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven Chain Edge Specifications
144 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Straight Running Belts: Conventional Weave Mesh Specifications
C5½-5½-8 0.162 (4.11) 1.838 (46.69) 1.04 (5.08) C12-19-10 0.135 (3.42) 0.615 (15.62) 2 .54 (12.4)
C5½-5½-9 2 0.148 (3.76) 1.852 (47.04) 0.87 (4.25) C12-19-11 3/4 0.120 (3.05) 0.630 (16.00) 1.90 (9.28)
(50.8) (19.05)
C5 ½-5½-10 0.135 (3.42) 1.865 (47.37) 0.71 (3.47) C12-19-12 0.105 (2.67) 0.645 (16.38) 1.43 (6.98)
C5½-5½-11 0.120 (3.05) 1.880 (47.75) 0.53 (2.59) C12-19-14 0.080 (2.03) 0.670 (17.02) 0.83 (4.05)
C6-10½-9 0.148 (3.76) 1.352 (34.34) 1.41 (6.88) C12-19-16 0.062 (1.57) 0.688 (17.48) 0.50 (2.44)
C6 -10½-10 0.135 (3.42) 1.365 (34.67) 1.16 (5.66) C16-24½ -10 0.135 (3.42) 0.490 (12.45) 3.38 (16.5)
C6-10½-11 1½ 0.120 (3.05) 1.380 (35.05) 0.83 (4.05) C16-24-11 0.120 (3.05) 0.505 (12.83) 2.45 (11.96)
(38.1)
C6-10½ -12 0.105 (2.67) 1.395 (35.43) 0.64 (3.12) C16-24-12 5/8 0.105 (2.67) 0.520 (13.21) 1.81 (8.84)
(15.88)
C7-13-8 0.162 (4.11) 1.088 (27.64) 2.23 (10.89) C16-23½ -14 0.080 (2.03) 0.545 (13.84) 0.99 (4.83)
C7-13-9 0.148 (3.76) 1.102 (27.99) 1.87 (9.13) C16-23½-16 0.062 (1.57) 0.563 (14.30) 0.60 (2.93)
C7-13-10 1¼ 0.135 (3.42) 1.115 (28.32) 1.52 (7.42) C16-22-18 0.048 (1.22) 0.577 (14.66) 0.34 (1.66)
(31.75)
C7-13-11 0.120 (3.05) 1.130 (28.7) 1.12 (5.47) C17-24-10 0.135 (3.42) 0.427 (10.85) 3.85 (18.8)
C7-13-12 0.105 (2.67) 1.145 (29.08) 0.84 (4.10) C17-24-11 0.120 (3.05) 0.442 (11.23) 2.80 (13.67)
9/16
C10-14-6 0.192 (4.88) 0.808 (20.52) 3.92 (19.14) C17-23-12 0.105 (2.67) 0.457 (11.61) 2.04 (9.96)
(14.29)
C10-14-8 0.162 (4.11) 0.838 (21.29) 2.89 (14.11) C17-23-14 0.080 (2.03) 0.482 (12.24) 1.08 (5.27)
C10-14-9 1 0.148 (3.76) 0.852 (21.64) 2.34 (11.42) C17-23-16 0.062 (1.57) 0.500 (12.70) 0.66 (3.22)
(25.4)
C10-14-10 0.135 (3.42) 0.865 (21.97) 1.89 (9.23) C17-22-18 0.048 (1.22) 0.514 (13.06) 0.38 (1.86)
C10-15-11 0.120 (3.05) 0.880 (22.35) 1.40 (6.84) C18-28-10 0.135 (3.42) 0.365 (9.27) 4.32 (21.09)
C10-15-12 0.105 (2.67) 0.895 (22.73) 1.04 (5.08) C18-28-11 0.120 (3.05) 0.380 (9.65) 3.14 (15.33)
C11-16-9 0.148 (3.76) 0.727 (18.47) 2.96 (14.45) C18-28-12 1/2 0.105 (2.67) 0.395 (10.03) 2.29 (11.18)
(12.7)
C11-16-10 0.135 (3.42) 0.740 (18.80) 2.38 (11.62) C18-28-14 2 Mesh* 0.080 (2.03) 0.420 (10.67) 1.17 (5.71)
C11-16-11 7/8 0.120 (3.05) 0.755 (19.18) 1.73 (8.45) C18-28-16 0.062 (1.57) 0.438 (11.13) 0.71 (3.47)
(22.22)
strAIght Products
C11-16-12 0.105 (2.67) 0.770 (19.56) 1.26 (6.15) C18-28-18 0.048 (1.22) 0.452 (11.48) 0.41 (2.00)
C11-16-14 0.08 (2.03) 0.795 (20.19) 0.73 (3.56) C24-36½-12 0.105 (3.81) 0.270 (6.86) 3.10 (15.14)
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 145
Positive Driven Chain Edge (PDCE)
C36-59-17 1/4 0.054 1.37 0.196 (4.98) 1.05 (5.13) Approx. Approx. Mesh
(6.4)
Open Area Center to
C36-59-18 4 Mesh* 0.048 1.22 0.202 (5.13) 0.82 (4.00)
(A) Center
C36-59-19 0.041 1.04 0.209 (5.31) 0.61 (2.98) (B)
C36-59-20 0.035 0.89 0.215 (5.46) 0.42 (2.05)
146 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Eye Link Belts
Available Materials 304 & 316 stainless steel, carbon, other materials available upon request
Longitudinal Pitch Lengths 1.00 (25.4), 1.18 (30.0), 1.97 (50.0), 2.00 (50.8), 2.95 (75.0)
Eye Link Wire Diameters 0.08 (2.0), 0.10 (2.5), 0.12 (3.0), 0.14 (3.5)
Cross Rod Diameters in. (mm) 0.16 (4.0), 0.20 (5.0), 0.28 (7.0), 0.32 (8.0)
Available Widths 2.0–244.0 (50.8–6197.6)
Conveying Surface Full belt width minus 0.32 (8.1)
Weight Dependent upon construction—contact Ashworth Engineering
Maximum Allowable Tension Dependent upon construction—contact Ashworth Engineering
Maximum Temperature
°F (°C) Up to 752 (400)
(Material Dependent)
Method of Drive Positively driven
Mesh Designations
Mesh configurations for Eye-Link belts are Belt Description Eye Link Dim. ( c ) Rod Dia. (d)
designated as in the following example Pitch (a)
(m = Mesh Gap) mm (in.) mm (in.)
(Figure 20):
25.4 (1.0) 25.4 x m / 2.0–5 2.0 (0.080) 5 (0.196)
a x m/c–d
30 (1.18) 30 x m / 2.0–4 2.0 (0.080) 4 (0.158)
50 x 10/2.5–5
50 x m / 2.0–5 2.0 (0.080) 5 (0.196)
Where:
50 = Belt’s longitudinal pitch in mm 50 x m / 2.5–5 2.5 (0.098) 5 (0.196)
10 = Distance between eye links in mm 50 x m / 2.0–7 2.0 (0.080) 7 (0.276)
2.5 = Eye link wire diameter in mm 50 (1.97) 50 x m / 2.5–7 2.5 (0.098) 7 (0.276)
5 = Cross rod diameter in mm
50 x m / 3.0–7 3.0 (0.120) 7 (0.276)
d
50 x m / 3.5–7 3.5 (0.135) 7 (0.276)
50 x m / 2.5–8 2.5 (0.098) 8 (0.307)
50.8 x m / 2.0–8 2.0 (0.080) 8 (0.307)
a 50.8 (2.0) 50.8 x m / 2.5–8 2.5 (0.098) 8 (0.307)
50.8 x m / 3.0–8 3.0 (0.120) 8 (0.307)
75 x m / 2.5–5 2.5 (0.098) 5 (0.196)
75 (2.95)
75 x m / 2.5–7 2.5 (0.098) 7 (0.276)
m c Mesh Gaps
[Figure 20]
strAIght Products
Max. Recommended
Wire Diameter Min. Mesh Gap
Mesh Gap
2.0 mm (0.08 in) 2.3 mm (0.10 in) 26 mm (1.02 in)
2.5 mm (0.10 in) 2.8 mm (0.11 in) 26 mm (1.02 in)
3.0 mm (0.12 in) 3.3 mm (0.13 in) 26 mm (1.02 in)
3.5 mm (0.14 in) 3.8 mm (0.15 in) 26 mm (1.02 in)
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 147
Straight Running Belts: Positive Drive
Available Options
Designs
Eye-Link belts are available in either EU
(standard) or US designs, the construction
of which is based on the placement of
the eye links throughout the belt. In the
US design, the eye-link ends are equally
spaced apart; whereas in the EU design,
the eye links are placed so the ends are in
direct contact with one another. EU design
belts display a more closed grid pattern,
while the US design is more open, as in the
following photographs. Eye-Link EU design Eye-Link US design
Eye-Link Plus
Eye-Link Plus belts are constructed with
specially designed internal bar links that
have slotted holes and are cut to allow
the belt’s cross wires to pass unimpeded
across the width of the module. This
design adds strength to the belt while
enabling excellent cleanability. Eye-Link
Plus belts are only available in 50 mm
pitch, but can be manufactured in either
EU or US eye link patterns as shown in the
accompanying photographs. Eye-Link EU-Plus design Eye-Link US-Plus design
[Figure 23]
148 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Eye Link Belts
Sprockets
Eye-Link belts are positively driven with
sprockets situated across the width of the Pitch No. of Teeth Pitch Dia.
belt. Sprockets should be positioned at a 15
mm (0.59") offset next to the bar link rows 8 65.33 mm (2.57 inch)
25.4 mm
at both sides. For all Eye-Link belts, 8 or 12 12 97.09 mm (3.82 inch)
tooth sprockets are standard. Sprockets can
8 78.39 mm (3.09 inch)
be produced from carbon steel, stainless 30 mm
steel and UHMWPE. The number of teeth 12 115.91 mm (4.56 inch)
can vary from 8 to 30 teeth. 8 130.66 mm (5.14 inch)
50 mm
12 193.19 mm (7.61 inch)
For wide belts, the use of sprocketed drums
or pulleys is recommended based on the 8 132.75 mm (5.23 inch)
50.8 mm
maximum allowable deflection of the drum. 12 196.28 mm (7.73 inch)
For use of Eye-Link belts in environments
8 195.98 mm (7.72 inch)
where formation of ice is possible, a special 75 mm
ice-free sprocket is available to prevent ice 12 289.78 mm (11.41 inch)
build-up. For wide belts in an ice-containing
environment, a cage drum is typically used.
link packet. as this could damage the eye links and belt width, load, and system layout.
cross wires.
For temperatures over 140°F (60°C), the • The drive and return drum should be
recommended material is Inoxyda (glide placed 0.08" (2 mm) higher then the
bronze) for non-food applications and support strips.
stainless steel for food applications.
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Drive
Flat Wire A5
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Drive
mesh diagrams
Flat Wire B5
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
Flat Wire H3
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
Mesh Diagrams–Cleatrac®
CTB18-16-16 CTB30-24-16
mesh diagrams
CTB42-36-17 CTB48-48-17
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
CTB60-48-18
MESH DIAGRAMS
CTB60-60-18
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
NOTES
strAIght Products
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
Positive Driven:
Straight-Running Belt Selection
& Engineering Calculations
Belt Tension Calculation for Straight-Running Belts
The belt tension calculation formula for straight-running belts is different from that for spiral or turn-curve belts,
as there is no system radius (R) factor to be considered. Although the tension calculation formula is basically
the same for all straight-running belts, there is considerable variation in the belt support options and, therefore,
in the coefficient of friction (fr). The general belt tension calculation formula for straight-running belts is:
Straight Engineering
Where:
T = Belt tension in lb. (Newtons)
w = Weight of the belt in lb. per linear foot (kg per linear m)
W = Belt Weight + Product Weight in lb. per linear foot (kg per linear m)
L = Full length of conveyor, measured from center to center of the pulleys in feet (meters)
fr = Coefficient of Friction between the belt and belt supports
H = Rise of incline conveyor in feet (meters), (+ if incline,–if decline)
C = Force conversion factor
Imperial: 1.0
Metric: 9.8
Once belt tension is calculated, the following formula is used to determine how much torque is required to
adequately drive the belt and its product load:
Torque Requirement (in units of Inch Pounds) = Belt Tension (T) x ½ Drum or Pulley Diameter in inches
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
The following coefficients of friction (fr) for chains and typical supports are:
Straight Engineering
Type of Chain/Supports Coefficient of Friction (fr) value
Drag chain, with non-rotating rollers or
sliding on side plates on metal supports 0.35
Note: If the application is poorly lubricated, the above fr values should be increased by 50%.
Once the tension calculation is completed for the PDCE belt, the chain must be checked to see if it can handle
the tension. This is done by comparing calculated T values to the load rating on the chain using the following
conversions:
Note: These values are for chains uniformly spaced across the width of the conveyor.
Note: These values are for normal operating conditions. For unusual conditions, such as in ovens, corrosive solutions, or handling
abrasive materials consult with Ashworth Engineering.
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
The quantity of required drive sprockets is then calculated based on the calculated tension on the belt and the
Straight Engineering
belt speed. In no case should sprocket spacing exceed 6" (152.4 mm) across the width of the belt.
The number of sprockets required is calculated by dividing the calculated tension (T) by either 50 or 35,
depending on whether the belt is standard weight or heavy duty. This result is then compared to the result of
dividing the belt width by 6. The higher of the two results is the correct number of sprockets to be used. This
calculation is illustrated in the following example:
A FWC2 (heavy duty) flat wire belt is 36" (914.4 mm) wide, and has a calculated tension (T) of 450 lb. (204.5 kg).
1. 450 (T) /50 (tension carried by a heavy duty sprocket) = 9 sprockets
2. 36 (belt width)/6 (maximum spacing of sprockets in inches) = 6 sprockets
3. 9 > 6, so 9 sprockets should be used.
This calculation is moderated by belt speed; the greater the speed of the belt, the greater the number of sprockets
required. The following table provides modified sprocket quantities based on the speed of the belt, where:
BS = Belt Speed in feet per minute (meters per minute)
BT = Belt Tension at the drive shaft in lb. (kg)
Proper location and placement of the sprockets is important as it results in smoother belt operation, reduced wear
on the sprockets and on the belt. Sprocket teeth should always drive against the round connector rod. Space
sprockets evenly along drive and
idler shafts, ensuring that the outside
drive sprockets are located in the odd
numbered openings beginning with the
third opening in on each belt edge. Idler
sprockets are located in even numbered Drive
mesh openings beginning with the Sprockets
2nd opening in on each belt edge.
Idler Direction
Sprockets of Travel
[Figure 24]
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
To ensure that each drive sprocket tooth contacts the round connecting rod and shares in its part of the load,
the hubs of all sprockets located on the same shaft should face the same direction. For those sprockets without
hubs, the sprocket sides with the Ashworth logo, lettering, or directional arrows should face the same direction.
Figure 24 illustrates correct placement of drive and idler sprockets.
Note: Sprockets provide positive drive to flat wire belts. They will also help keep the belt properly aligned. However, sprockets cannot be expected to control
excessive alignment and control issues. The ability of a belt to run in a straight and controlled manner is a function of the quality of the belt, correct conveyor
Straight Engineering
or equipment design, and proper belt installation.
To calculate the minimum drum diameter for balanced weave belts, divide 180 by the second count (SC)
number in the mesh count designation. For example, a B48-24-16 mesh has a SC of 24, so the calculation
would be 180/24 = 7.5. The minimum drum diameter would be 7.5 inches.
For baking bands or other woven wire belts utilizing compound balanced weave construction, the diameter of
the terminal rolls or drum is determined by making the following calculations: First, divide the second count
number by the CB number. Then, divide 180 by this result to arrive at the correct minimum drum diameter.
For example, consider the CB5 Baking Band® with a mesh designation of CB5-27-84-1416F. First divide 84
by 5, arriving at the result, 16.8. Then divide 180 by 16.8, which equates to 10.71" (272.14 mm). This is the
minimum driving drum diameter calculated in inches (or mm).
A = ½ x (PD – BT)
This formula is a general guideline and does not take into consideration belts
traveling at speeds greater than 75 ft/min. (23 m/minute). For high speed Where:
applications, Ashworth recommends increasing the height of “A” (Figure 25) A = Calculated Height
and shortening the wear strips as much as one belt pitch in length. PD = Sprocket Pitch Diameter
BT = Belt Thickness
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Straight Running Belts: Positive Driven
If the belt is friction driven, additional possible causes of poor tracking include:
• Misalignment of terminal rolls; usually the case if the belt edges exhibit unequal sag near the drive drum
• Undersized terminal rolls which can cause the belt to bend and stretch irregularly
Surging
Surging of flat wire belts can be caused by a number of factors, including:
• Faulty power transmission components; gear boxes, couplings, and motors, including silicon controlled
rectifier units
• Inconsistent belt support material; whereby higher levels of friction are caused by different types of supports;
different types of supports should not be mixed in a single system
• Over-torqueing of the drive shaft and/or too much tension in the system
• Overcoming the initial inertia of the system may cause the belt to surge upon start-up; this is normal to a
certain degree and may not be an indication of a problem
160 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Baking Bands
Over 45 Years of Baking Success High Quality & Performance
Invented by Ashworth and proudly Still inspected with 22 quality check-
manufactured in the USA since 1963 points to guarantee true tracking and
Preferred marking pattern a long operating life
Stable product support Dense mesh provides even heating
Industry standard across the entire belt width
Excellent relief of cooking gasses
Balanced Weave
The Most Versatile Belt
Ideal for products that are small or True tracking
need a lot of support Uniform flat conveying surface
Precision manufactured to minimize Resistant to distortion
belt stretch and increase belt life Ideal strength-to-weight ratio
Variable mesh openings to meet ap- Minimal maintenance
plication requirements
Control Rolls
Preserve True Tracking Ashworth True Tracking Guarantee
Ensure belt alignment during chang- Requires purchase of Ashworth
ing conditions or production mishaps Controls and Ashworth Super-
Ensure product alignment vised Installation
Lehr Belts
For High Temp Oven Applications Stable and Smooth Transfers
Locked-in spiral construction Reduced belt vibration—improved
Factory tested for true tracking crimp profile forms the smoothest
Spirals and connector rods elimi- hinge, eliminating harmonic vibration
nate almost all hinge wear and belt Flat surface provides stable support
elongation issues strAIght Products
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Selection Guide:
Straight Running Belts
ire
nd ing
nW
lt
Ba Bak
Be
ve
hr
5
Wo
CB
Le
Specifications Units
Material(s) Stainless Steel, Carbon & Galvanized Steels, High Temperature Alloys
Maximum lb/ft
Dependent on Material and Temperature Mesh Dependent Dependent on Material and Temperature
Tension kg/m
Fryer Belt u
General Conveyance u
Incline Conveyors
Industrial Dryers
Industrial Washers u
Lehr Oven Belt u
Oven/Baking Belt u u u
Package Accumulation
Package Conveyance
Pasteurizing Applications
Product Washing u
Quench Tanks u
Rubber Parts Handling
Small Product Transfer u
Veneer and Wood Drying
Washers and Degreasers
162 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Performance Guarantee
For the Proper Tracking of Compound Balanced Weave and Balanced Weave Belting
Ashworth manufactures woven wire baking bands using the industry’s highest standards and tightest tolerances.
All baking bands are tracked in-house prior to shipment the exact same way that we recommend the bands be
installed in the field.
Straight Engineering
Our Model One Control Rolls are installed on the conveyor at a distance of two to three times the width of the
belt from the terminal roll.
The belt is mapped for true tracking and then split into manageable sections of either 25 or 50-foot lengths.
The belt sections are sequentially numbered and rolled with the bake side out.
1. Ashworth’s Model One control rolls are properly installed at a distance equal to two to three
times the belt width prior to each terminal roll. Ashworth guarantees the total waver not to exceed
1⁄2-inch at either terminal end when Model Two controls are properly installed.
2. The belt sections are installed in sequential order as marked, and verified by an Ashworth Factory
Service Technician before running the belt.
3. Tracking adjustments are completed and verified by an Ashworth Factory Service Technician.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 163
Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
uu Baking Bands
Available Materials
Stainless steel, carbon steels
(Mesh and Connector Rods)
Minimum Width 3 lateral pitches + 4 spiral wire diameters
Maximum Width in. (mm) 144.00 (3657.6)
Conveying Surface Full belt width
Thickness (Mesh Dependent) See mesh designation table
Weight (Mesh Dependent) See mesh designation table
Lateral Pitch (Mesh Dependent) See mesh designation table
Opening Size (Mesh Dependent) See mesh designation table
Maximum Temperature °F (°C) Carbon steel—Up to 1000 (538)
Method of Drive Friction driven on flat-faced drums or terminal rolls
164 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Baking Bands
Compound Balance
Woven Baking Band Weave Baking Band
(Figure 26) (Figure 27)
Approx. Approx.
Opening Opening
Size Size
0.041/0.041x0.035*
CB3-60-139-19F** Crimped 0.028 (0.7) 2.85 (13.9)
(1.0-1.0x0.9)
0.080/0.063x0.047*
CB5-27-84-1416F** Crimped 0.050 (1.3) 4.20 (20.6)
(2.0/1.6x1.2)
0.072/0.063x0.047*
MCB5-27-84-1516F** Crimped 0.058 (1.5) 3.35 (16.4)
(1.8-1.6x1.2)
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Belt Strength lb/ft (kg/m) 3100 (4600) of belt width, based on high carbon steel at 70°F (21°C)
Conveying Surface Overall Belt Width(0.5 one lateral pitch + 3 spiral wire diameters)
Maximum Temperature °F (°C) Carbon steel: Up to 1000 (538) Stainless steel: Up to 2050 (1121)
Available Options
Wire Controls
Baking bands are typically manufactured Ashworth recommends use of Ashworth Model
from annealed high carbon steel round #1 or Model #2 Control System to prevent the
wire in standard gauge sizes. Stainless belt from contacting oven framework and to
steel and other steel alloys can be used keep the belt centered on the terminal drums.
if required.
MCB5 27-84-1516F
Flattened Wire (F) can be specified for the This is a lighter weight version of the
conveying surface if needed. Additionally, original CB5 Baking Band®. By using a
Precision Ground Light Weight (PGLW) can higher gauge crimp connector, the band’s
also be specified. This process results in weight is reduced by approximately 20%
the flattest baking surface and is attained compared to the standard CB5-27-84-
by precision grinding of the surface after the 1416F. This band is known as the CB5
baking band has been manufacturer. This Metric, where “Metric” is designated by the
option is limited to carbon steel bands 54" “M” in the mesh designation.
strAIght Products
166 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Belt Strength lb/ft (kg/m) 3500 (5200) of belt width, based on high carbon steel at 70 (21)
Conveying Surface Overall belt width (0.5 one lateral pitch + 3 spiral wire diameters)
Maximum Temperature °F (°C) Carbon steel—Up to 1000 (538) Stainless steel—Up to 2050 (1121)
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 167
Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
uu Control Systems
Technical Specifications
Carbide ZW
3x Band Take up
• For temperatures of up to 1000°F (538°C) Width
• Belt sustains minimal wear at
elevated temperatures Oven
• Does not require lubrication
• Manufactured from very hard material and
can shatter if subjected to a sharp blow
3x Band
Control Width
Drive Point (2)
168 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Control Systems
Control Clearance
strAIght Products
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 169
Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
[Figure 26]
[Figure 27]
170 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Balanced Weave Conveyor Belts
Section A-A
A
Relieved and reinforced turned-up fabric
Section A-A
A [Figure 29]
strAIght Products
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
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Balanced Weave Conveyor Belts
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
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Balanced Weave Conveyor Belts
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
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Balanced Weave Conveyor Belts
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
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Balanced Weave Conveyor Belts
NOTES
strAIght Products
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
uu WG Woven Wire
Material Stainless steel, carbon, and galvanized steels, high temperature steel alloys
Minimum Width 40.6 (1.60)
mm (in)
Maximum Width 5486.4 (216.00)
Edge Treatment Welded edges
Weight Dependent on mesh count and wire gauge—see table
Maximum Allowable Tension Dependent on mesh count and wire gauge—see table
Conveying Surface Full belt width (1/2 of one lateral pitch + 3 spiral diameters)
Opening Size 40–70% depending on mesh count and wire size
Method of Drive Friction driven on flat-faced drums or terminal rolls
Maximum Temperature °C (°F) Up to 1100 (2012) dependent upon material
Available Options
WG Balanced Weave belts are composed Belt width
of right and left-hand spirals joined by a
connector rod. Edges are welded. The
mesh choice for WG belts is nearly un-
Longitudinal
Thickness
Lateral pitch
following guidelines:
Where:
Driving Drum:
W = Woven wire
G = Welded edges Diameter = Minimum of 20 times the
4.4 = Nominal longitudinal pitch of the belt belt’s longitudinal pitch
in mm Return Drum:
5 = Lateral pitch of the belt in mm
Diameter = Minimum of 10 times the
belt’s longitudinal pitch
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WG Woven Wire
Available Options
WG belts can be manufactured with flights (Figure 30) (dimensions available upon request) or as positive drive chain edge belts (Figure 31).
Standard chains are hollow pin, in 0.5″ (12.7 mm), 0.63″ (15.9 mm) or 1″ (25.4 mm) pitch.
H H
A B
CH
pitch
H H
strAIght Products
C D
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
uu Lehr Belts
Mesh Options
Thickness Lateral Pitch Weight Opening Size (approx.) Working Strength*
Mesh Designation
in. (mm) in. (mm) lb/ft² (kg/m²) in. (mm) lb/ft (kg/m)
B36-20-1012F 0.34 (8.64) 0.33 (8.5) 4.59 (22.41) 0.23 x 0.47 (5.8 x 11.9) 2500 (3720)
B36-20-12 0.13 (7.14) 0.33 (8.5) 3.49 (17.08) 0.21 x 0.47 (5.3 x 11.9) 2100 (3132)
* Based on 3% chrome steel at 70°F (21°C). All belt ratings are factored for working temperature and material type.
strAIght Products
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
NOTES
strAIght Products
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
B36-32-16
mesh diagrams
B42-36-18
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
B48-48-18 B60-38-14
MESH DIAGRAMS
B60-60-18 B72-32-16
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
B72-60-16 B72-68-18
mesh diagrams
B96-84-20 B144-105-2022
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B36-20-12
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Friction Driven:
Straight-Running Belt Selection
& Engineering Calculations
Belt Tension Calculation for Straight-Running Belts
The belt tension calculation formula for straight-running belts is different from that for spiral or turn-curve belts,
as there is no system radius (R) factor to be considered. Although the tension calculation formula is basically
the same for all straight-running belts, there is considerable variation in the belt support options and, therefore,
in the coefficient of friction (fr). The general belt tension calculation formula for straight-running belts is:
Straight Engineering
Where:
T = Belt tension in lb. (Newtons)
w = Weight of the belt in lb. per linear foot (kg per linear m)
W = Belt Weight + Product Weight in lb. per linear foot (kg per linear m)
L = Full length of conveyor, measured from center to center of the pulleys in feet (meters)
fr = Coefficient of Friction between the belt and belt supports
H = Rise of incline conveyor in feet (meters), (+ if incline,–if decline)
C = Force conversion factor
Imperial: 1.0
Metric: 9.8
Once belt tension is calculated, the following formula is used to determine how much torque is required to
adequately drive the belt and its product load:
Torque Requirement (in units of Inch Pounds) = Belt Tension (T) x ½ Drum or Pulley Diameter in inches
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
The woven wire mesh designation is a series of up to 12 letters and numbers as indicated in the example:
If present, indicates the type of surface treatment (e.g., Flat Wire or Precision Ground)
Wire gauge
The number of connectors (connecting rods) per 12" (305 mm) of belt length
The number of loops (spirals) per 12" (305 mm) of belt width
Type of Weave
Connector
U: Unilateral weave
belts contain either Loop or Spiral
right or left-hand spirals
(but not both) joined
by a single crimped
connector. (Figure 32) Left Hand Right Hand
[Figure 32]
C: Conventional weave belts are made up of spirals of all one hand weave with each spiral turned into the
preceding one, forming a continuous fabric. (Figure 34)
CTB: Designates Ashworth Cleatrac® Belt and Sprocket System. “CT” indicates Cleatrac® belt and “B” indicates
that it is of balanced weave construction. Cleatrac® woven meshes are balanced weave meshes manufactured to
tighter specifications to ensure prompter engagement with the sprockets.
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
CB: Compound Balanced Weave belts consist of a tight nesting of right and left hand spirals which provide
a smooth, dense surface and the smallest mesh opening obtainable with any woven belt construction. The
mesh designation for Compound Balanced Weave indicates one of four different series designated CB2, CB3,
CB4, or CB5. The number following the letters CB specifies
the number of connectors that must be inserted to make
the belt endless or, conversely, removed to disassemble
the belt. Figure 35 depicts a CB5 mesh with the numbered
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connectors being needed for to complete assembly or
disassembly of the belt.
Loops:
Woven wire mesh counts There are 7 loops per 2" (50.8 mm),
so the loop count (XX) would be 42
are designated by three sets (7 loops x 6). Care should be taken
of numbers that follow the to count complete loops. A complete
weave type prefix. loop starts at one connector,
encircles the next connector, and
returns to the original connector.
First Count: the first set of
numbers after the weave [Figure 36]
type prefix is the mesh lateral pitch or loop count, and this number indicates the number of loops in a spiral
measured in 12 inches of belt length. Figure 36 illustrates a balanced weave mesh with a 42 first count.
Second Count: the second set of numbers is the mesh longitudinal pitch, and this number indicates the number
of connector or spirals measured in 12 inches of belt length. Figure 33 illustrates a balanced weave mesh with a
36 second or middle count.
Third count: the third set of numbers represents the wire gauge of the connector and spiral components per the
American Steel and Wire Co. gauge sizes. Both components are made of the same gauge when one size is
given. Many constructions are fabricated with a heavier gauge connector to increase belt strength. With these
meshes, the first number or pair of numbers designates the gauge of the connector; the last number or pair of
numbers designates the gauge of the spiral.
Surface Treatment
b: In certain cases a suffix will be added to the basic mesh designation. There are two possible suffixes:
PGLW: Precision Ground Light Weight indicates that the surface of an open mesh band is flattened by
precision grinding the surface after manufacture. This feature is limited to carbon steel belts 54" or less in
width.
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Baking Band
Installation & Tracking
Proper Installation of Baking Bands
Proper installation of baking bands is essential to long life and low maintenance. To install the belt it can be either pulled
into the oven attached to the old belt or using a rope and bridle system. When manufactured, the belt is tested for waver
in lengths up to 200 feet. The belt is then broken into either 25 or 50 foot rolls and tagged in sequence. Each roll of belt
must be installed in sequence in acordance with the numbered tags attached to each belt. If the rolls are installed in
the oven out of sequence, the belt will not track properly and will be permanently damaged.
Straight Engineering
The installation begins with aligning the terminal rolls to be level, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the oven
centerline. Failure to complete this crucial step will shorten the belt life and require constant monitoring of the system.
With both terminal rolls aligned, position all snub rolls to be parallel to the terminal rolls and insure they are level using
the terminal rolls as reference. These rolls are very important and can permanently damage the band in a short time if
improperly adjusted. Sometimes a “steering roll” is used for the rolls nearest the terminal rolls. While they can have a
significant influence on the side travel of the band, they must not be used for this purpose. When trying to control side
travel with a snub roll, non-uniform tension is applied and uneven sag across the belt width results. It is recommended
once the terminal and snub rolls are aligned, they are not moved out of parallel.
Roller supports are recommended on both the loaded and return path and they should be mounted with external bearings.
External bearings allow for adjustment of the rollers to tune the bet path through the oven. Of course, the support rollers
should be level and free turning. Tracking of the band is very simple if sufficient adjustment is available. Actual tracking
of the band should be performed under production conditions.
Tracking
To determine the correct band placement (Figure 37) on the load path, first measure
the oven chamber width, subtract the band width, and divide by two. This value is the
desired distance between the band edge and the oven wall through the load path.
For the band’s return path, measure the oven frame width and subtract the band’s
width. Half of this value is the desired distance between the band edge and the oven
(Frame Width–Band Width) / 2
wall through the return path. In aligning the band through the oven, measure band
position every 10' to 15' (3 m to 4 m).
[Figure 37]
Band tracking will change as the oven is brought up to temperature. Start tracking while the band is cold and make
adjustments to the rollers until it is running straight. Then, heat the band. Make the final adjustments to the rollers when
the band is at baking temperature. Additional tracking adjustments may be needed when product is introduced.
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
approaching a free turning roll will attempt to leave that roll at 90° to its axis. Therefore, to change the direction of
the band, the sides of the rollers must be adjusted forward or back so that they are no longer perpendicular to the
band (move the rollers as if steering a bicycle).
Keep in mind that the surface of the belt that will carry product will move in the opposite direction of the belt as
it goes through its return path. After each adjustment, the band will take about three cycles to re-stabilize. It is
advisable to make tracking corrections several band widths before the trouble spot (Figure 38). Moving several
Straight Engineering
rollers a small amount is recommended over moving one roller a greater amount.
While making adjustments, keep in mind that expansion of the oven frame may bind a roller at baking temperature.
Rollers with frozen bearings have the opposite effect as the free turning roll. Consider the direction of oven
expansion when setting roller positions.
A heavy board wrapped in multiple layers of clean cloth and laid across the band can be used at the discharge end
of the oven to wipe off the band surface. This board can be applied anytime during burn off depending on whether
the customer prefers to burn or wipe off the majority of the oil. Maximum effectiveness of the wiping action occurs
when the board is rotated periodically to expose a clean surface. When the cloth remains clean during continued
running, the band is sufficiently clean to begin production. It is not necessary to re-oil the band before baking.
CAUTION: If the oven is equipped with a band brush, it is suggested that it not be used during burn off to avoid
gumming the bristles with oil.
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Equal tension across its full width Bearings are in good condition
Equal edge sag on both sides of the band Bearings have been lubricated (if applicable)
No broken welds Roll faces are in good condition
No curl along belt edges Rolls are free-pivoting
No broken wires Proper clearance exists between controls and belt
Not out of crimp Controls are located in the proper location
Not discolored
Product load is evenly distributed Roller Supports
Free turning
Oven Exhibit concentric rotation
Produces equal heat distribution across full belt width No flat spots
All vents are operating properly to prevent “zonal” Shaft is not broken
heat build-up Properly adjusted
All oven doors are shut; if doors must be opened, Level
open an equal number of doors on both sides of oven
Take-Up
Band Path Air pressure setting is correct
No obstructions Equal air pressure in both cylinders
Not contacting framework Adequate free travel
Not overhanging any rollers Equal travel on both sides
Not passing under any rollers Tracks are clean
Does not waver through oven
Does not waver at terminal drums Slider Supports
Light contact with the controls Level
All limit switches are properly located Securely fastened to the frame
Cleaning brush is not binding Smooth transition between joints
Not warped or damaged
Terminals & Major Rolls No product debris
“Flat-faced” (not crowned)
Parallel to each other and perpendicular to the belt
No build-up of product debris
Shaft is not broken
No objects between belt and drum
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Bands that are used to bake sweet goods require close monitoring and periodic cleaning. Brushing is seldom
adequate to remove debris. Left unchecked, shortening, sugar, and other product debris fill the voids in the mesh,
Straight Engineering
form solid deposits, and begin to exert pressure on the spiral wires from the inside out. This bending force on
the spiral wires as the mesh flexes around the terminal drums is unnatural and results in fatigue breaks. Broken
wires then encounter the take-off blade, often resulting in blade damage or, worse, product contamination.
If the products leave debris in the band, it is important to ascertain the rate of build up so that an appropriate
cleaning interval can be established. Hard products such as crackers or dog biscuits seldom pose problems.
The rotating brush usually supplied by the oven builder will keep the mesh clear of any product debris.
Inspection and cleaning at regular intervals is the key to long band life.
It is important to monitor the band temperature. A temperature of 900°F (480°C) produces a very dark color
in carbon steel, which is barely visible in poor light. If the band becomes a dark or dull cherry red, the band
temperature is far too high. Use the lowest temperature that works for your product. Higher temperatures will
damage the band and increase the danger of fire.
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Troubleshooting—Baking Bands
Unequal Edge Sag—Ashworth recommends that the difference in sag between a baking band’s two edges be
no greater than 0.03" (0.79 mm).
Band Vibration
Excessive vibration of oven bands is a rare problem but, when it occurs, the cause and cure are seldom
obvious. The most frequent symptom of excessive vibration is the disorientation of product to the point of it
spilling off the band edge, creating the opportunity for oven fires.
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Straight Engineering
Vibrating Framework & Unbalanced Equipment
These vibrations are readily apparent by their low frequency. Only severe cases would affect the band itself.
Belt Drive
Avoid long pitch chains on small diameter sprockets. Speed change from the chain chordal action would produce
a band surging motion.
This phenomenon can best be described by analogy. Assume a car with a wheelbase of 4' (1.22 m) is traveling
a section of road, which has speed bumps on 1' (0.3 m) centers.
As the car travels, the wheels will always be either on top of Natural Vibration
the speed bumps or between them; therefore the driver will
experience a rise and fall relative to the ground (or achieve
a natural vibration—Figure 39). If the driver is not wearing
a seat belt and the forward speed is great enough, he may
be thrown from the vehicle. The same is true of conveyor [Figure 39]
belts. To prevent product from being thrown from a belt
(dampened vibration—Figure 40), the support rolls (the
speed bumps) need to spread out to dampen the natural Dampened Vibration
frequency of the belt.
Friction Drag
Support bars, non-rotating rollers, or badly tracking bands contacting the oven’s frame can produce vibration.
A significant difference between static and dynamic coefficients of friction can produce “stick/slip,” resulting in
surging and vibration.
Eccentric Rolls
Long-term wear or build-up of product forms eccentric rolls which are recognized as a primary source of band vibration.
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Straight Running Belts: Friction Driven
Troubleshooting—Baking Bands
Operating Related Vibration Factors:
The opportunity to vary operating factors to solve vibration issues is often limited by the oven settings required
for the product.
Band Speed
Band speed determines the frequency of both band and roll induced disturbing forces. Sometimes a change in
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speed will sufficiently reduce vibration to acceptable levels. However, there is also the possibility the vibration
may merely move to another location.
Take-Up Tension
Take-up tension will affect the vibration frequency. Varying the tension may help but, as with speed, the
vibration may move elsewhere in the band.
Oven Temperature
Temperature should not affect the band other than by altering band tension or friction characteristics.
Band Tracking
Band tracking is a reflection of the condition and alignment of the terminal drums, all major and minor rolls, belt
supports, and the take-up.
Efforts to cool the edges of a baking band with water can result in irreparable band damage. Ashworth does not
recommend this practice. The normal quenching procedure involves the use of oil, as oil allows some control
over the cooling rate. Quenching with water is most severe and will produce stress fractures within the grain
boundaries of the material. Once these fractures are created, any side pressure on the band may cause the
band to fracture (crack) along the quenched zone. Build-up of the product on any support roll that causes the
band to flex may also lead to broken wires in the area of the quench. Instead of quenching the band, determine
the cause of the hot spots and work to remedy the situation.
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Straight Running Belts
For further information or to consult with an Ashworth Application Specialist, contact us at:
Toll-Free Phone: 800-682-4594
Phone: 540-662-3494
E-mail: [email protected]
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Straight Running Belts
DESIGN DATA SHEETS
Straight Run
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Straight Running Belts
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Conveyor Design
STRAIGHT-RUN CONVEYORS
TENSION CALCULATIONS
In making belt selections or determining whether the selected belt is suitable for the application, we must
determine the tension. For positive-drive conveyors operating at less than 1000°F, the tension in the belt is
typically highest at the drive. Consequently, the tension is zero just after the belt leaves the drive sprockets.
After the belt leaves the drive, the tension increases along the return path and on the load path. The amount
of tension that is built-up through the conveyor paths can be estimated from the formulas below. Ashworth
recommends that only minimal additional tension be added to the belt in the take-up. Typically, a catenary sag
is sufficient to provide enough initial tension in order for the belt to operate. The formulas below are based on
the assumption that minimal force has been added in the take-up.
T = wLfr + WLfl
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Conveyor Design
Example—Straight-Run Conveyor:
Assume a 100 foot long, level conveyor with drive on the
discharge end. Process is cooling pastries at room tempera-
ture. Load is 5.0 lb/ft² on UHMWPE-capped belt support rails.
Selected belt type is a 48 inch wide true ½ x ½ Flat Wire.
T = wLfr + WLfl
Design Guidelines
T = Belt Tension, lb/ft of belt width. (Newtons/m of belt width)
w = belt weight of an Ashworth A5 = 3.03 lb/ft²
L = conveyor length = 100 feet
fr = friction between belt and supports on return path = 0.35
W = total weight of belt and product = 3.03 + 5.0 = 8.03 lb/ft²
fl = friction between belt and supports on load path = 0.35
From the Flat Wire Technical Bulletin, the allowable Tension for an A5 is 500 lb. foot of width; therefore,
Selected belt is strong enough.
Tt = T x BW
Where: BW = Belt Width, ft. (meters)
T = wLfr + WLfl + WH
Where: H = Rise of incline conveyor, feet (meters)
Example—Incline Conveyor:
From the previous example, assume the conveyor had a
four foot rise.
T = wLfr + WLfl + WH
H = Incline = 4.0 ft.
T = 3.03 (100) 0.35 + 8.03 (100) 0.35 + (8.03)(4)
= 419.2 lb/foot of width
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Conveyor Design
If the belt support material is the same for all segments, the
formula reduces to:
Ta = T + WlLafp
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Conveyor Design
Design Guidelines
(under the conveyor)
of the belt tension is concentrated on the outside belt edge. Since
the load is not shared across the belt width, the allowable tension is 1
Turn Ratio
In designing turn curve applications, the Turn Ratio (TR) is critical. The minimum turn ratio of each belt is used
to determine the minimum inside turn radius. Consult Product Technical Bulletins to obtain the minimum turn
ratio of specific belts.
IR = TR x BW
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Conveyor Design
Tension Calculations—Turns
For a fixed inside rail, tension increases through a turn. This increase is calculated from by the following formula:
If using Metric units (kg, M, etc.) multiply resultant tension x 9.8 to convert to Newtons.
*Refer to Product Technical Bulletin on specific belt; R is usually the radius to the outside edge of the belt.
Turn Factors
Turn factors a and b can be calculated from the following formulas.
a = eθfr
b = (a – 1)/fr
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Conveyor Design
Turn Factors
Degree of Inside Turn Rail Coefficient of Friction, fr
Turn 0.15 0.20 0.25
a b a b a b
10 1.03 0.20 1.04 0.20 1.04 0.16
15 1.04 0.27 1.05 0.27 1.07 0.27
Design Guidelines
20 1.05 0.33 1.07 0.35 1.09 0.36
30 1.08 0.53 1.11 0.55 1.14 0.56
40 1.11 0.73 1.15 0.75 1.19 0.77
50 1.13 0.87 1.17 0.85 1.22 0.88
60 1.14 0.93 1.19 0.95 1.24 0.96
70 1.20 1.33 1.28 1.38 1.36 1.43
80 1.23 1.53 1.32 1.61 1.42 1.67
90 1.27 1.80 1.37 1.85 1.48 1.92
100 1.30 2.00 1.42 2.09 1.55 2.19
110 1.33 2.20 1.47 2.34 1.62 2.46
120 1.37 2.46 1.52 2.60 1.69 2.76
130 1.41 2.73 1.57 2.87 1.76 3.05
140 1.44 2.93 1.63 3.15 1.84 3.36
150 1.48 3.21 1.69 3.44 1.92 3.70
160 1.52 3.47 1.75 3.75 2.02 4.08
170 1.56 3.73 1.81 4.06 2.10 4.40
180 1.60 4.00 1.88 4.38 2.19 4.76
190 1.64 4.27 1.94 4.70 2.28 5.12
200 1.69 4.60 2.01 5.05 2.39 5.66
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Conveyor Design
1
T3R = Ti + L2 (fr)(Wb)
T1 = T2R + L1(fr)(Wb)
T2 = T1 + L1(fs)(Wb + W1)
T4 = T3 + L2(fs)(Wb + W1)
Turns—Other Options
In the first layout calculations, it is clear that fixed rail turns dramatically increase belt tension. Note that in the
formula for turn factor formula, “a” is a multiplier of the tension entering the turn (T1) and that “a” increases
with the angle of turn and the coefficient of friction of the inside rail. In planning the layout, try to minimize the
number and angle of the turns in order to keep the belt tension down. Keep the layout as simple as possible.
There are other options to fixed rail turns. For instance, if a full diameter, free-rotating turn wheel replaces the
fixed inside rail, the tension gain will be considerably reduced. Powering this wheel will offer an even greater
improvement. The inside belt support can be incorporated into the wheel to increase its efficiency still fur-
ther. The following cases illustrate the most practical possibilities. The tension formula is revised accordingly,
showing the effect of exit belt tension.
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Conveyor Design
T2 = T1 + fs(R)(Wb +W1)(θ)
Where: θ = A°/ 57.3 T2 Section
Design Guidelines
(2) Drive Inside Rail/Stationary Supports (see Figure 42) Rotating Rail
(wheel)
T2 = T1 + b(fs)(R)(Wb +W1)/a A°
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Conveyor Design
Comments:
The benefits afforded by formula #4 can also be provided by Ashworth Edge Drive Units without the space con-
sumption of a full diameter turn wheel on the inside of a turn. A high friction urethane lugged chain, operating in
a horizontal plane, powers the inside edge of the belt through the turn. Consult Ashworth for more details.
Turn wheels, which include the belt support bed such as in options 5 and 6 above, can be impractical for wide
belts. The transition between straight runs and the turns can be a problem. Option 2 is a more practical choice.
design guidelines
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Conveyor Design
Drive Calculations
Torque at Drive Shaft
The running torque at the drive can be determined for the following formula. This makes no allowance for
start-up under load.
TQ = T x PD/2
Design Guidelines
Where:
TQ = Torque, in inch-pounds (N/m)
T = Total Belt Tension, lb. (N)
PD = Pitch Diameter of drive sprockets, in. (m)
Example:
The running torque required at the conveyor drive in the previous example, where the belt tension (T) equals
387.1 lb/foot of width, belt width equals 48 inches and selected sprocket has a pitch diameter of 6.563 inches
Horsepower Requirements
The suggested horsepower is based on the formula below. A safety factor should be used to allow for trans-
mission losses, start up, loads, etc.
HP = T x S/33,000
Where: HP = Horsepower
T = Total Belt Tension, lb.
S = Belt speed, ft./min.
Example:
To calculate the horsepower required to drive the conveyor in the previous example, where the belt tension (T)
equals 387.1 lb/foot of width, belt width equals 48 inches and belt speed (S) is 50 fpm, would be:
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Conveyor Design
Where:
D = Recommended minimum shaft diameter (inches)
B = Constant; use 1 for solid shafts; or (1 / [1 – K4])1/3
for hollow shafts, where K = (shaft ID/shaft OD)
P = Constant; use 6000 for a shaft with keyway or
8000 for shafts without keyways
Cb = Service Factor in Bending—See table
Ct = Service Factor in Torsion—See table
Tq = Torque (inch-pounds)
M = (Wr x L)/ 8
Wr = (R2 + T2)½
R = Weight of [Shaft + Sprockets + One Linear Foot of
Belt + Load/Linear Foot) (lb.)
L = Length of Shaft (in.)
Service Factors
Cb Ct Type Load
1.5 1.0 gradually applied on steady load
1.5–2.0 1.0–1.5 suddenly applied minor shock load *
2.0–3.0 1.5–3.0 suddenly applied heavy shock load
* most commonly used
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Conveyor Design
Design Guidelines
When only two outer bearings are used: When a center bearing is used:
D = 5 x F1 x ls3 D = F1 x ls3
384 x E x I 2960 x E x I
Shaft
Where: Dimension Moment of Inertia
in. (mm)
D = Deflection, inch (mm)
F1 = Shearing force on the shaft, lbf (N)
φ
F1 = √ T2 + (ws x l1 x c)2
T = Total Belt Tension at the shaft, lbf (N)
I = πxΦ4/64
ws = Weight of shaft, lb/ft (kg/m)
l1 = Shaft length, ft (m)
ls = distance between shaft bearings, inch (mm)
E = Modulus of elasticity of shaft material I = b4/12
Steel: E = 2.95x107 lbf/inch2
= 2.1x105 N/mm2
I = Moment of Inertia of drive shaft, inch4 (mm4)
C = Force conversion factor
Imperial: 1.0 I = [b4-(b-2t)4 ]/ 12
Metric: 9.8
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Conveyor Design
Φ° = 180 x T x do x ls
2π x G x It
Shaft
Dimension Inertial Force
in. (mm)
Where:
Φ° = Torsion angle It = 0.1 x (dia)4
T = Total Belt Tension at the shaft, lbf (N)
do = Pitch diameter of drive sprockets, inch (mm)
ls = distance between shaft bearings, inch (mm)
G = Modulus of shear of shaft material It = t x b3
Steel: G = 11.6x106 lbf/inch2
= 81.6x103 N/mm2
It = Inertia force for drive shaft, inch4 (mm4)
It ≈ 0.141 x b4
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Conveyor Design
Design Guidelines
Urethane
Driving Lugs Belt Rolled angle wheel
Support (leg out) or equivalent.
Rails Attach wear strip material
Ashworth Edge Drive Unit to belt contact surfaces.
constructed to suit application.
Support Structure
For optimum operation, it is of great importance that the belt has the correct support structure. The conveyor
has to be level for even wear on the belt and support structure. An oblique conveyor will reduce the life of
the belt and support structure due to expedient wear. The design of the support structure, i.e., the choice and
placement of the wear strips, must consider the following factors:
Belt type
Load
Horizontal or inclining conveyor
Temperature conditions
Support structure should extend beyond belt edge for best support.
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Conveyor Design
Di
rec
tio
no
Di fT
rec rav
el
tio
no
fT
rav
el
Spacing 6 inch [152 mm] MAX
Herringbone rails: Ashworth recommended. (Figure Longitudinal Rails: (Figure 47) Flat wear strips the
46). Flat wear strips in a “V” configuration with the point full length of the conveyor, parallel to each other and
of the “V” pointing in the direction of travel. Low friction perpendicular to the terminal shafts. Low friction wear
wear strip material preferred to minimize belt wear. Rec- strip material preferred to minimize belt wear. Recom-
ommended spacing between rails of 4–12” depending mended spacing between rails of 4–12” depending on
on belt type, load, and other factors. This configuration belt type, load, and other factors. This configuration
distributes the wear over the entire belt width. does not distribute wear over the full width of the belt.
[Figure 48] [Figure 49]
Di
rec
tio
no
fT
rav
Free Turning Rollers el
Free Turning Rollers: Ashworth recommended. Slider bed: (Figure 49) A slider rail bed of low
(Figure 48) Roller supports minimize wear on the belt, friction material will, in most cases, afford the best
reduce belt tension, and aid in the tracking of friction- means of providing belt support as it fully supports
driven belts. the belt.
Many excellent Belt Support Materials are avail- For applications that experience Temperature
able. The most commonly used Ultra High Molecular Fluctuations, the wear strips should be attached in
Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). UHMWPE is avail- such a manner as to allow expansion and contrac-
able in numerous shapes and sizes. Special extruded tion with temperature. In other words, they should be
shapes are available in continuous coil lengths for secured at one end only.
ease of assembly.
216 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Conveyor Design
Design Guidelines
Extruded plastic wear strip
on flat stock rails.
Belt (ref.)
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 217
Conveyor Design
Wearstrip Placement
Drive
design guidelines
Pick-up roll
sprockets
Positive drives propel the belts by means of Ashworth DISCHARGE TERMINAL DRIVE
sprockets which are designed to engage the fully extended
belt. For this reason, the drive sprocket cannot be located immediately adjacent to a turn exit where the links
are partially closed. A straight run not less than 1-1/2 times the belt width must be provided to allow the pitch
to return to the full extended position. The location of the drive is important and can be critical. Complicated
layouts, long conveyors, and heavy loading will certainly require multiple drives. To avoid excessive belt stress
in case of a malfunction, a drive safety device
such as a torque limiter is recommended.
Friction Drives works by frictional contact between the drive drum and the belt. Typical belts used in this ap-
plication can be balanced weave, compound balanced weave, and flat wire. Terminal drums must be large
enough to ensure good contact and maximum flexibility as the belt travels around the drum. These drums are
typically several inches wider than the belt. Each drum must be level, parallel to each other, and perpendicular
to the centerline of the conveyor. They must also be clean with no product build-up on the surface. Sometimes
drums are lagged with urethane or other high friction material to increase friction between belt and drum.
Tracking is important to stabilize belt waver.
218 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Conveyor Design
Design Guidelines
1 - 4” (25 -100 mm)
• For short conveyors under 6 feet (1.8 m) the belt can hang freely between the drive and idler terminals.
• For long conveyors over 6 feet (1.8 m) with large temperature changes (50°F [10°C] or greater) the catenary
sag should be distributed over longer sections; i.e., support the belt in the return with rollers to distribute the
sag over the length of the belt.
• Alternatively, for long belts and with high temperature variations (50°F [10°C] or greater) a roller can be
mounted free hanging in the return path allowing its weight to take-up the slack belt.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 219
Conveyor Design
TRAVEL
[ A [ B [ B [ A
design guidelines
inch mm 3xP
A 20 500
B 50 1270
P = Belt Pitch
This pull/pull system requires only one reversible motor.
A TRAVEL A
TRAVEL
A B A
Sprockets
• The basic requirements for belt conveyors are to ensure an evenly distributed load on the belt and support
structure, that the belt has the necessary strength, and the placement of the sprockets is correct.
• When constructing a belt conveyor, it is important to allow for adjustment. By using adjustable bearings at the
drive end as well as the idler end, it is easy to allow for adjustment.
Note: The use of setscrews in plastic sprockets may cause breaks in the sprockets if the setscrews are over tightened.
220 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Conveyor Design
Alignment Of Sprockets
Shafts
Proper alignment of the sprocket shafts is critical for smooth operation. The conveyor must be absolutely level
and the shafts must be perpendicular to the centerline of the conveyor. The following methods are acceptable
for aligning the drive and idle shafts.
Design Guidelines
Mounting Of Sprockets
Sprockets with a Round Bore
Round bore sprockets are recommended for conveyors with constant ambient temperature and for conveyors
with light loading. Sprockets with keyways are used at the drive end and, when sprockets are positioned, the
center sprocket is fixed axially with either set screws or collar rings.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 221
Conveyor Design
■ For Flat wire belts positively driven with sprockets or a waffle roll (a continuous belt-width toothed member,
available via special order), overall diameters will range from 4-1/8 inches (104.8 mm) to 14-11/16 (373.1
mm). The quantity is determined for belt tension, but there is a maximum spacing of 6 inches (152 mm).
Location—Sprocket should be place in odd numbered openings, ensuring outside sprockets are located in
the third openings from each belt edge. This assists the belt in resisting fatigue fractures by providing two
load-carrying legs.
Hubs—Must be oriented in the same direction to keep teeth perfectly lined up and distribute stress evenly
design guidelines
across the belt width. Idlers should be placed in even numbered openings, ensuring that outside sprockets
are located in the second openings from each belt edge.
Minimum number of sprockets per shaft is calculated by dividing the belt width by sum of maximum sprocket
spacing and sprocket width. Round calculated number up to nearest whole number.
DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
Example for a metal belt with a width of 26 inches:
Minimum number of sprockets per shaft = belt width/
(max spacing number of sprockets)
26 inch wide belt (660.4 mm)/6 inch = 4.33 sprockets* Drive
Sprockets
■ Always round up to the next highest whole
number
■ A minimum of 5 sprockets is required for both Idler
Sprockets
the drive and idler shafts.
Metric
Number of sprockets = 660.4 mm/152.4 mm = 4.33 sprockets
■ Always round up to the next highest whole number
■ A minimum of 5 sprockets is required for both the drive and idler shafts.
Cleatrac® belts are an exception to this rule. Please see Technical Product Bulletin “033 Cleatrac® Belt
and Drive System” for Cleatrac® sprocket calculations.
Chordal Action
Sprocket driven conveyor belts will experience variation in linear speed as the sprocket drives the belt. Be-
cause belts hinge or rotate about the set pitch of the belt they can only bend about the rods or pitch points.
This creates a variation in the radius of engagement between the tangent and chord positions. This phenom-
enon is referred to as chordal action.
Chordal Rise
When the sprockets are rotating at a constant speed, the belt speed is not steady due to change in engage-
ment radius (chordal rise). Chordal action varies based on the number of teeth on the sprockets.
This variation in speed is calculated as following:
222 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Conveyor Design
25
% Speed Variation
20
Design Guidelines
15
10
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Number of T eet h
When the values for chordal action are graphed it becomes clear that, as the number of teeth are increased
on the sprocket, the resulting chordal action or variation in belt speed is reduced dramatically. As noted in the
graph above, the speed variation drops to around 4% when an 11-tooth sprocket is used. A speed variation
of this amount is seldom noticeable, which is why Ashworth recommends the selected sprocket for any of our
belt types have no less than 11 sprocket teeth.
Filler Rolls
Ashworth recommends filler rolls be used on shafts where only drive sprockets are used; i.e., Omni-Pro®,
Advantage™ , and Omni-Grid®. The filler (or support) rolls are required to keep the belt from deflecting across
its width. The maximum diameter for the filler rolls depends on the size of the sprockets being used. The
diameter required for the filler rolls can be calculated knowing the pitch diameter of the chosen sprockets.
Mesh thickness for Omni-Pro® and Omni-Grid® belts can be estimated by adding the cross rod diameter plus
two times the diameter of the mesh overlay.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 223
Conveyor Design
L ≈ [(2.66 x S2) / D] + D
0.67 ft (0.203 m)
L ≈ [(2.66 x S2) / D] + D
F = (D2 x W x C ) / (8 x S)
224 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Conveyor Design
Design Guidelines
temperature. Such changes in the belt width and belt length must be taken into consideration when the con-
veyor is constructed.
∆L = L x ρ x (T2–T1)
Expansion in width:
Imperial: ∆L = 3 x 0.001 x (150–72) Metric: ∆L = 0.91 x 0.15 x (65–22)
∆L = 0.23 inch ∆L = 5.8 mm
Expansion in length:
Imperial: ∆L = 25 x 0.001 x (150–72) Metric: ∆L = 7.62 x 0.15 x (65–22)
∆L = 1.95 inch ∆L = 49.5 mm
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 225
Conveyor Design
Friction Coefficients
Friction coefficient between Belt and Wear Strips, Metal Belts
Belt Material Type of Belt Support f
Free Turning Rollers 0.10
UHMWPE with clean or packaged product 0.20
Stainless Steel or High Carbon UHMWPE with breaded or flour based product 0.27
UHMWPE with greasy, fried product 0.30
design guidelines
226 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Conveyor Design
Design Guidelines
H3=3/8” Max. Tooth Height
Note:
1. Operate belt and track belt before installing transfer plates.
2. At terminals where the transfer plate is used, sprocket teeth
must be reduced to 3/8” overall height for H3 EZ transfer.
3. Return support rails must have a 1” minimum width to insure
that pickets do not straddle the rails.
4. Belt has a definite top and bottom and cannot be inverted.
H3 EZ TRANSFER
Sprocket A Dim. B Dim.
Type in. mm in. mm
#6-18 Tooth 3-1/8 to 3-3/8 79.4 to 85.7 3-5/8 84.1
#8-23 Tooth 3-5/16 to 3-7/16 84.1 to 87.3 4-1/4 108
The diagram shown is to be used as a guide in the placement fingerplates to provide the smoothest possible
transfer from the belt to the fingerplate.
The main consideration will be proper clearance for the belt and mounting of the fingerplate because the plates
are produced in standard modular sizes. The belt widths must be in intervals coincidental with the finger spacing.
Contact Ashworth Engineering for other options specific for your application and system design.
This belt is used with sprockets to insure proper alignment with transfer plate fingers.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 227
Conveyor Design
NOTES
design guidelines
228 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Conveyor Design
Design Guidelines
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion may occur should the belt be subjected to certain chemicals. The corrosion resistance of the con-
veyor and belt materials to a number of pure liquids is shown in the table below. Note that the concentration and
temperature of the liquid in most cases are decisive as to whether or not the material is resistant.
Use this table as a guide. Other liquid solutions besides those listed, as well as mixed solutions, may attack the
conveyor and belt materials. Chemicals can affect the weight, strength, color, dimensions, flexibility, and surface
appearance of plastics. The basic interactions that cause these changes are (1) chemical attack on the polymer
chain; (2) physical change, including absorption of solvents, resulting in the softening and swelling of the plastic,
or dissolution of the plastic in a solvent; (3) stress cracking from the interaction of the "stress-cracking agent"
with molded-in or external stresses.
The reactive combination of compounds of two or more classes may cause an undesirable chemical effect. Oth-
er factors affecting chemical resistance include: temperature, pressure, internal or external stresses, and length
of exposure to and concentration of the chemical. As temperature increases, resistance to attack decreases.
In general, plastic belts are not resistant to liquids with a pH-value lower than 4.5 or higher than 9.0. Cleaning
with strong detergents should be avoided. Metal belts are not resistant to liquids with a pH-value lower than 6 or
higher than 13.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 229
Conveyor Design
Corrosion Resistance
Martensitic/Ferritic Austenitic PA6
Chemical Name D, LF, SLF, AS PP PE GR AS PVDF PC
stainless steel stainless steel PA66
Acetic Ether - ** ** ** -
Acetone 10% ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** - *
Alcohol ** ** ** ** ** ** ** *
Aluminum Chloride - ** ** ** * ** ** **
design guidelines
Aluminum Fluoride ** ** **
Aluminum Hydroxide ** ** ** ** *
Aluminum Nitrate ** ** ** ** **
Aluminum Sulfate - ** ** ** ** **
Ammonia ** ** - ** ** * ** * - *
Aniline ** ** ** ** * * ** ** **
Arcenic Acid ** ** ** ** **
Benzene ** ** ** * - * -
Benzoic Acid ** * ** ** ** ** *
Borax ** ** * ** ** **
Boric Acid ** ** ** ** * ** ** *
Brake Fluid ** ** **
Bromic Acid - - - - - ** -
Bromine - - - - - - ** -
Butyl Acetate ** - - ** - ** **
Butyric Acid * ** ** ** - - *
Carbon Dioxide ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Carbon Disulfide ** ** ** * * ** - ** -
Carbon Tetrachloride ** ** * - - - ** -
Chlorine Water * * - ** - - - ** * -
Chlorobenzene - ** * - - ** * ** -
Chloroform ** ** - - - - * ** - **
Chloromethyl ** ** - - -
Chloromethylene ** ** * - - **
Chromic Acid 50% - * - ** ** * -
Citric Acid * ** * ** ** * ** ** ** **
Cresol ** ** ** * -
Crude Oil ** ** ** ** * ** * ** **
Cyclohexane ** - - ** **
Cyclohexanol ** * - ** ** *
Cyclohexanone ** * * ** *
Dextrin ** ** **
Diethyl Ether * * -
Dimethylamine ** * ** - **
Ethyl Acetate ** ** - * **
Ethyl Ether ** ** ** - - - **
Ferric Chloride - - * ** ** - ** ** *
Ferric Nitrate ** ** ** ** **
Ferric Sulfate ** ** ** ** ** **
Formaldehyde ** ** ** ** * ** ** ** * **
Formic Acid - * - ** ** * ** *
Fuel Oil * * * *
Glycerin ** ** ** ** ** ** ** * **
Hydrobromic Acid 50% - ** **
Test Temperature: + 73 °F (+23 °C) ** = Excellent Resistance * = Satisfactory Resistance –= Unsatisfactory Resistance
230 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Conveyor Design
Design Guidelines
Hydrochloric Acid 10% - * - ** ** - ** ** ** **
Hydrofluoric Acid - - - ** ** - ** ** -
Hydrogen Fluoride - ** **
Hydrogen Peroxide ** ** * * ** * * ** * *
Hydrogen Sulfide 2% * ** - ** ** ** ** ** **
Iodine (dry) ** ** - * - - - ** -
Iodine (fluid) - * - - - - - ** ** -
Lactic Acid 10% * * ** ** ** ** ** ** ** *
Linseed Oil ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Lubricating Oil ** ** ** ** * * **
Hydrogen Fluoride - ** **
Hydrogen Peroxide ** ** * * ** * * ** * *
Hydrogen Sulfide 2% * ** - ** ** ** ** ** **
Iodine (dry) ** ** - * - - - ** -
Iodine (fluid) - * - - - - - ** ** -
Lactic Acid 10% * * ** ** ** ** ** ** ** *
Linseed Oil ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Lubricating Oil ** ** ** ** * * **
Malic Acid ** ** * ** ** *
Mercury Chloride 5% - ** ** ** ** - ** ** **
Mercury Cyanide - * ** **
Mercury Nitrate ** ** ** ** **
Monochloroacetic Acid - * ** **
Motor Oil ** ** ** ** * ** **
Nitric Acid 10% * ** - * * - - ** * -
Nitrobenzene * * - * ** ** - *
Oleic Acid ** ** * ** * ** ** **
Oxalic Acid 10% * * - ** ** * ** ** **
Ozone - - * - * ** ** *
Palmitic Acid 10% ** ** ** **
Palmitic Acid 70% ** ** ** **
Perchloric Acid 10% ** ** **
Perchloric Acid 70% **
Perchloroethylene ** - - -
Petrol ** ** ** ** ** -
Petroleum ** ** ** * ** ** * ** - **
Phenol 10% - * * ** ** - ** ** - -
Phosphoric Acid 30% - ** - ** ** - ** ** ** **
Phosphoric Acid 85% - * - ** ** - * ** - **
Silver Nitrate * ** ** ** ** **
Stearic Acid ** ** ** * **
Succinic Acid ** **
Sulfur * * ** - ** ** **
Test Temperature: + 73 °F (+23 °C) ** = Excellent Resistance * = Satisfactory Resistance –= Unsatisfactory Resistance
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 231
Conveyor Design
Tartaric Acid * ** * ** ** *
Toluene ** ** ** - ** - ** - **
Tomato Juice ** ** **
Trichlroacetic Acid * - ** **
Turpentine * - **
Vegetable Oil ** ** * * **
Vinegar * ** - ** ** ** -
Zinc Chloride * * ** ** ** ** ** *
Test Temperature: + 73 °F (+23 °C) ** = Excellent Resistance * = Satisfactory Resistance –= Unsatisfactory Resistance
232 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Glossary of Terms
A5SC Flat Wire Belt: Designed for the can industry by Ash- Brazed Edge or Soldered Edge: An edge finish com-
worth. Its special construction allows it to run under inverted pleted by brazing or soldering only.
cans, without pinching and upsetting them, which can occur
at the discharge of the dryer section in a can washer, where Burrs: Metal protrusions on metal parts due to dull tooling,
the cans transfer onto the take-away conveyor. improperly punched, or cut parts of the belt.
Advantage™ Belts: Hybrid belts comprised of acetal links Cage: Large cylindrical shaped core of a spiral system.
connected by stainless steel rods. Rods are designed to eas- The system’s main driving component. (See also Drum.)
ily snap in/out for quick replacement and maintenance. First
and only NSF certified and USDA accepted plastic belting.
Cage Bars: The vertical members that form the driving
surface of the cage or drum in a lotension spiral system.
Auxiliary Drive: The sprocket drive that sets the belt
speed. This normally is located at the discharge of a spiral
Catenary: Unsupported section of belt, typically immedi-
conveyor just before the take-up. (See also Take-up)
ately following drive sprockets, which accumulate belt and
acts as a weighted take-up.
Baking Band: The tightly woven wire mesh of Ashworth's
Baking Bands provides uniform heat distribution along with
Cantilever: Horizontal structural member on which the
excellent air circulation and product support for all but the
belt supports are mounted with one end attached to the
most fluid of doughs. The density of the band maintains
support columns and the other end free. Typically found on
even heating for a consistent bottom bake across the
lotension systems.
entire width of the belt.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 233
Compound Balanced Weave: A mesh consisting of alter- Double Weave (Duplex) Edges: Edge construction of
nating right and left-hand spirals nested together and joined double weave design extending in from both edges to a
by three or more crimped connecting rods. In some meshes, specific distance.
straight connecting rods are used.
Down Cage: A spiral system where the belt travels from
Compressed Spiral Edges: An edge finish in which the top to bottom. (See also Up Cage.)
outer turns of the spirals are compressed to a specified
distance. Drum: Large cylindrical shaped core of a spiral system.
The system’s main driving component. (See also Cage.)
Connector Rod: A wire or rod of any shape (usually
round), either straight or crimped, used for joining belt Drum Diameter: Diameter of the drum or cage.
components.
Edge Drives: Designed to reduce tension to acceptable
Conventional Weave: A mesh consisting of a series of levels in applications where long belts pass through a
either all right or all left-hand spirals, each turned into the series of turns and straight runs, often resulting in tension
preceding spiral to form a continuous belt. (For basic types, levels which exceed recommended limits.
see Uni-Directional and Sectional Weave.)
Elevated Temperatures: Thermal expansion of the belt
Crimped Connectors: Round wire formed into peaks and width may adversely affect sprocket engagement with the
valleys to house spirals. The design pre-seats and stabilizes belt openings.
spirals to reduce break-in stretch and prevent lateral spiral
movement.
Elongated Spiral Edge: A retaining edge fabricated by
adding elongated spirals to the turned-up connectors or
Cross Over: Length of straight running belt between cen- rod reinforcements.
ters of two cages on a two cage/one belt system.
End Lock: Rod cap with locking lip inserted into the mod-
Dancer Roll: Weighted roll at the bottom of a take-up loop. ule along both edges of the belt to secure rod position.
Dirty Systems: Process dirt and belt wear debris may con- ExactaStack™: Self-stacking belt available in all widths,
taminate product, increase system friction, and accelerate tier heights, and mesh configurations for both spliced-in
belt wear, thus reducing the useful life of the belt if the user sections and complete belt replacements. No system drive
does not practice proper cleaning. Cleaning practices and modifications required.
schedules are application specific.
Extended Sidebar Chain: A retaining edge provided by
Dividers: Devices used to separate a belt into longitudi- special attachments on the chain.
nal product lanes. These can be created with woven wire
designs or plate attachments.
EZ Transfer Finger Plate: Eliminates the need for transfer
dead plates at terminal discharges as the tines of the plates
Double Balanced Weave: A mesh consisting of pairs of fill the space between the raised leg pickets or modules.
interlaced right and left-hand spirals joined by crimped or
straight rod connectors so that the pairs of spirals are inter- Fatigue Resistant Cleatrac: Provides up to 2.5 times the
spaced by the adjacent spirals. working strength of our standard Cleatrac belts. Fatigue
Resistant Cleatrac belting can be used in applications re-
Double Rod Reinforced Weave (Dual or Duplex Weave): quiring longer conveyor lengths and increased belt strength.
A mesh consisting of pairs of either all right-hand or all
left-hand spirals, each pair being turned into the preceding Filled Edges: Short lengths of wire (any shape) affixed
GlOSSARY
pair, and reinforced with a rod through the hinging point of between connectors.
the spirals.
234 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
Filler Rod: A rod of any shape (usually round) inserted Inside Turn Radius: Turn radius measured to the inside
through a spiral or spirals to fill the mesh. These rods do not edge of the belt.
connect spirals or belt components.
Integral Guard Edge: Inside leg link raised to prevent
Flat Bar: A commercially available or manufacturable flat product from falling off belt. Integral guard edge links offer
bar used as cross supports to connect chain. Occasion- improved cleanup and sanitation over guard edge plates.
ally, flat bar is inserted through mesh to act as a filler bar
or assembled under the mesh with the mesh welded to the Interlocking Plate: A retaining edge consisting of a series
flat bar. of formed plates which “interlock” with each other to form a
guard edge.
Flat Wire Belt: Continuous assembly of flat wire pickets
connected by a straight round connector inserted through Interlocking Looped Edge: A retaining edge formed by ex-
positioned holes. tending ends of straight wire connectors or reinforcing wires
into interlocking loop design at prescribed angles to the belt.
Flights (Lifts, Cleats): Devices attached across the width
of the belt at prescribed intervals to prevent the product Internal Pigtails: Secures the rod position within the over-
from sliding on the inclines and declines. These may be lay spirals. They are recommended for applications with a
fabricated from woven wire spirals and formed or unformed soft or wet product. Internal pigtails may be added to any
sheet metal. Omni-Tough® overlay at the time of fabrication. Minimum
belt width for this feature is 12" (305 mm) nominal.
Flip-up: Condition due to high tension. The outside edge
of the belt rises up off the belt supports. The belt may get Interwoven Weave: A mesh consisting of two conventional
caught between the drum and inside belt support. Also weaves in which one is woven into the other and some-
called Reverse Christmas Tree. (See Christmas Tree.) times reinforced by straight rods through the hinging points
of the spirals.
Flip-up Detection: Electrical or mechanical/electrical
device(s) that detect a edge flip-up condition. Knuckled Edge: An edge finish which is complete without
welding. The edge is finished by bending back the ends of
Guard Edge Plate: Plates assembled between links and the spirals to form a loop, generally permitting each indi-
mesh to prevent product from falling off belt. Guard edge vidual spiral to flex as a single link in the belt.
plates are tack welded to links as needed to secure position.
Knuckled and Welded Edge: An edge finish which is knuck-
Herringbone: Arrangement of support rails in a “V- led with ends of the wire forming the knuckle loop, and tack
shape”. Tip of “V” points in direction of belt travel. Pro- welded or brazed to the spiral to prevent opening of loops.
vides even distribution of wear and helps keep the belt
centered in its path. Ladder Edge: An edge finish formed by extending rein-
forcing wires or connectors beyond the spiral finish and
High Tension: Tension reaching or exceeding the capabili- creating an edge in the appearance of ladder chain.
ties of the belt. Can result from system layout, high coef-
ficient of friction between belt and product (dirty system), Ladder Edge, Welded: An edge finish similar to Ladder
or product loading. Edge with loops tack welded or brazed.
Hold Downs: Members that limit the amount the belt Lane Dividers: Detachable or non-detachable plates as-
edges can rise in a Christmas Tree or flip-up condition. sembled into the belt’s width to create product lanes. Spiral
wire lane dividers also available.
In-Run: The length of belt from the load point to point tan-
GLOSSARY
gent to the cage of a spiral system or turn of a fixed turn Lehr Mesh: A balanced weave wire mesh consisting of
conveyor. Also known as in-feed. alternating right and left-hand flattened spirals fully seated
into specifically formed crimped connector rods—com-
Inside Radius: The distance from the rotational axis (cen- monly used in glass processing systems.
ter) of the drum to the driving surface of the drum.
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 235
Limit Switches: Switches installed to sound an alarm or and expand longitudinally. This allows the belt to negoti-
stop the system if the position of the take-up roll goes too ate spirals and turns. Each rod is secured via buttonhead
high or too low. They can detect high tension and prevent welds, and belt strength can be increased by adding single
some jams. or double bar links to the outside edge of the belt.
Loop: One complete turn within a spiral. Omni-Pro®: Turn-curve belt with metal links and rods and
assembled with a zero tension, 360 buttonless welds, ca-
Looped Edge (Wicket): A retaining edge formed by extend- pable of accommodating turns in a conveyor system. Wire
ing pairs of connectors or rod reinforcements, and turning. mesh overlays are available for greater product support.
They can also be used in straight-run applications.
Main Drive: The motor, reducer, and other power trans-
mission devices that turn the cage or drum of a spiral Omni-Tough®: An overlay with a flat surface made from
system. Also known as the cage drive. high tensile strength spring stainless steel wire with a
high resilience to impact. Omni-Tough® is available in
Mesh: Woven wire surface on which the product rests. most mesh configurations.
Mesh Designation (Flat Wire): Flat wire belts are con- Opening: Open space on the carrying surface of the mesh
structed in specific mesh designations or opening sizes, between wires.
such as 1x1, 1/2x1, 1/2x1/2, with other modifications which
may vary according to belt width. Opening—Lateral: The nominal inside distance between
parallel wires, measured along a line perpendicular to the
Mesh Designation (Woven): Woven mesh is designat- angle of weave to the nearest intersecting wire whether in
ed with a letter (Balanced,Conventional,Unilateral) and the same or adjacent spiral. (This definition does not apply
three numbers to describe mesh construction. to Compound Balanced Weave.)
Mobius: Technique where return path is arranged to Opening—Longitudinal: The nominal inside distance
make the belt turn itself over each successive pass along the angle of weave measured between the con-
through the system. nectors of the spirals. (This definition does not apply to
Compound Balanced Weave.)
Multi-Strand Weave: A mesh consisting of alternating
right and left-hand double spirals (side by side as single Out-Run: Length of belt from the point tangent to the cage
units) joined by straight connecting rods. or turn to discharge of the product. Also known as out-feed.
Nose Roll: Machined radius plate or roller, plastic or Overdrive: The amount of slippage between the belt and
metal, located at the conveyor terminals which the belt the drum or cage in a spiral system.
wraps around, allowing a close transfer.
PDCE: Positive Drive Chain Edge. Totally customisable
® ®
Omni-Grid : Omni-Grid belts are precision crafted from metal belting with good uniformity of pitch, high tensile
premium quality stainless steel to exacting standards. The strength with a relatively light belt/chain weight, and good
finish is smooth and burr-free for quick and easy cleaning, durability under severe loads.
maximizing production. Available in a variety of configura-
tions to negotiate tight turn radii. Picket: A continuous corrugation of flat strip with pre-
positioned holes. Applicable to flat wire belts.
Offset Guard Edge: A retaining edge similar to the Shingle
type except having a formed vertical step in each place. Pitch Line Rise and Fall: Also known as Chordal Action.
GlOSSARY
Omni-Flex®: A turn-curve belt based off Ashworth's basic Prestoflex®: Plastic belting with a connectorless construc-
flatwire belt. Flat wire pickets are manufactured with slots, tion made up of plastic modules, which snap or unsnap
rather than holes, in order to allow the pickets to collapse together for quick and uncomplicated repairs.
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Plastic Modular Belt: Plastic modules assembled with Side Travel: The continuous movement of a belt in a direc-
adjacent modules using a round stainless steel rod in- tion either right or left of the centerline of the conveyor.
serted through the modules. (See Waver.)
Radius Weight: Simplified formula for estimating belt ten- Small Radius Omni-Grid® (3/4" & 1" ): Belt consists of
sion while in contact with the drum in a spiral system. It is an assembly of rods and links. A center row of heavy duty
another term used to describe the system tension. non-collapsing links forms two product lanes: for 3/4" pitch
belts there are standard links on inside and outside belt
Reduced Radius Omni-Grid®: Smallest turn belt radius edges; for 1" pitch belts there are standard collapsing links
available with no center link assembled into the belt. on inside edge with 1.75" (44.5 mm) pitch collapsing links
on the outside edge. All belts are double welded.
Reinforcing Rod: A rod of any shape (usually round) inserted
through the bends of the spirals for the purpose of strengthen- Space Saver Omni-Grid® (1"): Belt consists of an as-
ing the fabric. It does not join spirals or serve as a connector. sembly of rods and links. A dual row of heavy duty, non-
collapsing links are used on the inside edge and a long
pitch-expanding link is used on the outside edge.
Relieved and Reinforced Turned-up Fabric: A retaining
edge similar to a relieved turned-up mesh except that hair-
pin reinforcements are inserted in the disconnected spirals. Sprockets: Used to drive positive-drive belts. These
sprockets are generally cast from carbon, stainless steel,
or machined UHMWPE and are finished in sizes suitable
Relieved Turned-up Fabric: A retaining edge similar to a
for application.
turned-up mesh edge providing flexibility by the omission
of connectors or rod reinforcements in the turned-up por-
tion of the mesh at prescribed spacing. Staggered Style Guard Edges: A retaining edge consist-
ing of alternating overlapped inside and outside flat plates.
Return Path: The path the belt takes in moving from the
discharge back to the in-feed. Stress Corrosion Cracking: The fracture of a metal in a
corrosive environment. Austenitic stainless steel belts are
susceptible to this phenomenon under certain conditions.
Rod Looped Edge: An edge finish similar to the Lad-
der Edge except that reinforcing wires or connectors are
Strip Sizes: Strip sizes for flat wire and Omni-Flex® are
extended and knuckled on themselves.
generally supplied in dimensions within the accepted toler-
ances of flat wire manufacturers. Strip sizes also designate
Rod Reinforced Weave: Mesh constructed in the same the height and thickness of a flat wire strip.
manner as Conventional Weave, and reinforced by inser-
tion of a rod through the hinging point of the spirals.
Stripper Bar: Plain rod mounted between the underside of
the sprocket and the belt to help disengage the belt from
Round Wire Sizes: Round wire sizes generally referred the sprocket as the belt begins its return run.
to are the nearest American Steel and Wire or Washburn &
Moen gauge number with its decimal equivalent and supplied
Super Small Radius Omni-Grid® (SSOG): Lotension belt
within the standard wire tolerances of wire manufacturers.
with an inside turn radius equal to 0.8 times the belt width.
SSOG has the industry's smallest turn radius for spiral and
Sectional Weave: A mesh consisting of alternating sec- turn curve applications. Maximizes utilization of available
tions of right and left conventional weave usually joined by floor space, and can turn either left or right, pivoting about
means of straight or crimped wires. a center link
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Glossary
Swing Wide: The occasional tendency of a belt to swing Trigger Lock: Flexible clip molded into the ends of plastic
outward in an area prior to or upon leaving a turn or the drum. modules to secure rod position.
Tack Weld: This process prevents picket compression or Tungsten Mesh: Conventional weave wire mesh consist-
narrowing associated with high belt tension. Typically as- ing of only left-hand spirals, wound one into the next so as
sociated with flat wire belts 60" (1524 mm) or greater. to form a continuous fabric. Special material allows for use
in temperature up to 3632°F (2000°C).
Take-Up: The area of the system where variations in belt
length are accommodated or “taken up”. Turn Ratio: The ratio of inside turn radius to the belt width.
Take-Up Drive: A name often given to the system sprock- Turn-up Guard Edge: A retaining edge formed by extend-
et drive. This drive sets the belt speed and dwell time for ing individual connectors or rod reinforcements, and turn-
the system and is located just before the take-up. ing them up at prescribed angles and spacings.
Take-Up Tower: The structure or area where the take- Turned-up Fabric: A retaining edge formed by turn-
up, take-up drive, limit switches, and dancer roll are ing up a portion of the belt at a prescribed angle to the
located in a spiral. carrying surface.
Tensile Stress: This can result from the fabrication of the Turning Radius: The radius around which a belt may be
material or applied stresses to the material in operation. flexed. It is commonly referred to as Inside Turning Radius
Most commonly caused from high tension in the system. and is established by the nesting of links or pickets at the
inside edge of the turn and by the belt width.
Tension Drive: Also known as Take-Up Drive or Auxiliary Drive.
Uni-Directional Weave: A conventional weave mesh in
Tension Link: Outermost link in a spiral/turn-curve which all spirals are of the same weave, either right or left.
belt to which all system tension is transferred in a Also known as One-Directional weave.
spiral application.
Up Cage: A spiral system where the belt travels from bot-
Tension Switches: Switches installed to sound an alarm tom to top. (See also Down Cage.)
or stop the system if the position of the take-up roll goes
too high or too low. Limit switches can detect high tension Waver: The inherent deviation from a straight line along
and prevent some jam-ups. the mesh edges. (See also Side Travel.)
Tier: A 360° element of the spiral, either ascending or Wear Edges: An additional feature extended beyond the
descending one level. edge of the belt to act as a buffer.
Tier Height: The vertical distance from one belt level Welded Edge: An edge finish on a woven belt completed
on the drum to the next higher or lower level. This is a by welding only.
measurement of distance. Also known as Tier Pitch or
Tier Spacing.
Welded Knuckled Edge: An edge finish that is knuckled,
and the knuckles completely filled by welding or brazing.
Tier Pitch: Also known as Tier Height.
WG Woven Wire: WG belts are constructed with alternating
Tier Spacing: Also known as Tier Height. right- and left-hand spirals joined by a crimped connector.
European Standard.
GlOSSARY
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Appendix A:
Wire Selection Guide
Appendix
Maximum
Trade Name Description and Application
Operating Temp. °F
Plain Steel Low Carbon Used in dry atmosphere for light and moderated loads, where no severe wear is expected, and in low
600
C1008 temperature ovens.
For damp or mildly corrosive atmospheres and non-caustic washing operations. Furnished in low carbon for
Galvanized C1008 C1040 350
moderate loads and in high carbon for heavy loads.
High Carbon C1040 Used in dry atmospheres for heavy loads, where severe wear is expected, and in moderate temperature
1050
C1065 furnaces, as for glass annealing, metal tempering bluing, etc.
These two alloys, although varying in their chemical composition, have qualities superior to high carbon steel
6150 Alloy Mayari ‘R* 1100
for Lehr belt applications at the glass annealing temperature range.
For temperatures above 1000°F up to 1300°F, with substantially better oxidation resistance, surface and
3% Chrome 1300
structural stability than 1% Chrome plus a gain in strength.
For resistance to corrosion from atmosphere, fresh water, steam, food, dairy products, nitric acid and other
oxidizing solutions. Type 430 has greater corrosion resistance than Type 410 and does not embrittle as read-
17% Chrome T430 1400
ily. Although it resists progressive scaling up to 1400°F it is not commonly used in high temperature work
except where sulphurous gases are present, because of its serious loss of strength above 1100°F.
Type 304 affords greater resistance to corrosion than Type 430 especially for marine and industrial atmo-
spheres, polluted water, high temperature steam, food, dairy products, organic chemicals, and non-oxidizing
18-8 T304 1500 for reducing solutions. Although it resists progressive scaling up to 1500°F, it is no commonly used in high
temperature applications because it is subject to carbide precipitation and embrittlement in the 800-1500°F
temperature range. For the 800-1500°F-temperature range refer to data tabulated for Type 347.
The addition of Molybdenum (Mo) to the basic 18-8 analysis provides for greater resistance to the same
chemical compounds, which are moderately corrosive to Type 304. Type 316 is particularly effective in resist-
ing corrosion from sulfuric acid compounds. It also resists pitting corrosion that occurs in the 18-8 type with
18-12 Mo T316 1500
acetic and phosphoric acids, chlorides, bromides and iodides. Muriatic or hydrochloric acids will attack Type
316 and Type 304. Nitric acid, however, will attack Type 316 more readily than Type 304. For high tempera-
ture applications, Type 347 is preferred. Refer to data tabulated for Type 347.
This alloy has been very extensively used in high temperature belt applications up to 2050°F, because of its
high strength, good resistance to oxidation and moderate cost. Type 314 is widely used in copper brazing
work and for sintering of powdered metals. Its high silicon content greatly increases its resistance to oxida-
tion and carburization. Because of its moderately high carbon content, when operated for prolonged periods
25-20 Si T-314 2050
in the 800-1500°F, range this alloy is subject to carbide precipitation at the grain boundaries with consequent
possible embrittlement and inter-granular corrosion. Carbides, when formed are readily re-dissolved by
bringing the belt temperature above 1950°F, holding this temperature for at least one hour, followed by a
rapid air quench.
In oxidizing atmospheres below 1950°F, and under cyclic heating conditions, Alloy 35-19 because of its high
nickel content is preferred to Type 314. 35-19 develops a scale that is much more adherent to the base metal
35-19 2050
than is the case with Type 314 and has greater strength, less elongation and less carbide embrittlement than
Type 314. The 35Ni-19 Cr Alloy has good resistance to thermal shock.
This Alloy is similar to 35-19 with Columbium added as a stabilizing agent to prevent the precipitation of
carbides. In addition, it also has higher Silicon content than that of 35-19, which improves its resistance to
35-19 Cb 2050 oxidation and carburization. Recommended where there is extended exposure in the 1200° to 1700°F range
and where the maximum temperature does not exceed 2050°F. It has good resistance to carburizing and
carbonitriding at temperatures up to 1750°F.
*Mayari’R is a registered Trademark of Bethlehem Steel Corporation., Inc.
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GUIDE FOR SELECTION OF WIRE ANALYSIS FOR ASHWORTH METAL BELTS
APpendix
Maximum
Trade Name Description and Application
Operating Temp. °F
This standard Inconel has been appreciably improved chemically. Tests show much better scaling resistance
in cyclic heating applications in an oxidizing atmosphere than the earlier Inconel analysis. In sulfur-free atmo-
spheres, it may be used up to 2100°F. In sulphurous atmospheres, its use is limited to 1500°F oxidizing and
1000°F reducing.
Inconel* Alloy #600 2150
It has greater strength than Type 314 or 35-19 above 1800°F. Inconel has good resistance to inter-granular
deterioration at high temperatures and its resistance to ammonia, nitrogen and hydrogen make it useful in
nitriding work. It has good resistance to molten aluminum brazing flux.
This new alloy is basically a Columbium (Cb) stabilized type of standard Inconel, free from the brittleness and
loss of ductility caused by carbide precipitation. With a 78% nickel content, much greater than the 40% mini-
Inconel* Alloy #604 2200 mum required for elimination of sigma phase formation, it will not embrittle from this cause. It is particularly
suitable for carburizing atmospheres and in installations where the belt is subject to alternate slightly reducing
and slightly oxidizing conditions.
This high Nickel alloy has been extensively used for many years providing good belt life at elevated tempera-
tures. 80-20 Cb (Columbium) has excellent oxidation resistance and high strength properties for the recom-
80-20 Cb 2100 mended operating temperature range. The addition of Columbium as a stabilizing element renders this Alloy
resistant to the so-called green rot phenomenon, which may occur, in the 1600-1900°F-temperature range.
Such a condition would be encountered where the Chromium while reducing to nickel.
Exceptional strength and oxidation resistance up to 2200°F is a characteristic of this Alloy. It forms a tightly
Hastelloy* Alloy X 2200 adherent oxide scale, which does not spall at high temperatures. Also has unusual resistance to reducing and
neutral atmospheres. High cost has limited its use for mesh belt applications.
This alloy is a 70% nickel and 30% Chrome alloy, which has food oxidation resistance in both oxidizing and
Tophet 30* 2200
exothermic atmospheres at temperatures in excess of 2150°F.
* Inconel is a registered Trademark of INCO Alloys International.
Hastelloy is a registered Trademark of Haynes International, Inc. Tophet is a registered Trademark of CRS Holdings, Inc
It is to be noted that strength is only one factor in the selection of mesh and alloy for any high temperature application. Strength
values reported by various reliable research laboratories show considerable variation, and analyses of mesh belt applications
in the field, under presumably identical conditions, often show a wide variation in useful life. Allowances must by made for
commercial variations in chemical composition and mechanical properties of wire, different types of mesh construction, type
of corrosion, influence of atmosphere, time at the critical temperature, thermal shock, mechanical abuse, non-uniform loading,
pulley sizes and various other conditions. No specific factors can be given for these variables. The data tabulated can serve as
a valuable guide.
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Appendix B:
Common Conversion Formulas
Appendix
US Customary Units Multiply by Metric (SI) Multiply by US Customary Units
Length
Inches 25.4 Millimeters 0.039 Inches
Feet 0.305 Meters 3.281 Feet
Area
Square Feet 0.093 Square Meters 10.764 Square Feet
Weight
Pound 0.454 Kilograms 2.205 Pound
Tension
lb/ft 1.488 kg/m 0.672 lb/ft
Temperature
Formula Formula
Fahrenheit (°F - 32)/1.8 Celsius (°C*1.8)+32 Fahrenheit
www. a s h wo r th . c o m 241
NOTES
APpendix
Disclaimer
The information contained in this publication is provided only as an aid and service to our customers. Ashworth does not warrant the accuracy or applicability of
such information. Ashworth is specifically not responsible for property damage and/or personal injury, direct or indirect for damages and/or failures caused by
improper machine design, application, installation, operation, abuse and/or misuse of its products whether or not based on information contained herein. Ashworth
does not warrant that the design and/or operational function of any machine that incorporates, and/or intends to incorporate Ashworth products, conforms to
any local, state, and/or federal regulations and standards relating to public safety, worker safety, safety guards, sanitation safety, fire safety, or any other safety
regulations. ALL PURCHASERS AND USERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR APPROPRIATE LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS.
Copyright ©2012 Ashworth Bros., Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
242 www. a s h wo r th . c o m
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