Conveyor mechanisms are widely in demand in various industries. The carrier part of the conveyor is a polymeric or rubberized belt, used as a carrier track. But to ensure a full production cycle and tape performance of traction functions, it should be in the form of a homogenous fabric. To create the effect of infinity, the rubberized fabric is given a closed shape by closing the edges of the material.
Despite the fact that the conveyor belt is made of high-strength materials, due to constant high loads, it needs to be periodically renewed due to breakdowns.
Methods of docking the conveyor belt and the equipment used
Jointing work on joining the edges of the conveyor belt is carried out using special tools and equipment. The technology of joining the canvas, taking into account the type of material which they are made of, is carried out by methods of hot or cold vulcanization, and by the method of mechanical connection. Each of the ways is characterized by certain specific features and has its pros and cons.
Heat-setting with a press (Hot vulcanization)
The joining of the edges of the web with hot welding is considered to be the most durable and effective. This technology involves the use of a vulcanizing press equipped with a pneumatic or hydraulic drive. As auxiliary elements apply special glue and cushion rubbers. The essence of the method consists in heating and stratifying the joint sections for the purpose of their further connection by means of the pressure of the surfaces.
Advantages of the technique:
- Under the influence of the press the strength of the joint is 90-95%;
- Operation of the conveyor mechanism is possible immediately after the connection;
- Vulcanization can be carried out under conditions of a highly dusty environment, as well as at low temperatures.
Among the shortcomings it is necessary to note the laboriousness of work and the high price of hot docking, but the effectiveness of the result and the quality of the seam, these minuses completely compensates. The method of hot welding is subject to belts of heat-resistant and rubber-rubber modifications.
Cold welding method
The vulcanization of the canvas by cold technology involves the use of hand tools and glue compositions, and is practiced for joining general purpose cloths.
The advantages of the method:
- Reliability of the joint, the strength of which is up to 70% in relation to the strength of the tape;
- Efficiency and simplicity of the process of cold welding;
- Low cost of the docking principle.
Restrictions on the use of technology is the environment with high humidity and dust, and the temperature should not be less than + 5 ° C. Attention should also be paid to the fact that after welding the tape can not be used immediately for its intended purpose. The holding time is from 2 hours to the end of the day, depending on the materials used.
Mechanical docking
Connecting the conveyor belt with detachable or one-piece plates is the simplest and most financially accessible way.
Advantages of mechanical technology:
- Efficiency;
- Minimum labor intensity of the process;
- Work can be performed at low temperatures and in a dusty room;
- The exploitation of the belt length is excluded;
- Low cost of methods.
Negative moments are manifested in insufficient strength of seams and low wear resistance of system components.
Improvement of technological processes has led to the fact that no large-scale production line is currently dispensed with conveyor mechanisms. To exclude the downtime of conveyor systems in production, the first priority is to provide them with timely maintenance.