Last updated: February 2024
Belt Join Types
There are various methods for joining conveyor belts, each with their own advantages and specific use cases. Below are the common types of belt joints used in industrial applications.
Alligator Joints
Alligator Belt Joints are stainless steel metallic fasteners with a tie bar across the back preventing any individual pieces coming away and potentially falling into food products. These allow belts to be easily fitted and removed from conveyors.
Butt Joints
Butt Belt Joints tend to be manufactured prior to fitting on the machine and are manufactured using a strap on the underside to offer additional strength. This method is a simple but very effective way of making a belt endless.
Castellated Joints
Castellated Belt Joints tend to be manufactured prior to fitting on the machine and are manufactured using a strap on the underside to offer additional strength. This method is a simple but very effective way of making a belt endless.
Clipper Joints
Clipper Joints are very similar to Alligator types but tend to be smaller and more lightweight. These allow the belt to be fitted and removed with ease.
Cover Joints
Cover Belt Joints - Covers can be applied after joints have been fitted to act as a barrier between the metallic surface of the joint and the product being conveyed.
Finger Joints
Finger Belt Joints are manufactured in a similar way to butt types but offer less stress on the joint and the jointed area is spread.
Overlap Joints
Overlap joints are a simple and easy joint to use where having an even surface is not critical. This type of joint can easily be made on a machine where the belt needs to be fitted onsite.
Scarfed Joints
A scarf joint is similar to the overlap but offers a smooth transition for the product to run, offering no lip for products to catch on.
