Key-Turn Heavy Duty Radius Belting

Key Turn Belt Characteristics: Key-Turn belting has all the characteristics of straight line flat wire belts, with the additional advantage of being able to make right or left turns of up to 180 degrees in combination with straight line travel. Having the ability to turn enables the belt to avoid obstacles, operate in limited space and eliminate troublesome transfers. Elongated slots allow the pickets to nest, giving the belt the ability to make right or left turns. This nesting feature also provides for easy and thorough cleaning of the belt.

Key-Turn Belt Turning Radius: Minimum belt turning radius is equal to 2.2 times the belt width. This is measured on the inside radius of the belt. There is no maximum turning radius. For tighter turns, two or more narrow width belts divided by a rail may be used. The conveyor should also be designed to include a straight run equal to 2 times the belt width before engaging any sprockets after a turn. In an application where the belt will be traveling around a non-powered turn, please consult the factory due to the excessive strain this type of set-up can cause on a Key-Turn conveyor belt. The maximum allowable drive tension is 300 lbs. For belt speeds above 15 ft./Min. the maximum is reduced to 200 lbs.

Edge Reinforcement: Key-Turn belts can be furnished with reinforcing links which increase belt strength and service life. In a turn, the outside edge of the belt carries the entire load and therefore is subject to a higher level of stress. With the addition of reinforcing links, the load capacity of the belt is greatly increased. Belts can be made with either one or two links on one or both edges of the belt (see table below and refer to photos). Reinforcing links are generally only required for the outside radius of the belt, but if reinforcing links are placed on both edges, the belt can then be flipped over to possibly extend its life. If the belt is being used in both right and left turns, reinforcing links should be used on both edges. Links can be produced from either 1/2" x .062" thick material or 1/2" x .090" thick material.

Because of load limitations on Key-Turn belts, both load and return side belt supports should either be rollers or UHMW polyethylene. This type of support will reduce friction to a minimum.