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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.
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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.
All links are produced from 1/2" x .062" stainless steel
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.
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