Endless, Joined or Open‑Ended? Understanding TransDev Polyurethane Belts
TransDev polyurethane timing belts are available in three main formats: endless, joined (welded), and open‑ended. Each option has its own benefits, depending on performance needs, installation constraints, and how quickly you need the belt. Various backings and coverings can be applied, conveying flights and profiles affixed as well as machining of holes, slots, cutouts, guides or grooves. This article will cover the basics of choosing the belt construction.
Endless Belts – Made for Maximum Precision
BRECOFLEX® endless belts are manufactured as a continuous loop with no joint or weld. They offer a high level of strength and pitch accuracy, making them ideal for demanding, high‑precision applications.
Advantages:
- No joint for strength and longevity
- Excellent pitch accuracy and smooth running
- Ideal for high loads and dynamic motion
Disadvantages:
- Made to order, so lead times are typically longer
- Installation can be more complex if machinery can’t be dismantled
Endless Belts – CONTINENTAL SYNCHROFLEX
Unlike BRECOFLEX® timing belts, which are extruded as open‑ended belts and then cut, joined, or finished to length, Synchroflex® belts are manufactured entirely in moulds.
This moulding process produces a truly endless belt with no weld or joint, resulting in extremely precise tooth geometry and consistent belt dimensions.
While BRECOFLEX® belts offer greater flexibility in terms of almost infinite lengths, thanks to their extruded construction, Synchroflex® moulded belts are the preferred choice where maximum power and strength are required, such as for power transmission.
Advantages of Synchroflex® belts:
- No joint or weld for maximum strength
- Exceptional pitch accuracy and consistency
- Ideal for high‑precision and high‑load applications
- Majority of sizes in stock for cutting to width and fast delivery
Disadvantages of Synchroflex® belts:
- Less flexibility on available lengths
Joined (Welded) Belts – Fast and Flexible
BRECO® V joined belts are created from open‑ended belts that are cut to length and welded into a loop. This allows for much faster supply, especially when endless belts aren’t practical or available in the required lengths.
Advantages:
- Short lead times
- Can be joined in‑house or onsite before despatch
- Easier installation than endless belts
- Lower cost
Disadvantages:
- Weld can be a limitation in very high‑load or extreme precision applications
- Approximately half the strength of a truly endless belt
Open‑Ended Belts – Speed and Versatility
BRECO® M open‑ended belts are supplied in continuous lengths and typically used with clamping systems and for conveying applications. They are stocked ready to cut to length, making them ideal when speed is critical.
Advantages:
- Stocked and ready for fast cutting to length
- Ideal for long conveyors and linear drives
- Easy handling and transport
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for closed‑loop operation without joining
- Requires accurate clamping for best performance
In Summary – Choosing the Right Belt
If ultimate precision is required a made‑to‑order extruded endless BRECOFLEX® belt is the best choice.
For strength and power the moulded endless CONTI SYNCHROFLEX offers a wide range of lengths, which lend themselves to the most demanding power transmission applications.
For linear conveying applications, open‑ended and joined BRECO® belts offer short lead times, with cutting or welding carried out before despatch or onsite.
TransDev can help you select the right balance between performance, practicality, and delivery time. Our Technical team and Sales Engineers are here to help you make the right decision when choosing from TransDev’s extensive PU belting range.
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