Conveyors
Belt splicing: mechanical fasteners vs vulcanised joints
Reviewed August 2026
Short answer
Use a vulcanised splice where you can — it develops the highest joint strength, runs smoothly through scrapers and transfer points, and lasts the life of the belt. Use mechanical fasteners when you cannot: no press available, limited shutdown time, difficult access, a temporary repair, or a belt that will be shortened again soon. Steel-cord belts are vulcanised only.
Every belt has at least one joint. Which type you use is a trade-off between joint strength and what the shutdown allows.
Vulcanised splice
- Highest joint strength — a well-made splice approaches the belt rating
- Smooth profile — no snag point at scrapers, skirts or transfer points
- Lasts the life of the belt; best for high tension and steel cord
- Needs a press, clean dry conditions and cure time
Mechanical fasteners
- Fast to fit, no press — suits breakdowns and difficult access
- Lower joint strength; matched to the belt class
- A potential snag and wear point at cleaning and transfer points
- Easy to open again — useful where the belt will be shortened
Choosing
Planned change-out, high tension, press available → vulcanise. Breakdown, tight window, poor access, or a belt that will move again → mechanical, with a vulcanised splice planned for the next opportunity. Tell us the belt class and the shutdown time and we supply the matching fasteners or splice materials.
