TwenteSideFlex - Twentebelt | Metal conveyor belts

The TwenteFlex family

Experience complete freedom with TwenteFlex conveyor belts.

TwenteSideFlex
outside direct drive

Can be powered without the need for a central drum. You therefore do not only save on costs, but can also deploy your machines more flexibly and efficiently.

Specifications

TwenteFlex
inside direct drive

Compatible with your existing drum, eliminates friction between the drum and the belt, thus facilitating more stable and predictable belt tensions.

Specifications

TwenteFlex
low tension

Low tension (friction) drive has a very rich history and has always been the most common and well-known drive option in spiral belt technology.

Specifications

Outside direct drive

A different perspective on spiral belt technology

TwenteSideFlex is based on our TwenteFlex spiral belt and designed to be used in spiral or oval systems without a center drum that drives the belt. Its drive sprockets are fitted on one or more vertical drive shafts at the outside edge of the belt, engaging in the outer link of the belt.

TwenteSideFlex is an addition to our low tension driven TwenteFlex conveyor belt which was introduced in 2009. While low tension drive is the most common and well known drive solution in spiral belt technology, outside direct drive offers features which can be more beneficial when dealing with certain conditions or concerning specific applications.

TwenteSideFlex has a different approach that may just suit your application, system or workspace better then low tension drive does. Because there is no drum in the center when using outside direct drive, you are free to exploit that space in any way you like.

And due to it’s design, a system running TwenteSideFlex is much easier to clean, allows for wide belts and allows for a single belt to run up and down in the same spiral. (P-loop)

Advantages of TwenteSideFlex conveyor belts

– No need for a large, expensive drum
– More stable in operation than low tension/friction-driven belts
– Suitable for various system layouts such as round or oval
– The option of having multiple belts within a single system
– Less product movement in comparison to low tension
– Easy to integrate into different production lines
– Suitable for wide belts without the need for adjustment

Belt features

Finished with a mechanical bend instead of a weld
As we all know, welding is a solid and strong way to make a joint. But welding does effect the material properties, as the material is exposed to extremely high temperatures. (especially the area surrounding the weld) Welding causes an embrittled zone next to the weld that can break if exposed to dynamic tensions. (fatigue) Also, welding requires pickling and passivating afterwards. That’s why we chose for a mechanical bend instead of a weld.

Less downtime, thanks to more predictability
Both low tension spirals and outside driven systems need to be properly installed. But once installed, the performance of TwenteSideFlex is better controllable, given the absence of the unpredictable friction coefficient of the drum.

More affordable
Twentebelt is the new provider of outside driven metal conveyor belts. We have reviewed existing solutions and found several ways to be more cost efficient. Reducing expenses and increasing the performance.

No risk of christmas treeing
‘Christmas treeing’ is one of the worst things that can happen to a low tension spiral system: the friction on the drum fails, the belt flips up and gets stuck. This leaves you with only one option: get the grinder.

Less product movement
A low tension spiral is operated on a friction slip principle, which generates sudden movements and vibration on the inside belt edge. This belt movement can cause production loss, damage and/or alignment problems at the discharge of the system. But TwenteSideFlex has no drum and no drum means: less inside edge slip or vibration.

Eliminating the drum, leads to multiple major benefits
– Reducing costs, as the drum is an expensive part of a low tension spiral.

– Not having a drum to clean, as the drum needs regular cleaning
especially when your working environment can get greasy (oil/frying) and disturbs the friction coefficient.

– Maintenance and cleaning of the system are less difficult and time consuming, as there is no drum using up all the space in the centre of your spiral.

– Not having a drum makes alternative airflows possible.

– More usable space, due to a smaller footprint. You’ll get extra space to exploit in any way you like. (for example, to place the heat exchanger for cooling/deep-freezing)

Available belt types

TwenteSideFlex belts are available in two variants: a full stainless steel version (300 Series Stainless Steel) and a hybrid version combining metal with plastic modules in Acetal (POM) or Nylon (PA6) Flame Retardant.

TwenteSideFlex full metal
Stainless steel

The hybrid version is particularly suitable for applications in which gentle product transfer is crucial or where specific demands in terms of an open design and product support have to be met.

TwenteSideFlex hybrid
Stainless steel and plastic modules in Acetal (POM) or Nylon (PA6)

Belt options

Splice tabs
Designed to quickly splice the belt without the need to weld.

Belt specification

TSF 16.9 – 40 – 1.4 – 6 / R2.2

TSF – TwenteSideFlex (with an U bended rod)
16.9 – Lateral pitch spiral wire (in mm)
40 – Belt pitch (in mm)
1.4 – Spiral wire diameter (in mm)
6 – Cross rod diameter (in mm)
2.2 x belt width – Inside turn radius

Datasheet

Drive sprockets

Main drive sprockets
The drive sprockets are standard available in 16 and 18 teeth and can be split both horizontally and vertically, so replacement drive parts can be fitted quickly.

Additionally, it is possible to adjust the position of the sprocket in small steps very easily. The drive sprocket can be simply adjusted by lifting the two locking pins. This dis-engages the sprocket teeth from the center part so the sprocket can be rotated freely.

Twentebelt designed a dual teeth sprocket.
The big advantage of this design is that the drive sprocket does not cause any torque in the drive link causing more movement, wear and fatigue in the belt. If the drive would be single teethed and drive mainly from below the belt surface, the teeth would try to lift up the drive link. Another advantage of the dual design is that the belt is “trapped” in the sprocket ensuring a solid drive.

The sprocket does not have a set screw but rests on top of a separate set collar that must be fixed on the drive shaft at the correct height.

All sprocket parts are made from food approved materials.

Materials
Teeth: POM (Acetal), PA6 (Nylon) or stainless steel
Center part: AISI 303
Set collar: AISI 303

Helper drive sprockets: POM (Acetal) or PA6 (Nylon)

Idlers: POM (Acetal) or PA6 (Nylon)

Other materials on request.

Specifications
The sprocket width is 71 mm for both the 16 and 18 teeth version, including the set collar and bolts.

The outside diameter of the 16 teeth sprocket is 225 mm.
Standard bore size is round 50 mm with DIN key way.

The outside diameter of the 18 teeth sprocket is 252 mm.
Standard bore size is round 70 mm with DIN key way.

Other bore sizes are available on request.

Downloads

TwenteSideFlex brochure

English

TwenteSideFlex quotation form

English

Splice Tabs

Our Splice Tabs have been designed to quickly splice
the belt without the need to weld. This makes it a clean
and easy solution, which is applicable in a matter of minutes.

Although this creates a very solid connection, it is strongly
recommended to weld the cross rod to the Splice Tab
(during the next planned maintenance stop) in order to
make it a permanent solution.

Splice Tabs are designed to fit all TwenteFlex drive solutions;
low tension, inside- and outside direct drive.

Two Twentebelt employees at a pc in our office

A dedicated partner

Our dedication to metal conveyor belts has resulted in high-quality steel belts with a long lifespan. We focus primarily on machine builders in the food industry for whom we manufacture customised conveyor belts. Our services go beyond just supply; we assist and support our clients during both the design and commissioning.

At Twentebelt, we strive to be your reliable partner by applying our experience and expertise to offer the best solutions for your transfer requirements. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with our high-quality, customised metal conveyor belts.

Our approach

TwenteSideFlex spiral conveyor belt with outside direct drive

The TwenteSideFlex is a high-performance spiral conveyor belt designed for industrial spiral conveyor systems where reliability, hygiene and continuous operation are essential. This belt uses an outside direct drive system, meaning the belt is driven from the outer edge rather than by a central drive drum. This design significantly reduces belt tension and improves overall system performance, compared to low-tension/friction-driven spirals.

By eliminating the drive drum, TwenteSideFlex simplifies the spiral conveyor construction and offers greater design flexibility in terms of system layouts. Fewer critical components result in lower wear, reduced maintenance requirements and improved operational uptime. This makes the belt particularly suitable for demanding production environments.

Two Twentebelt employees discussing an offer at a desk

Outside direct drive technology

An outside direct drive spiral conveyor belt is driven by a positive edge drive along the outer side of the belt. The drive principle of TwenteSideFlex ensures stable and controlled belt movement throughout the spiral conveyor, even under heavy loads or in wet processing conditions. Lower belt tension improves tracking and extends belt service life. The absence of a drum also enhances accessibility, allowing easier inspection, cleaning and maintenance of the conveyor system.

Hygienic design for food processing

TwenteSideFlex features an open metal mesh conveyor belt design that supports effective cleaning and prevents product residue build-up. This makes it well suited for food processing applications such as baking, cooling, freezing and cooking.

As a food grade conveyor belt, it performs reliably in wet environments and withstands intensive cleaning procedures, supporting hygienic production standards within the food industry.

A Twentebelt employee talking on his mobile phone

Performance and application flexibility

TwenteSideFlex provides stable operation in both ascending and descending spiral conveyors and supports wide belt configurations. It is suitable for handling loose products, trays and packaged goods across a wide range of food processing applications. The positive outside drive prevents slip and ensures consistent performance, even at higher conveyor speeds or variable product loads. Manufactured from stainless steel, the belt is suitable for both food and non-food applications where durability and reliability are required.

Why choose TwenteSideFlex

The TwenteSideFlex spiral conveyor belt offers a durable, low-maintenance solution for modern spiral conveyor systems. Its outside direct drive technology and drumless design deliver long-term operational efficiency, hygienic performance and reliable product handling.

As part of the Twentebelt portfolio, TwenteSideFlex reflects proven engineering expertise and is designed to perform consistently in demanding industrial environments.

A meeting with multiple Twentebelt colleagues

Our other belts

Eyelink belts

Our eyelink conveyor belts are robust, versatile, and suitable for numerous food processing applications. They are resistant to high temperatures and corrosive environments, making them ideal for harsh production conditions. In addition, eye-link conveyor belts are flexible in design and durable in use.

Wire mesh belts

Wire mesh conveyor belts are exceptionally efficient, both in terms of applications and specifications. Due to their open structure, they are very suitable for light products and applications where the product needs to have the smallest contact area with the conveyor belt as possible.

Balanced weave belts

Balanced weave conveyor belts offer an extensive number of designs and applications. From ultra-powerful for heavy loads across large widths or very hot products, to very densely woven for small products or bulk materials. No application is too complex for spiral and braided conveyor belts to offer a solution.

TwenteFlex spiral belts

TwenteFlex is our spiral conveyor belt with a unique design without welded connections. The smart design ensures less downtime and eliminates several major causes of conveyor belt problems. TwenteFlex is used worldwide in spiral towers and can be powered by low tension as well as direct drive.

The TwenteFlex family

TwenteSideFlex outside direct drive

TwenteFlex inside direct drive

TwenteFlex low tension

Specifications

A different perspective on spiral belt technology

Advantages of TwenteSideFlex conveyor belts

Belt features

Available belt types

Belt options

Belt specification

Datasheet

Drive sprockets

Downloads

TwenteSideFlex brochure

TwenteSideFlex quotation form

Splice Tabs

A dedicated partner

TwenteSideFlex spiral conveyor belt with outside direct drive

Outside direct drive technology

Hygienic design for food processing

Performance and application flexibility

Why choose TwenteSideFlex

Our other belts

Eyelink belts

Wire mesh belts

Balanced weave belts

TwenteFlex spiral belts

TwenteSideFlex
outside direct drive

TwenteFlex
inside direct drive

TwenteFlex
low tension