Innovation in spirals
TwenteFlex™ spiral belts
A revolutionary bent rod instead of welds - no dead spaces, easy cleaning, no pickling or passivation. Full Metal or hybrid with POM/PA6 modules. Low-tension or direct drive (IDD).
- Belt width
- 150 - 1575 mm
- Material
- AISI 302/304/316 (+ POM/PA6)
- Drive
- low-tension / IDD / outside
- Food standards
- EC 1935/2004 + GMP
TwenteFlex is the next step in spiral belt technology. The patented bending of the cross rod and its snap-fit into the connecting link replace welded joints - eliminating the main causes of failure: cracking welds, rod breakage next to the weld, sharp welds damaging the cage rods and link tenting.
No welds means no dead spaces where bacteria accumulate, easier cleaning, and no need for pickling and passivation (pickling fluids are not food-approved). TwenteFlex is manufactured in accordance with EC 1935/2004, EC 2023/2006 (GMP) and (EU) 10/2011.
Weld-free (bent rod)
The end of cracking welds and sharp edges that damage the cage.
Hygiene
No dead spaces, no pickling or passivation - easy cleaning.
Reliability
Less downtime, a simple splice without grinding (Splice Tabs).
Fast retrofit
Replaces existing spirals; the same belt for low-tension and IDD.
Technical specification
| Construction | spirals + bent cross rod (weld-free) |
|---|---|
| Versions | Full Metal or Hybrid (POM/PA6 modules) |
| Model pitches | TBU 30 / TBU 40 / TBW 20 (20-40 mm) |
| Belt width | 150 - 1575 mm |
| Metal materials | AISI 302 / 304 / 316 (300 series) |
| Plastic modules | POM (dark blue) / PA6 FR (light blue, UL94 V2) |
| Guard edges | 12.5 mm or 25 mm above the surface |
| Drive | low-tension (friction) / inside (IDD) / outside (TwenteSideFlex) |
| Food standards | EC 1935/2004 · EC 2023/2006 (GMP) · (EU) 10/2011 |
Versions and construction types
Full Metal, pitch 30 mm
Radius 1.7-3.5 × width; 12/16-tooth sprockets; width 380-1067 mm.
Full Metal, pitch 40 mm
Radius 1.6-3.1 × width; width 380-1480 mm; strength 360 kg (straight).
Hybrid, pitch 40 mm
POM/PA6 FR modules; open area 54%; radius 1.6-2.8 × width.
Full Metal, pitch 20 mm (curves)
For curved applications; radius 2.1-2.4 × width; width 150-1016 mm.
Full Metal, pitch 20 mm (straight)
Straight sections; radius 3.0 × width; width 150-1575 mm.
Drive
- Low tension - friction drive on the cage, 6-10% overdrive per tier
- Inside Direct Drive (IDD) - more stable, predictable tension
- Outside Direct Drive - see TwenteSideFlex
Options
- Guard edges 12.5 mm or 25 mm
- Splice Tabs - a fast splice without welding (for all drives)
- POM or PA6 Flame Retardant modules (food approved)
TwenteFlex model overview
| Model | Pitch [mm] | Material | Radius (× width) | Width [mm] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBU 30 | 30 | SS 300 series | 1.7 - 3.5 | 380 - 1067 |
| TBU 40 | 40 | SS 300 series | 1.6 - 3.1 | 380 - 1480 |
| TBU-P 40 | 40 | SS + POM/PA6 | 1.6 - 2.8 | 380 - 1480 |
| TBW 20 | 20 | AISI 304/316 | 2.1 - 2.4 | 150 - 1016 |
| TBW-HD 20 | 20 | AISI 304/316 | 3.0 | 150 - 1575 |
Example designation: TBU 10.2-30-1.4-5 / R2.2. Available spiral wire diameters 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.6 mm. Other dimensions on request.
Materials
Applications
Frequently asked questions
How does TwenteFlex differ from a classic spiral belt?
It replaces welded joints with a patented bent rod. This eliminates cracking welds and sharp edges that damage the cage, removes dead spaces favourable to bacteria, and removes the need for pickling and passivation - the belt is easier to clean and cheaper to maintain.
Low tension or inside direct drive (IDD)?
Low tension is the proven friction drive on the cage (6-10% overdrive per tier). IDD provides more stable and predictable tension and longer production runs. The same belt supports both drives, so retrofit is fast and inexpensive.
Can I replace an existing spiral without a rebuild?
Yes - TwenteFlex is designed to retrofit existing spiral systems. It usually only requires a different cage bar, and the replacement can be done in a few days.
Where TwenteFlex™ performs
Typical processes and industries where we recommend this belt family.
Related constructions
Outside Direct Drive
TwenteSideFlex™
Direct drive from the outside, without a central drum. Free space in the centre, wider belts, multiple belts in one system and easier cleaning.
Maximum flow
Wire Mesh
Large openings and minimal product contact. Small turning radius = excellent transfer. FDA / GMP / EC 1935/2004 compliant.
We'll match TwenteFlex™ to your process
Send your application parameters (product, temperature, width, environment) and we'll prepare a specification and quotation for a Twentebelt belt.