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How to identify your aeromechanical conveyor rope assembly

Follow these steps to measure and specify your replacement rope. Works for all brands — Floveyor, Unitrak, Spiroflow, Entecon and more. Once you have your measurements, use the Rope Finder to get a quote.

Identify your tube size

Aeromechanical conveyors are made with tubes of three standard diameters. The tube size determines which disc size your rope uses. Measure the outer diameter of the conveyor tube, or check your original documentation.

3"

76mm outer diameter
Uses 64mm discs

4"

102mm outer diameter
Uses 78mm or 86mm discs

5"

127mm outer diameter
Uses 104mm discs

Tip: If you can't measure the tube, check the nameplate on your conveyor or the original installation paperwork. The tube size is almost always documented there.

Measure your disc diameter

Remove a disc from the rope (or measure one in place) and measure straight across the face of the disc. Use a vernier calliper or ruler for accuracy.

measure here
Tube sizeStandard disc diameter
3"64mm
4"78mm  /  86mm
5"104mm
Discs wear gradually during use. A disc that started life at 64mm may measure 60–62mm after a period of service. If your measurement is slightly under a standard size, the original disc size is almost certainly the standard for your tube. Enter what you measure in the Rope Finder — we'll confirm the correct size before quoting.

Count the number of pitches

The "pitch" is the spacing between discs on the rope. The number of pitches determines the length of your rope assembly. Count the spaces between discs — not the discs themselves.

1 2 3 4 Count the spaces between discs — not the discs themselves

If you know the centres distance of your conveyor and the pitch spacing, you can calculate the number of pitches using the formula:

N = ((C ÷ P) × 2) + 6
N = number of pitches  ·  C = centres distance  ·  P = pitch spacing
Don't know your pitch spacing? Standard pitch spacings are typically 200mm, 250mm or 300mm depending on the conveyor model. If you're unsure, count the pitches directly on your existing rope and enter that number.

Identify the wire rope material

Aeromechanical conveyor ropes are supplied in two main materials. Check your original documentation or inspect the rope if accessible.

Galvanised carbon steel

Bright silver appearance with a slight sheen from the zinc coating. The most common choice for standard industrial applications.

Stainless steel 316

Bright, even silver appearance with no zinc coating. Used in food-grade, chemical and ATEX environments. Suitable wherever stainless steel is specified.

If your rope currently has a nylon coating over the wire, see our material selection guide for advice. In most applications, uncoated rope is the better long-term choice.

Check your rope diameter

The wire rope itself comes in two standard diameters. Measure the rope between discs using a vernier calliper.

6mm

Most common. Used in the majority of AMC installations.

8mm

Used in heavier-duty or larger-format conveyors.

Note: We supply 6mm and 8mm rope assemblies as standard. If your rope is 10mm or larger, please contact us to discuss — this is an unusual specification and we'll advise on options.

Ready to get a quote?

Use the Rope Finder to enter your measurements and request a price. Takes about two minutes. Our team will respond usually same business day.

Start the Rope Finder →