Ribbon Flighting
Custom ribbon screw flights for augers, mixers and screw conveyors. Designed for equipment requiring open ribbon configurations, with dimensions and materials reviewed according to your technical drawings.
What is Ribbon Flighting?
Ribbon flighting is a type of screw flight formed into an open helical ribbon, typically with a larger inner diameter and a narrower flight width than conventional full-width screw flights.
In shafted ribbon screw assemblies, the ribbon is supported by connecting arms or posts, leaving an open space between the inner edge of the flight and the central shaft.
This configuration is used in selected conveying and mixing applications, particularly where material buildup around conventional screw flights is a concern. The appropriate design depends on material properties, equipment geometry and operating conditions.
Applications of Ribbon Flighting
| Application | Equipment / Use |
|---|---|
| Ribbon Screw Conveyors | Screw conveying equipment designed for handling sticky or difficult-flowing bulk materials. |
| Industrial Mixers | Industrial mixing and agitation equipment using ribbon-type screw configurations. |
| Powder Blending Equipment | Powder mixing and blending systems requiring suitable ribbon flight geometry. |
| Paste & Slurry Handling | Material handling equipment designed for paste-like and slurry materials. |
| Chemical Processing Equipment | Screw conveying and mixing equipment used in selected chemical processing applications. |
Ribbon vs. Sectional vs. Shaftless Flighting
| Feature | Ribbon Flighting | Sectional Flights | Shaftless Spirals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Feature | Open ribbon profile | Individual flight segments | No continuous centre shaft |
| Typical Structure | Narrow helical band | Full-width pressed segments | Self-supporting spiral |
| Centre Shaft | Often supported by a shaft | Can be mounted on a shaft | No continuous centre shaft |
| Design Focus | Open geometry and mixing | Custom segment dimensions | Shaftless conveying |
| Common Selection | Specialised conveying and mixing | Custom auger construction | Sludge and difficult materials |
FAQ
What is ribbon flighting?
Ribbon flighting is a type of screw flight formed into an open helical ribbon. It typically has a larger inner diameter and a narrower flight width than conventional full-width screw flights.
In shafted ribbon screw assemblies, the ribbon is connected to the central shaft through supporting arms or posts, leaving an open space between the ribbon and shaft.
What is the difference between ribbon and sectional flighting?
Ribbon flighting is defined by its open helical ribbon geometry, while sectional flighting is generally manufactured from individual formed flight segments.
Ribbon flights are commonly used in specialised conveying and mixing equipment. Sectional flights are often used for custom auger and screw conveyor construction.
Learn more about our Sectional Flights and their manufacturing characteristics.
What are ribbon screw flights used for?
Ribbon screw flights are used in selected screw conveying, mixing and blending applications.
Typical equipment includes industrial mixers, ribbon screw conveyors, powder blending systems and material handling equipment designed for certain sticky or difficult-flowing materials.
Suitability depends on the material characteristics, equipment configuration and operating conditions.
Can ribbon flighting be manufactured to custom dimensions?
Custom ribbon flighting requirements can be reviewed according to customer drawings and equipment specifications.
Important dimensions include outside diameter (OD), inside diameter (ID), ribbon width, pitch, flight thickness and overall length.
Manufacturing feasibility depends on the required geometry, material and available production capabilities.
What materials are available for ribbon flighting?
Ribbon flighting can be manufactured using different steel materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel and selected wear-resistant steels, depending on the application.
Material selection should consider mechanical loading, corrosion, abrasion and the properties of the conveyed material.
Please provide your preferred material grade when requesting a quotation. Material availability and manufacturing suitability will be confirmed during technical review.
Is ribbon flighting suitable for sticky materials?
Ribbon flighting may be suitable for certain sticky, cohesive or difficult-flowing materials.
The open ribbon configuration provides space between the flight and the central shaft, which may help reduce material accumulation in appropriately designed equipment.
Actual performance depends on material moisture, viscosity, conveyor geometry, rotational speed and operating conditions.
What information is required for a ribbon flighting quotation?
To help us evaluate your custom ribbon flighting requirements, please provide the following information:
- Outside diameter (OD)
- Inside diameter (ID)
- Ribbon width
- Flight thickness
- Spiral pitch
- Overall length
- Required material or steel grade
- Left-hand or right-hand rotation
- Support or mounting configuration
- Required quantity
- Technical drawings, if available
Information about the equipment, conveyed material and operating conditions can also help with technical evaluation.