The objective in any metal belt design is to make the most efficient use of the wire in terms of strength and product support. From the beginning, it was recognized that balance weave belts had many important advantages, and this same basic design is still in wide use today. Balance weave metal mesh belts are made up of two basic components: connecting rods and spirals. Spirals are wound alternately right hand and left hand. These alternating spirals are connected by inserting the rods through the leading and trailing loop ends. Finished belts are typically welded at the edges. This balanced weave is favoured for its strength to weight factor, for its resistance to distortion and its tendency to track straighter than other weaves.