If you have industrial equipment where the movement of the driving and driven shafts must be synchronized, the standard belts might not be a good option because of the potential for slipping. Synchronous belts were developed to address this problem when working with industrial equipment, such as motors and conveyors. So, if you are new to industrial production or looking forward to buying synchronous belts for your facility, here are five things that you probably did not know about them:

Synchronous Belts are Mainly Made of Glass Fiber

Synchronous belts, also referred to as timing belts, are designed with a toothed profile that mates articulately with pulleys for a positive engagement between gears and chains. Initially, synchronous belts were reinforced using steel, but improvements have seen new materials being adopted instead of steel. Today, the commonest materials used on synchronous belts are glass fiber. Where maximum strength is needed, aramid is used.

Synchronous Belts are Available in Six Standard Pitches

The first synchronous belts came with the standard trapezoidal design, which is still used today. However, additional pitches have been developed, and the belts are available in six different pitches that run from the mini extra lightweight to double extra heavy. See the breakdown of the pitches based on the size of their pitches.

• MXL Mini Extra Light 0.080”
• XL Extra Light 0.200”
• L Light 0.375”
• H Heavy 0.500”
• XH Extra Heavy 0.875”
• XXH Double Extra Heavy 1.250”

Timing Belts are More Cost Effective than Standard Belts

Synchronous belts come with a number of impressive features that make them ideal for shaft synchronization. They are designed with a thin and flexible design, which helps them work well on miniature drives and high-speed pulleys. Studies show that timing belts are more effective for power transmission, only falling short of direct drives. They are also capable of sustaining high loads. Because of these reasons, they are considered cost-effective for equipment such as cleaner brushes, HVAC, and some power tools.

The Latest SPPD Timing Belt can Carry Greater Load than Trapezoidal Models

Latest design in the timing belt teeth profiles has improved so much compared to the original trapezoidal model. HTD, which has full-rounded profiles, distributes load evenly on the teeth and further offers more tensile strength compared to the trapezoidal design. Now, a newer model, STPD, which closely resembles the HTD model, is even more effective.

The STPD mode has a curvilinear tooth design, but uses advanced material, such as aramid, that improves its strength and durability. The belt is also excellent when using high-speed motors, pumps, shafts, and sprockets.

Automotive and Industrial Timing Belts are not Interchangeable

While the main synchronous belt sizes fall into six categories, MXL, XL, L, H, XH, and XXH, there are some non-standard models for special industries. In the auto industry, new belt sizes, STA, AL, and ZA are used. The main difference between the auto and industrial synchronous belts is the tensile cord and size, which alter the pitch line difference. Note that the industrial and auto timing belts are not interchangeable.

As you can see, timing belts are very useful in many industries, and you need the right model for the optimal performance of your equipment. Make sure the belts are also installed correctly and maintained in top condition for optimal performance of your facility.