Timing Belting
In a general sense, timing belts refer to any flat belt with integral teeth.
Timing belts are used for power transmission or to interchange linear motion
and rotary motion, where maintaining a specific drive ratio or high loads are
important. Linear positioning systems are a common non-automotive application
of timing belts.
Timing belts are the component of internal combustion engines responsible for
controlling the timing of the engine's valves. If tensioned properly,
timing belts have no slippage and are frequently used to transfer direct motion
for timing or indexing purposes. Timing belts are utilized in the camshafts
of automobiles and stepper motors.
In automotive applications, a timing belt is a reinforced rubber belt with
square teeth driven by the crankshaft that operates the camshaft. In some engine
designs, timing belts are also used to drive other engine components such as
the water pump and oil pump. Compared to a gear or chain system, rubber timing
belts are more cost effective, quieter in their operation, and mechanically
more efficient.