Power Transmission Belts
Power transmission belts are utilities employed for the transmission of power between two rotating shafts. When a power transmission belt is affixed to a shaft, the rotation of the shaft causes the movement of the belt. If the belt is connected to another shaft, the rotation of the first shaft can be transferred to the other shaft.
Quick links to Power Transmission Belts Information
Applications of Power Transmission Belts
There are many industrial processes in which the transmission of power between two pieces of machinery is necessary. The use of power transmission belts dates back the advent of modern process machinery; threshing machines, early manufacturing drives, and a wide variety of other equipment all depended on power transmission belts. Mining equipment, manufacturing machinery, automobiles, and even small utilities like sewing machines require the use of power transmission belts.
Power Transmission Belt Design and Customization
Because there is such a wide range of machinery in which power transmission belts are used, there exists an equally wide variety of power transmission belts to accommodate them. That variety includes very large endless belts for use in large equipment as well as small round belts for use in smaller equipment. Transmission belts are manufactured to varying specifications. Heavy-duty industrial belts are usually made of strong materials and can often be temperature and chemical-resistant. Lighter-duty belts can be made of less resistant materials, which can be less expensive and more appropriate for less demanding applications.
Benefits of Using Power Transmission Belts
As technology continues to advance, the lifespan and performance of power transmission belts has increased greatly. The advent of synthetic rubber materials like neoprene, silicone, polyurethane (sometimes erroneously referred to as urethane), and others has expanded the horizons of industrial process equipment. The temperature, chemical, and pressure-resistant properties of some synthetic rubber materials has allowed for the use of power transmission belting in applications that were once too demanding and inhospitable. Improved belting technology has also contributed to the improved safety of the equipment in which belts are used.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Power Transmission Belts
Reducing the likelihood of belt breakage reduces the chances of the cascading damage to other equipment parts that can be caused by belt failure during a machine’s operation. While it is still important to carefully pair a power transmission belt with its application, the combination of careful maintenance and proper operation will help to ensure the long term and efficient operation of the belt and the equipment with which it is used.