Industrial power transmission belts transmit power between two mechanisms, like a motor to a drive shaft or a driver to a pulley. They hold several titles, ranging from V-belts to timing belts. Like most industrial belting bands, power transmission belts come in various forms to meet a wide range of needs and purposes. Here are four common materials used to make industrial power transmission belts.
Reinforced Rubber
One of the longest-standing belt materials is rubber. Its natural shock absorption, elastic, and water-resistant properties make it great for industrial systems. Nowadays, with technological advancements, rubber belts are reinforced with other materials such as fiberglass, metals, and polyester. Reinforced rubber has the same properties as natural rubber but is stronger. Rubber belts often feature higher tensile strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance.
Urethane and Polyurethane
Polyurethane belts, also known as urethane belts, offer numerous beneficial qualities. They resist several external influences, from moisture to general wear and tear. Their durable structure makes them a reliable material to handle the strenuous demands of an industrial system.
Polyvinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) commonly appears in pipes and other daily-use items. Like urethane, PVC is a synthetic polymer. PVC’s structural design makes it withstand and adapt to numerous conditions such as high temperatures, speeds, and weights. One of the most appealing qualities of PVC is that it’s lightweight, making it easy to handle, ship, and store.
Nylon Fibers
Akin to rubber, nylon often gets reinforced with other materials to improve its already existing features. Typically, nylon belts appear in the printing and packaging industry, enhancing their systems with sleek, water-resistant surfaces, providing an easy-to-clean piece of equipment. Outside of an industrial setting, nylon is used for everyday items, including floss, seatbelts, rope, sleeping bags, and tubing hoses.
These common industrial power transmission belt materials offer numerous benefits for a range of purposes. As a component in an industrial system, they endure lots of strain and wear. Each belt material provides durable, resistant, and versatile properties, making them a perfect fit for the intensity of a power transmission system.