V-Belts vs. Synchronous Belts: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re troubleshooting a sewing machine, a car engine, or a conveyor belt system, you’re going to need to understand belting types. Every power transmission drive uses belts to connect the main drive wheel to all other parts of the system. Knowing the belting type will help you troubleshoot the problem when the machine stops working. Learn the difference between V-belts and synchronous belts.

What Is a V-Belt?

A V-belt gets its name from its shape. When you look at the end of a V-belt, you’ll see that it’s shaped like a trapezoid or a wedge. This is because the belt is designed to dig into the sheave of the wheel, using friction to turn it in the desired direction.

Where Are V-Belts Used?

V-belts are pretty common in power transmission drives, though they represent an older style of engineering. The main benefit of having a V-belt system is that the engine can keep running even if one of the many belts snaps. For example, if the belt powering your car’s air conditioning breaks, that won’t prevent you from driving the car.

What Is a Synchronous Belt?

A synchronous belt (also called a timing belt) is a specific belt that connects the camshaft and crankshaft in an engine. These belts have grooves that lock into the wheels of the engine, instead of using a wedge shape. The timing belt protects the most important (and most expensive) parts of the engine from damage.

Understanding Serpentine Belts

If you’re trying to understand the difference between V-belts and synchronous belts, there’s another belt you should know: the serpentine belt. This is the main alternative to the V-belt drive system. Whereas a V-belt drive uses many belts, a serpentine belt drive only has one belt snaking its way through the whole system.

Choosing a Quality Belting Supplier

If you’re looking for food-grade conveyor belts or any other type of belting, contact Texas Belting and Supply. We carry hundreds of styles of belting for conveyor belts, engines, and industrial equipment. Our belts even come with protective coatings that make them more resistant to abrasion, carryback, and extreme temperatures. Let us help you find the right belt for your needs.