AT5 Timing Belts (5mm Modified Metric Trapezoidal)
AT5 timing belts are modified metric trapezoidal belts with a 5mm pitch, engineered for higher load capacity and improved tooth engagement compared to standard T5 belts at the same pitch. The AT-profile (Advanced Trapezoidal) features a wider tooth base and optimized root geometry that distributes stress more evenly across the tooth, reducing the risk of tooth shear under heavy loads. AT5 is one of the most popular AT-profile pitches, widely used in European automation, linear motion, packaging machinery, and precision positioning systems.
AT5 timing belts are manufactured from polyurethane with steel wire or Kevlar tensile cords and are available in both closed-loop and open-end (continuous roll) form. The AT5 profile shares the same 5mm pitch as T5 and 5M HTD, but all three profiles use different tooth geometries and require different pulleys. Texas Belting stocks AT5 timing belts for same-day shipping from Houston.
Pitch: 5mm (0.197")
Tooth profile: Modified trapezoidal (AT, wider tooth base than standard T5)
Profile family: AT-Profile (AT3, AT5, AT8, AT10, AT15, AT20)
Standard widths: 6, 10, 16, 25, 32, 50mm
Primary material: Polyurethane with steel cord (standard); Kevlar cord available
Temperature range: -22°F to +176°F (-30°C to +80°C) standard
Formats: Closed-loop (welded endless) and open-end (continuous roll)
AT5 Is NOT the Same as T5 or 5M
Three different timing belt profiles share a 5mm pitch: AT5, T5, and 5M HTD. All three use different tooth shapes and different pulleys. Mixing them causes premature wear, poor engagement, and belt failure.
| Factor | AT5 (Modified Trapezoidal) | T5 (Standard Trapezoidal) | 5M (HTD Curvilinear) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 5mm | 5mm | 5mm |
| Tooth shape | Modified trapezoidal (wider base) | Standard trapezoidal (straight sides) | Curvilinear (rounded) |
| Load capacity | Highest among trapezoidal 5mm | Standard | High (curvilinear stress distribution) |
| Pulleys | AT5 pulleys only | T5 pulleys only | 5M HTD pulleys only |
| Interchangeable? | NO. Three different profiles. Three different pulleys. Will not mesh correctly if mixed. | ||
| Primary material | Urethane (steel/Kevlar cord) | Neoprene or urethane | Neoprene (standard); urethane available |
| Open-end available | Yes (standard format) | Yes (urethane only) | Less common |
| When to choose | New designs needing max trapezoidal load at 5mm. Heavy linear motion. | Replacing existing T5 on European OEM equipment. | Standard North American/global industrial drives. |
AT5 Part Number Decoder
Standard Format: [Pitch Length]AT5-[Width]
| Part Number | Pitch Length | Width | Teeth | Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200AT5-10 | 200mm | 10mm | 40 | Urethane, steel cord |
| 375AT5-16 | 375mm | 16mm | 75 | Urethane, steel cord |
| 500AT5-25 | 500mm | 25mm | 100 | Urethane, steel cord |
| 750AT5-32 | 750mm | 32mm | 150 | Urethane, steel cord |
| AT5-25 (open-end) | Per cut length | 25mm | Per length | Urethane, steel cord |
How to calculate teeth: Divide pitch length by 5. Example: 500 / 5 = 100 teeth. Open-end AT5 belts are sold by the meter and cut to any required length. Some manufacturers reverse the format (for example, 25AT5-500). Texas Belting can cross-reference AT5 part numbers from any manufacturer. Call 888-203-2358 or send us your part number.
AT5 Width Guide
| Width (mm) | Width (Inches approx.) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 6mm | 0.24" | Light-duty precision drives, small instruments |
| 10mm | 0.39" | Common general-purpose AT5 width, small automation |
| 16mm | 0.63" | Most popular AT5 width. Linear motion, packaging, European OEM. |
| 25mm | 0.98" | Medium to heavy drives, larger linear actuators, conveyors |
| 32mm | 1.26" | Heavy-duty AT5 applications |
| 50mm | 1.97" | Maximum standard AT5 width, heaviest AT5 loads. Consider AT8 or AT10 if more capacity needed. |
Open-end urethane AT5 belts can be cut to custom widths from wider stock rolls. Contact Texas Belting for non-standard width availability.
AT5 vs. Other 5mm Class Timing Belt Pitches
| Profile | Pitch | Tooth Form | Load Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT5 | 5mm | Modified trapezoidal (AT) | Moderate to heavy | High-precision linear motion, European automation, heavy-load 5mm drives |
| T5 | 5mm | Standard trapezoidal | Light to moderate | Standard European OEM equipment, general 5mm metric drives |
| 5M (HTD) | 5mm | Curvilinear (HTD) | Moderate | General North American/global industrial drives |
| XL | 5.08mm (0.200") | Trapezoidal (ANSI) | Light to moderate | US-standard general industrial, closest ANSI pitch to 5mm |
| AT3 | 3mm | Modified trapezoidal (AT) | Light to moderate | Smaller AT-profile sibling for miniature precision drives |
| AT8 | 8mm | Modified trapezoidal (AT) | Heavy | Next step up in AT family for heavier loads |
AT5 delivers the highest load capacity of the three 5mm-pitch trapezoidal options (AT5 > T5 standard). For curvilinear engagement at 5mm pitch, 5M HTD offers comparable load with a different tooth form. For lighter loads where AT5 is overkill, standard T5 is the cost-effective choice. See the Timing Belt Tooth Profiles Explained guide for full comparisons.
AT5 for Linear Motion and Positioning
AT5 is one of the most widely specified profiles for precision linear motion in European-designed automation. The modified tooth geometry provides higher load capacity than standard T5, making AT5 the preferred choice for linear stages with heavier carriages or higher acceleration requirements.
- Open-end urethane AT5 with steel cord is the standard construction for linear motion. Cut to any length. Joined with mechanical connectors or welded splices.
- Steel cord provides 0.02% elongation under load, ensuring repeatable carriage positioning without drift over long travel distances.
- 16mm and 25mm widths handle the majority of AT5 linear motion applications. Step up to 32mm or 50mm for heavier carriages.
- For the heaviest linear motion loads, step up to AT8 (8mm) or AT10 (10mm) in the AT-profile family.
For a complete overview of urethane belt materials and cord options for linear motion, see Urethane Timing Belts and Timing Belts for Linear Motion.
AT5 Timing Belt Materials
AT5 timing belts are manufactured from polyurethane. The AT-profile was designed around polyurethane construction, and urethane is the standard material for all AT-profile belts.
| Property | Steel Cord (Standard) | Kevlar Cord |
|---|---|---|
| Elongation | 0.02% (near-zero) | 0.3 to 0.5% |
| Best for | Linear motion, indexing, precision positioning | Rotary drives with small pulleys, high flex life |
| Minimum pulley size | Larger (steel is stiffer) | Smaller (Kevlar flexes tighter) |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent (urethane body) | Excellent (urethane body) |
| FDA available | Yes | Yes |
| Open-end available | Yes (standard) | Yes (less common) |
For food-contact applications, AT5 belts are available in FDA-compliant polyurethane grades. See Food Grade Timing Belts for more details.
Common AT5 Timing Belt Applications
| Application | Why AT5 | Typical Width |
|---|---|---|
| Linear motion and gantry systems | Open-end steel cord for precision positioning. Higher load than T5. | 16 to 32mm |
| European automation and robotics | Standard AT-profile on European-designed positioning equipment | 10 to 25mm |
| Packaging machinery | Precise indexing for wrapping, sealing, and labeling systems | 10 to 25mm |
| Printing and converting | Accurate web registration, low backlash, smooth operation | 16 to 25mm |
| Medical and lab instruments | Low particulate urethane, precise motion, cleanroom compatible | 6 to 16mm |
| Semiconductor handling | Low outgassing, no particulate shedding, precision indexing | 10 to 16mm |
| Food processing (European equipment) | FDA-compliant urethane, easy to clean, chemical resistant | 16 to 25mm |
| Pick-and-place systems | High acceleration with precision positioning under load | 16 to 32mm |
For heavier loads, step up to AT8 (8mm) or AT10 (10mm). For a full comparison of all profiles, see the Timing Belt Selection Guide.
AT5 Timing Belt Brands We Carry
| Brand | AT5 Product Lines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gates | PowerGrip AT5 | Limited AT range. Stronger in HTD and Poly Chain. |
| Continental / ContiTech | Synchroflex AT5 | Industry leader in AT-profile urethane belts |
| Bando | Bando AT5 | High-quality Japanese manufacturing |
| Diesel Belting | Diesel AT5 | Cost-effective replacement option |
| Megadyne | Megalinear AT5 | Open-end and closed-loop urethane. Strong AT-profile range. |
Not sure which brand to specify? Request a quote or call 888-203-2358.
AT5 Timing Belt FAQs
Need AT5 Timing Belts?
Send us your part number, belt dimensions, or application details for fast identification and pricing.
