Timing Belt Modifications and Custom Machining
Timing Belt Modifications and Custom Machining
Texas Belting offers a comprehensive range of CNC-precision modifications to customize polyurethane timing belts for specific conveying, automation, and material handling requirements. From vacuum channels and perforations to precision grinding and selective tooth removal, our machining capabilities transform standard belts into application-specific solutions.
Modifications can be applied to any T-Series, AT-Series, ATP, or HTD polyurethane belt, including belts with backings and coatings. For welded conveying attachments (flights, cleats, dividers), see profile belts.
- CNC drilling, milling, routing, perforating
- Vacuum channels (lateral and longitudinal)
- Precision back grinding and edge grinding
- Selective tooth removal
- V-guide machining from belt material
- T-Cover and DR backing profiling
- Hole position tolerance: ±0.1mm (precision)
- Ground surface tolerance: ±0.02mm (precision)
Available Modifications
| Modification | Description | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Drilled holes | Precision holes through belt body, CNC-positioned | Vacuum conveying, pin registration, sensor triggers |
| Perforations | Pattern of small holes across belt surface | Air-flow conveyors, suction tables, drying applications |
| Machined slots | Longitudinal or transverse slots through belt | Vacuum hold-down, drainage, flexible sections |
| Lateral channels | Cross-belt grooves on back or tooth side | Product lanes, air channels, drainage paths |
| Longitudinal channels | Running-direction grooves along belt length | Vacuum channels, wire routing, product guiding |
| Back grinding | Precision grinding of belt back to exact thickness | Critical thickness tolerance applications |
| Edge grinding | Precision edge finishing to exact width | Critical width tolerance requirements |
| Tooth removal | Selective removal of individual teeth | Clearance zones, attachment points, sprocket engagement |
| Tooth-side machining | Grooves cut along tooth length | Tooth-side product guiding |
| V-guide machining | V-shaped tracking guide machined from belt material | Retrofit self-tracking without replacing pulleys |
| Side strips | Raised edges along belt sides | Product containment, lateral guidance |
| Covered belt profiling | CNC profiling through T-Cover or DR backing layers | Custom conveying surfaces, product pockets |
| Tracking notches | V-shaped notch in belt back | Self-centering on flat pulleys |
Machining Tolerances
All modifications are CNC-machined. Standard tolerances apply unless precision option is specified.
| Feature | Standard Tolerance | Precision Option |
|---|---|---|
| Hole position | ±0.2mm | ±0.1mm |
| Hole diameter | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
| Slot width | ±0.2mm | ±0.1mm |
| Cleat / profile position | ±0.5mm | ±0.2mm |
| Ground surface thickness | ±0.05mm | ±0.02mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Available modifications include drilled holes, perforations, machined slots and channels (lateral and longitudinal), vacuum grooves, precision back and edge grinding, selective tooth removal, V-guide machining, side strips, T-Cover profiling, and tracking notches. All modifications are CNC-machined for precision and repeatability.
In many cases, yes. Holes, slots, and machined features can be added to existing belts. Welded profiles and bonded V-guides can also be applied to belts that have already been manufactured. Contact Texas Belting at 888-203-2358 to discuss modification feasibility for your specific belt.
Yes. Drilled holes and machined slots remove material from the belt cross-section and may sever tension member cords if not properly positioned. Modifications should be designed to avoid the tension member zone. Texas Belting provides design guidance to ensure modifications do not compromise belt integrity or rated capacity.
Standard tolerances are ±0.2mm for hole and slot position, ±0.1mm for hole diameter, and ±0.05mm for ground surfaces. Precision options are available: ±0.1mm for position, ±0.05mm for diameter, and ±0.02mm for ground surfaces. Specify the required tolerance when ordering.
Yes. Longitudinal vacuum channels (running along the belt length) and lateral channels (across the belt width) can be CNC-machined into the belt back or through T-Cover backing material. Combined with drilled holes or perforations, these channels create effective vacuum conveying systems for packaging, printing, and material handling applications.
Provide a dimensioned drawing showing: modification type and dimensions, position relative to a belt edge and tooth reference, spacing or repeat pattern, tolerances required, and quantity. Texas Belting's engineering team will review your requirements and confirm feasibility before production. Call 888-203-2358 to discuss your project.
Yes. Multiple modifications can be applied to the same belt. Common combinations include drilled holes with longitudinal vacuum channels, PAZ coating with perforations, and T-Cover backing with CNC-profiled product pockets. Each modification is applied sequentially during manufacturing.
Need Custom Belt Modifications?
Send us your drawing or describe your application. We will confirm feasibility, tolerances, and pricing for your custom machined belt.