Selecting the right construction material for Timing belt pulleys is quite imperative. It is because a pulley can either make or break your project. When selecting a pulley, you normally want the product to be reliable along with a long operational life. Note that a timing belt is used when the rotation of the two different shafts need to be linked. Usually, the normal power transmission belts in the pulleys are smooth.
This is the reason that the belt can occasionally slip off the track. On the contrary, pulleys with timing belts have teeth that are great to lock the rotation of the shafts thereby preventing misalignment. Often, to achieve maximum operational efficiency, you should have a thorough understanding of the construction materials. Let’s explore in detail the two basic types of construction materials with which timing belt pulleys are manufactured.
Aluminum vs. Nylon
Aluminum
- Lightweight but heavier than nylon
- Aluminum is durable
- It is highly resistant to heat
- It has a high tensile strength
Nylon
- It is lightweight when compared to aluminum
- It comprises of active inertia control
- It is resistant to chemicals
- It provides the owner with material cost savings
Why you should prefer a timing belt pulley made of aluminum?
One of the primary reasons for selecting aluminum as a material is its high tensile strength. This also makes it ideal for large horsepower drive systems. On the contrary, Nylon has a lower tensile strength and is not preferred in industries where extensive operations are involved. Another definite edge that aluminum enjoys over nylon is its temperature resistance. In industries where operations are carried out at high temperatures, it is imperative to use aluminum over nylon.
Why you should prefer a timing belt pulley made of nylon?
Because of the steady advancements in plastic technology, nylon is often a more potent alternative to aluminum. While industries are yet to adapt nylon as the primary source of pulley construction, it offers an affordable alternative to heavier and more costly aluminum pulleys.
Some basic characteristics of a good timing pulley
Here is the list of some essential traits that a timing pulley possesses.
- A majority of timing pulleys are including glass-reinforced nylon in these items to make them ideal for molded high strength
- They are lightweight
- They have low inertia
- They are quite cost-effective
- They are resistant to shocks and chemicals
- They are affordable and have long operational efficiency
How to select belts and pulleys?
Note that industrial belt drivers usually comprise of rubber belts which usually wrap around drive pulleys. In case of a typical setup, the belt is also able to wrap around one or more idler pulleys which keep the belt taut and on track. One of the primary reasons for you to pick drives with belts and pulleys over other alternatives is that the current models require no maintenance. Moreover, they are also affordable when compared to chain drives. They are quiet and are efficient in the long run. You can also opt to align shafts and pulleys to prevent belt-tracking forces and to eliminate wear and tear. You have to select the appropriate belt for the torque you are applying to.
The top belt options available in the realm of pulleys
Among the worthy belt, drivers are the V-belts. Their wedge action can cause a lot of friction. It can also increase the power transmission capability of the pulley. V-Belt pulleys play a decisive role in transmitting power between the axles. Note that V-belt pulleys are solely used for transmitting power between axles which lie parallel to each other. It is interesting here to note that a v-belt is a unique mechanical linkage that comprises a cross-section that also resembles an isosceles trapezoid. There are many advantages to using a v-belt pulley. It provides excellent speed, traction along with phenomenal load capabilities.
Remember that several types of pulleys are used in v-belt transmissions. However, each of them has a different implementation. Primarily, the bore diameter of a timing pulley should match the geometric shaft. This bore can also be used in idler pulley applications which exude greater practicality to modern-day industries. Thus, opting for a v-shaped pulley is a worthy investment.
