V-Belts: What To Know

V-Belts and Wedge Belts are commonly used in industrial applications and also in auto repairs. Their names describe the type of belt as when the belts themselves intersect; they form a V shape or wedge shape. V & Wedge Belts are extremely popular as they make an excellent low-cost, quiet and efficient means of transmitting power. However, not all V-belts are the same, some will perform better at getting you closer to your end goal. The various types of v-belts available include: cogged, raw-edge, wrapped and banded v-belts - which incorporate two or more v-belts joined together to make a single belt which provides extra strength due to all the belts being exactly the same length. Grouped under the Power Transmission banner, V-Belts have two main functions; to transmit power from one shaft to another and to either increase or decrease speed of a motion.

Synchronous belts, also known as timing belts, are the latest concept in power transmission belting evolution. These belts combine the advantages of chain and gear with the advantages of V-belts, but without the limitations usually associated with these conventional types of drives.

Serpentine belts, sometimes called Poly-vee belts, are single, endless belts with longitudinal v-shaped ribs that mate perfectly with the v-grooves in the pulleys. They combine the convenience ofa a thin, one-piece flat belt with the strong gripping traction of multiple v-belts to make the Poly-V belt far better than either for many applications. Interestingly, timing belts were introduced to replace the utilisation of timing chains, which are impressively durable however slightly outdated. Double sided timing belts can also be purchased, which account for all precisions within a fast-powered transmission.

Suppliers of V-belts and timing belts are in vast supply, to suit any type of application. Imports are also readily available, a significant amount coming from India. Results have shown that maintenance to V-belts is crucial, as low-quality v-belts and ribbed v-belts or lack of care to an existing v-belt (such as a lack of pulley alignment) can lead to breakdown or failure. Handy tips for v-belt maintenance involve not over-tensing the belts, using a span sonic tension meter to accurately read and manage tension levels, and that all bolts around the v-belt should be sufficiently tightened. Failure is easily caused by a lack of a decent support for the belt, too much lubrication on the bolts and too much sheave wear .Belts can last a very long time, up to 6 years if effectively stored at the correct temperature and a non-humid environment.