Flat Belts

Flat belts are designed for light-duty power transmission and high-performance conveying. They are best-suited for applications with smaller pulleys and large central distances. Flat belts can connect inside and outside pulleys and can come in both endless and jointed construction. They have a high power transmission efficiency, are cost effective, and are easy to use and install.

Construction

Fabric ply belts consist of several plies or layers that are made of cotton or synthetic fiber, with or without rubber impregnation. The number of plies determines the belt thickness that will help determine the minimum pulley diameter for the drive.

Fabric cord belts are constructed with multiple cords made from cotton or synthetic fibers such as rayon, nylon, plastic, or Kevlar. They are incased in rubber and covered with a fabric/runner covering. This type is generally classed as a heavy-duty flat belt, used for high speeds, small pulley diameters, and shock loads. Steel cables can also be used as they have higher capacity and lower stretch than fabric cord flat belts.

Flat belts generally have a traction layer made of oriented polyamide with two covers of elastomer leather or textile material and one intermediate layer of fabric on each side. The traction layer absorbs the forces exerted on the belt when power is transmitted. The friction cover ensures that the peripheral force acting on the belt pulleys is transmitted to the belt and vice-versa.

Applications

The power transmission flat belt can be used in many forms of power transmission. It is known as a two pulley drive, consisting of a driving pulley, a driven pulley, and the belt. Below are examples of pulley design variations.

Flat belts may be customized for a wide range of applications. Such configurations include an incline to carry product to another level. Flat belts may also have a tracking sleeve under the system to ensure that the belt does not slip, or that the coefficient of friction can be adjusted to prevent slippage.

Typical applications include conveyors, compressors, machine tools, and other heavy industrial equipment.