When not to use a belt drive?
In practise, we assist the majority of customers we meet with in finding solutions for machine design. Suppliers are continually trying to find applications in which their marketed products can be used. However every component has its own maximum technical capacity; in some cases their use is not recommended.
When not to use a belt
- Transmitted power is very high, yet rotational speed is very low, e.g. 100 kW and 50 rpm/min with a torque output of about 19,100 Nm. This is unrealistic for drive belts and other solutions should be sought out.
- Pulley diameter is small for the selected belt type, e.g. pulley diameter of 100 mm for belt type C/22 or SPC. For these belts, the pulley diameter is too small and the belt would suffer damage on bending. It is necessary to use a larger pulley, a different type of belt, or to seek out another solution.
- The ambient temperature is too high, e.g. more than 150 °C. Such temperatures are too extreme for the material of the belt to withstand for very long. In these instances, it is necessary to use an alternative, e.g. chain.
- Rotational speed and pulley diameter are great, e.g. pulley diameter of 350 mm and rotational speeds of 3,000 rpm/min. Here, you would draw a circumferential speed of 55 m/s. Such speed is too high for V- and timing belts. It becomes necessary to use flat or ribbed belts, or to change the entire design of the drive.
