In this article, we learn about the different types of belts in the Automotive Sector
Types of Belts
There are many types of belts used in a variety of applications in the industrial and automotive sectors.
1. Flat belt
The flat types of belts have a rectangular cross-section.
The width of the belt is substantially higher compared to its thickness.
They are used where a moderate amount of power is to be transmitted from one pulley to another when the two pulleys are not more than 8 meters apart.
To avoid running out of the belt from the pulleys the pulleys are provided with proper crowning.
Such pulleys are called “crown pulleys”.
Advantages of flat belt
Flat belts are easy to produce and hence have low cost.
Flat belts require low maintenance in regards to periodic adjustment of the center distance between shafts to compensate for wear.
Flat belts with stepped pulleys can be used to obtain multiple speed ratios.
They are simple to design and manufacture.
They have relatively higher efficiency.
They can be used for the long center distance between shafts.
They can be operated in dusty and abrasive atmospheres.
Disadvantages of flat belt
Flat belts have limited frictional contact and hence lower power transmitting capacity.
Flat belts are used for limited speed reduction up to 4:1.
They are used for long center distances and hence bigger sizes of the drive.
They are restricted to single-belt usage.
They are noisier at higher operating speeds.
They are used for applications with two shafts being connected in the horizontal plane.
2. V-belt
The V types of belts have a trapezoidal cross-section.
They are used where a great amount of power is to be transmitted from one pulley to another when the two pulleys are very near to each other.
To have higher surface contact between the belt and pulley, the pulleys are provided with a groove.
Such pulleys are called “grooved pulleys”.
Advantages of V-belt
V-belts have higher frictional contact and hence higher power transmitting capacity.
V-bell can be used for high-speed reduction up to 7:1.
They are used for short center distances which results in a compact size drive.
Multiple V-belts can be accommodated in the same pulley for increased power transmission.
They are relatively smooth and quiet at low and high operating speeds.
They can be used in applications with shafts being connected in horizontal or vertical planes.
Disadvantages of V-belt
V-belts are made of reinforcement material and cords, hence the higher cost.
V-belt requires precise alignment of shaft and pulley to ensure the long life of the belt.
V-belts cannot be used with the stepped pulley and hence it is not possible to obtain multiple speed ratios.
They are relatively complex to design and manufacture.
They have lower efficiency.
They are suitable for short to medium center distances between shafts.
They need a closed environment, which is free from dust.
3. Circular Belt
The circular types of belts have a circular cross-section.
They are used where a great amount of power is to be transmitted from one pulley to another when the two pulleys are more than 8 meters apart.
To avoid running out of the circular belt from the pulley, the pulleys are provided with a groove.