Everything You Need To Know About V-Belts

Types of V-Belts

These components come in numerous variations, each of which offers unique characteristics that make them suitable for use in different applications. Examples include:

• A Type V-belts with a top width of 1/2 inches
• B Type V-belts with a top width of 21/32 inches
• C Type V-belts with a top width of 7/8 inches
• D Type V-belts with a top width of 1 1/4 inches
• E Type V-belts with a top width of 1 1/2 inches

The following article provides an overview of V-belts, outlining their operating principles, the types available, and their design and selection considerations.

How Do V-Belts Work?

The key components of a standard wrapped V-belt are as follows:

1. Base rubber compound. The rubber material forms the bulk of the V-belt and acts as a shock absorber during operations.
2. Tensile Members. Tensile members, commonly referred to as "cords" are embedded in the rubber, giving the V-belt its strength and capability to transmit power.
3. Protective covering. The textile cover guarantees the right grip for power transmission and protects the rubber from frictional damage and external contaminants. 

Altogether, these components allow wrapped V-belts to perform their function as intended—i.e., transmitting power and torque from one pulley to another by friction-based means.

Design and Selection Consideration for V-Belts

When designing and selecting a V-belt for a system, there are numerous factors to consider ensuring the chosen component demonstrates the correct performance characteristics. Some of the key considerations to keep in mind include:

Application

The environmental and operating conditions to which the V-belt will be subjected significantly influence what type would be ideal. Some of the factors to consider include operating speeds, intermittent or continuous operation, misalignment tolerance, layout (e.g., serpentine or quarter turn), transmitted power, belt efficiency, and exposure to harsh conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, abrasives, ozone, and oils). Depending on what factors are critical, industry professionals may choose from a wide range of light-duty or heavy-duty, industrial V-belts.

Profile

V-belts have several profile (i.e., cross-section) options. While all of them feature the basic trapezoidal shape, each one has different dimensions. The main industry standards are:

• Classical. This standard was developed in the 1930s. It now comes in six sizes (A, B, C, D, E and Z).
• Narrow. Compared to the classical standard, this standard has more steeply angled sidewalls, which enhances wedging and load-carrying capacities. It comes in three sizes (3V, 5V, and 8V).
• Metric. This standard complies with international standards (e.g., ISO and DIN). Also, the Classic belts have international standards (DIN 2215) making it suitable for machinery belts employed in other countries. It comes in many sizes (XPZ SPZ, XPA SPA, XPB SPB, XPC SPC, 10X, 13X, and 17X).
• Fractional Horsepower. This standard is used for V-belts designed for light-duty applications. It comes in four sizes (2L, 3L, 4L, and 5L).

These profiles are also available in raw-edge cogged to enhance or add specific performance characteristics.

V-Belts From Megadyne

At Megadyne, we have extensive experience supplying power transmission belts, accessories, and systems to customers in countless sectors, including commercial and consumer appliances, construction, and heavy industry. Our V-belt offerings include:

Rubber Wrapped V-Belts

Designed and constructed for superior performance with high durability and tensile strength. Benefits of Our rubber-wrapped V-belts:

• Belts designed for use in light-duty to heavy-duty systems;
• Durable in tough environments (enhanced resistance to abrasion, oils, heat, ozone, and wear);
• Available in a wide range of lengths and sections.

Rubber Raw Edge V-Belts

Ideally suited for high-speed, compact drives. Benefits of Our rubber raw-edge V-belts:

• Higher power with a more compact drive;
• Greater flexibility to allow for smaller pulleys;
• Eliminates slippage and increases efficiency which increases energy savings;
• Oil and heat resistant;
• Static dissipating;
• Designed to withstand chemically aggressive environments, ageing, ozone and UV rays.

Banded V-Belts

Benefits of our banded V-belts:

• Fabric/Neoprene Top Band;
• Eliminates belt whip and twisting;
• Ensures smooth and consistent operation;
• Minimizes vibration;
• Enhances stability and prevents the belt from coming off the drive.

Linked V-Belts   

 Benefits of our linked V-belts:

• Save labour and costs by offering easy installation on hard to get to V-belt drives;
• Superior strength, durability and quick easy assembly to keep equipment up and running;
• Easy “No Tools” assembly, can be assembled to any desired length;
• Ideal for mobile service vehicles, carry one roll of link belts instead of a large inventory of multiple belt sizes.

For additional information about our V-belt products available in your area, contact us today!