Power Transmission

Matching Tooth Profile and Pitch to Load Requirements

Selecting the proper profile prevents tooth shear and premature belt wear. Precision linear systems commonly utilize the GT2 profile with a 2mm pitch and 1.38mm belt height. This modified curvilinear geometry distributes tooth load evenly and provides low backlash in reversal cycles. For compact assemblies, a 1.5mm pitch with a 1.0mm belt height provides fine positioning in confined spaces.

Heavier drive systems require deeper tooth engagement to transmit mechanical force without ratcheting. The HTD profile with a 5mm pitch and a 3.80mm belt height handles higher torque demands across factory equipment. Drive systems with wider spacing utilize standard pitches such as 3.00mm or 0.315"(8.00mm) depending on pulley selection.

Selecting Belt Material and Cord Reinforcement

Core reinforcement and elastomeric compounds determine tensile strength, elongation, and operational resilience. Neoprene rubber combined with a fiberglass core provides low elongation and good resistance to dynamic bending fatigue. For harsh operating temperatures, EPDM rubber formulations deliver thermal stability across a range of -45°C to +135°C while minimizing particulate dusting.

Polyurethane belt constructions with steel wire cores deliver high tensile stiffness for linear positioning. These PU belts resist oils and abrasion, making them standard for indexing conveyors and automated positioning stages where stretch under load cannot be tolerated.

• Neoprene rubber with fiberglass core: Low stretch and high flex fatigue resistance for continuous cycling over pulleys.
• Polyurethane with steel cord: High tensile stiffness and abrasion resistance, suitable for linear drives with arbitrary cropping.
• EPDM rubber: Reliable service across extreme temperatures from -45°C to +135°C with low dust generation.

Configuring Form Factor: Closed Loop versus Open Ended

Drive layout determines whether an endless belt or roll stock is required. Closed loop belts are molded to fixed lengths, fitting fixed center-to-center pulley configurations without splicing. Available lengths cover ranges such as 118mm to 3600mm in 2mm pitch and 395-600mm or 435-450mm in 5mm pitch, with belt widths extending from 4mm up to 40mm to scale load capacity.

Open ended timing belt stock is supplied for linear drives and long-stroke gantry systems. Technicians crop open roll stock to custom lengths on site and secure the ends with clamping plates, establishing direct linear motion without specialized tooling.