V-belts are power transmission drive belts with a triangular or trapezoidal cross section. V-belts are used with mating pulleys in many drives where speed ratio is not critical. They are manufactured in many materials, cross-sections, banded multiples, reinforcement styles, and constant and variable speed configurations.
When searching for V-belts it is important to consider the belt cross section. Published dimensions of standard sections vary somewhat. Standard English belt cross-section choices include O / 3L / Z, A / 4L, B / 5L, C, D, E, 3V, 5V, and 8V. Standard metric belt cross-section choices include SPA, SPB, SPZ, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 17mm, 20mm, 22mm, 25mm, 32mm, and 40mm. V-ribbed pulleys are used with mating belts for efficient, typically high-speed power transmission. Typically, both the section designation and the number of ribs require specification and belt-pulley matching. Poly-V, another name used to find v-ribbed belts, is a registered trademark of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. V-ribbed choices for V-belts include H, J, L, M, and PK. If the cross section is unspecified belt angle, width, and length need to be considered.
V-belts are power transmission drive belts with a triangular or trapezoidal cross section. V-belts are used with mating pulleys in many drives where speed ratio is not critical. They are manufactured in many materials, cross-sections, banded multiples, reinforcement styles, and constant and variable speed configurations.
When searching for V-belts it is important to consider the belt cross section. Published dimensions of standard sections vary somewhat. Standard English belt cross-section choices include O / 3L / Z, A / 4L, B / 5L, C, D, E, 3V, 5V, and 8V. Standard metric belt cross-section choices include SPA, SPB, SPZ, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 17mm, 20mm, 22mm, 25mm, 32mm, and 40mm. V-ribbed pulleys are used with mating belts for efficient, typically high-speed power transmission. Typically, both the section designation and the number of ribs require specification and belt-pulley matching. Poly-V, another name used to find v-ribbed belts, is a registered trademark of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. V-ribbed choices for V-belts include H, J, L, M, and PK. If the cross section is unspecified belt angle, width, and length need to be considered.
V-belts may be banded together for multi-sheave drives; poly-V belts will have a specified number of ribs. The number of bands or ribs should be specified for belts with multiple bands. Belt materials exhibit different properties for strength, speed rating, power transmission capability and weight. Consult belt manufacturer on a specific application to optimize belt material selection. Common materials for V-belts include neoprene, polyurethane, rubber, and urethane. Some V-belts can be reinforced. Reinforcement typically comes in the form of cords or bands running circumferentially along the belt near the top or at the pitch line. Consult with manufacturer for optimum reinforcement selection. Material choices for reinforcement include fiberglass, polyester, and steel.
Important performance specifications to consider for V-belts include ultimate tensile strength and maximum operating speed. Ultimate tensile strength is the breaking strength or tension rating. Many belts are rated for a maximum operating speed. Common features for V-belts include double-sided, cogged, variable speed, anti-static, truly endless, and open-ended. A double-sided V-belt has a V Profile on both sides of belt; hexagonal cross section. In a cogged belt the inside of the belt is notched for gripping; sometimes designated by "X" in belt spec. Variable speed belts are wider than standard belts; designed for variable speed drives. Anti-static belts are conductive to prevent buildup of static electricity. Truly endless belts are manufactured as one closed loop; not spliced. Open-ended belts come in a roll and may be cut and spliced to desired length and number of teeth. An important environmental parameter to consider for v-belts includes the operating temperature.
