While manufacturers are increasingly looking for cost savings, belt drives and the potential cost and energy savings that lie within them are sometimes neglected. Yet it is here that big gains can be made.
Improving drive performance
Simple improvements made at minimal costs can improve belt drive performance. Here are some examples:
- Increase the pulley diameters
- Increase the number of belts, or use a wider belt
- Add vibration dampening to the system
- Improve the guard ventilation to reduce operating temperature
- Make sure pulley and back idler diameters are above the minimum recommended diameters
- Use premium belts rather than general purpose types
- Replace worn pulleys
- Keep pulleys properly aligned
- Always place an idler on the span with the lowest tension
- Re-tension newly installed friction belts after a 4-24 hour run-in period
- Review proper belt installation and maintenance procedures
Designing a new, better-performing drive
If further improvement is needed, it’s time to re-design the drive. TEXROPE® TDD Pro™ software can help you to design your belt drive. Required information for a properly designed drive includes desired belt type, motor rpm and horsepower, desired driven pulley rpm or speed ratio, centre distance between shafts, service factor, and gearbox information. This free software will return all possible drive designs that meet the given parameters. It ensures obtaining a belt drive suited to your application.
Engineering assistance with belt drive systems is also available from TEXROPE®. We are keen to work with you during an onsite plant survey to find specific options for improving productivity, reducing downtime and discovering cost and energy saving potential at your machine park.