FAQs

No. Although the spacing from tooth to tooth (and cavity to cavity) measures 12.7 mm [0.50”] which is the same as standard Imperial H pitch, the ATN12.7 has a different tooth shape. The ATN12.7 timing belt tooth shape is designed wider than standard H pitch to provide adequate profile attachment material to accept the ATN insert. BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. can supply ATN12.7 timing pulleys that perfectly match ATN12.7 timing belts in most materials and sizes.Contact Applications Engineering to discuss specific requirements.

Two self-tracking belt guides are available. The K6 guide is used on smaller belts and the K13 guide is used on larger belts (see B212 catalog for availability). Below are dimensions for both K6 and K13.

BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. manufactures self-tracking pulleys and self-tracking slider beds in custom sizes for all pitches that perfectly match our self-tracking timing belts. If however it is necessary to fabricate components to mate with timing belt self-tracking guides, use the following.Note that slider bed groove depth depends on the timing belt tooth height labeled E.

There are many methods of determining the belt pitch. One convenient method is to compare the existing belt to the drawings located at the top of each belt page of the BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. B212 catalog. These drawings are 1:1 scale and can help quickly identify belt pitches.Note that a printed page from a downloaded version may be scaled slightly by the printing process.

Yes. BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. produces self-tracking belts with one of two available manufacturing processes. The most popular self-tracking belts are manufactured with a molded, serrated, homogenous self-tracking guide. Non-standard self-tracking belts are manufactured with a solid self tracking guide. A solid guide can be applied to virtually any BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. timing belt style. For example, BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. does not list self-tracking Imperial L pitch because this style is not available with a molded, homogenous guide, but a self-tracking L can be manufactured with a solid guide.Contact Applications Engineering to discuss specific requirements.

The conveyor top surface is calculated using pulley radii and belt thickness. T and English series belts engage differently with the pulleys than AT series and must be calculated differently. See the diagram below which can be found in our catalog B212. These are the diagrams and formulas needed to accurately calculate the conveyor top surface. To calculate the location of a slider/support bed top surface, subtract the overall belt thickness from the conveyor top surface.

SE designates a reduced backlash tooth form for stock and custom pulleys. For T series pulleys of 20 teeth or less, BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. produces reduced backlash toothform as a standard. This is a performance enhancement decision made decades ago and has proved valuable. For part number clarification this SE designation is now indicated in the pulley part number. Be assured that this is a part number change only and the product itself has not changed from what has been produced in the past. Please refer to our B212 catalog under Standard and Optional tooth forms.

Although Polyurethane belts offer the lowest particle generation for a belt due to high abrasion resistance there will always be some particulation due to meshing of belt and pulley teeth and from guiding features like tracking guides and flanges. Alignment, drive geometry, pulley backlash, tooth facing, backings, and pretension differences change the rate of particulation. Our belts are not clean room certified. It is up to the machine manufacturer to obtain certification for the machine. Avoid backings or nylon facings PAZ/PAR when polyurethane timing belts are used. In some critical cases customers have sealed off the belt drive from the clean area and/or pulled a vacuum past the drive to prevent the migration of any particles.

The belts can be used interchangeably for most applications since they are rated for the same strength. SFX belts are cast-endless belts in gray-opaque polyurethane with a smooth or slightly ribbed back and are available only in specific fixed lengths. Heat-applied backings such as PU385 cannot be used with SFX belts and SFX delivery is longer than comparable stock BFX lengths.

Standard pulleys and clamps are 6061 aluminum. This aluminum is suitable for anodizing and hard anodizing. If you are planning to anodize the pulley after you receive it let us know so we can provide the pulley diameters corrected for the coating thickness. Flanges are zinc plated steel unless otherwise noted.

Standard flanges are rolled-on zinc plated steel. Standard flanges for T20/AT20/XH pitches and larger are screwed on. Custom flanges may be either rolled on or screwed on and made of zinc plated steel, uncoated steel, stainless, or aluminum.

For T10/H-pitch and smaller a sharp set of hand shears works well. Larger pitch belting requires either a bench-mounted shear or a carbon cut off wheel angle grinder will do the job in a pinch. Wear appropriate eye and hand protection.

While there are methods to reattach a profile in the field please keep in mind that a customer repair, especially with adhesive, will prevent us from performing a factory repair. Please call an applications engineer who will assist you in determining if the belt should be returned for repair. It is a good idea to have a photo of the belt available to email to us. Consider ATN convertible profile technology (catalog B209) in cases where profile damage occurs more frequently.

It is typical to use a common drive shaft at the exit end of a multi-lane conveyor. All other pulleys in the conveyor system should be individually bearing-mounted to avoid belt tension changes due to length tolerance differences. Independent tension adjustment is recommended for each belt to accommodate machine frame and any belt length differences. Matched keyways or aligned keyless bushings should be used when running matched sets of profile belts. Keyways can be specified aligned with a tooth or tooth gap and/or matched in sets. Please specify required alignment and accuracy on quote requests.

Any time a set of belts is running together it is a good idea to run matched sets for accurate positioning as well as evenly distributed loading. Matched sets can be made in a variety of ways and it is also possible to match machined, profiled or covered belts. Profile mold selection affects the achievable matched set accuracy. The best matched set is produced by making a wide sleeve of belt and slitting it to the final widths after marking it with match marks and running direction. You can check the belt pitch page in the B212 catalog to find the widest available sleeve width. If this is not possible due to a wide final belt width we will take sequential material from the production run to make up the matched set. Independent tensioning is still recommended due to machine frame differences and the possibility that a machine user may replace just one belt out of the set.

Depending on what takes the dirt/contaminant off you can use soap and water or alcohol. Acetone can be used to remove some adhesives. We recommend wiping the belt and letting it dry as opposed to immersing the belt in any cleaning solution. Prolonged exposure to cleaning chemicals can cause the belt to harden and crack. Repeated exposure to water-based cleaning may result in rusting of the steel cords. Chlorine cleaners should be avoided or rinsed from the belts as soon as possible. Special polyurethane compounds are available which have increased resistance to hydrolysis (water absorption) or oil attack.

Sizing a timing belt for a new application requires careful consideration of several factors, including: 

Required power transmission: The first step in sizing a timing belt is to determine the required power transmission for the application. This includes the torque and speed required to drive the system.

Center distance: The distance between the two shafts the timing belt will be used to connect is critical in determining the length of the timing belt. It must be measured accurately. 

Pulley size and tooth count: The size of the pulleys and the number of teeth they have can also impact the selection of the timing belt. Smaller pulleys may require a different tooth profile than larger pulleys. 

Environmental conditions: Consideration of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals, dust or dirt will help determine the appropriate timing belt material. 

Shaft alignment: Proper alignment of the shafts connected by the timing belt is essential for the system's efficient operation and longevity. 

Once the required power transmission and center distance are determined, manufacturers typically provide a recommended belt width and profile for the given requirements. It is essential to ensure the recommended belt has enough strength to handle the loads and environmental conditions specific to the application. 

Overall, it is essential to consult with a qualified timing belt manufacturer or engineer to ensure that the timing belt is appropriately sized for the specific application and meets all necessary requirements for optimal performance and longevity. Using our Calculations program is a great starting point. You can also contact us for free assistance.

Both T-cover and PU385 are clear 85 durometer solid polyurethane back covers with identical appearance. The difference is in the manufacturing process. T-Cover is applied as a liquid onto the belt back during a secondary extrusion process. PU385 is extruded separately then heat welded to the base belt after an order is placed. T-cover is only available 2mm thick (except for 1.5mm for T5). The surface of either cover can be smooth or ground depending on the base belt construction (ground for BFX with T-cover) or the backing thickness (ground for in-between thicknesses). Either cover may be specified with a ground surface if desired. If it is important to have a smooth or ground surface it must be specified in the part description. There is no friction or wear difference between the two backings since they are the same material. For spliced and welded endless belts, T-cover is preferred due to generally faster delivery, more pitch options, fewer minimum purchase requirements, and lower cost.

Yes, there are various timing belt tooth designs available on the market, and they can differ in shape, size, and spacing. These differences in tooth design can have a significant impact on the performance of the timing belt system, including noise level, vibration, durability, repeatability and strength. 

Some common types of timing belt tooth designs include: 

Trapezoidal Tooth: This is the most common tooth profile, and it has a trapezoidal shape with a flat top and rounded roots. This tooth design is suitable for a wide range of applications, including industrial machinery used for linear drive, conveying or power transmission.

Modified Curvilinear Super Torque Drive (STD) Tooth: This tooth profile has an angular curved shape, which provides better meshing with the pulley teeth and noise reduction with the strength of high torque drive belts. 

High Torque Drive (HTD) Tooth: This tooth profile has a rounded tooth design, which allows for higher torque transmission. It is commonly used in high-performance applications such as high torque power transmission and high-speed industrial machinery. 

ATP Tooth: This tooth profile is unique and used primarily as a replacement belt in existing OEM equipment. It provides more uniform stress distribution and reduced noise.  

Choosing the appropriate tooth design for you application depends on factors including the required torque, speed, and load capacity, as well as the noise and vibration requirements. The tooth design must be matched to the pulley design to ensure proper engagement and optimal performance of the timing belt system. When in double, contact us for more details.