Custom Poly-V Pulleys
Poly-v pulleys are one of the most common pulley systems, utilized in a light duty to heavy duty machinery in a multitude of industries.
In fact, you are probably quite familiar with some common pulley applications, such as power tools, lathes, drills, and milling machines. Poly-v pulleys are desirable, because they’re extremely efficient.
However, poly-v pulleys are only effective if they are suitable for the task at hand. In other words, a pulley with the wrong pitch for your application will not work efficiently – if at all.
From profile to the number of ribs, the proper pulley must be chosen for your application. The following content provides insight into poly-v pulleys, including the most common components, helping readers understand how to customize poly-v pulleys for their needs best.
Poly-V Belt Pulley Components
Poly-v belts are unique because they have multiple longitudinal ribs. When considering a custom poly-v pulley, it is important to understand each component. Below, we discuss two common mechanisms: grooves and mounting styles.
1. Grooves
Grooves are intended to guide the belt while it is in motion, preventing the belt from slipping off the perimeter of the pulley. When used in transmissions, grooves also transmit motion. There are several different groove profiles to choose from: H, J, K, L, and M. Each profile is also available in a multiple of ribs.
2. Mounting
Mounting is the method of connecting the pulley to the shaft around which the pulley will rotate. Once again, the mounting method selected will depend on your application. For example, a simple bore with a bearing allows the pulley to rotate freely, often used in idlers or tensioning applications. Keyway mounting, on the other hand, transfers torque between the pulley and the shaft.
Additional Poly-V Belt Pulley Considerations
Along with poly-v pulley components, three additional measurements should be considered when selecting the right pulley for your application: belt profile, number of ribs, and pulley diameter.
- Belt Profile: the belt profile is the size of the groove on the belt. Smaller grooves are well suited for light duty applications, while larger grooves are best for heavy loads.
- Number of Ribs: increasing the number of ribs on the pulley increases the load that can be transmitted in the system.
- Pulley Diameter: to find pulley diameter, simply use a ruler to measure from the outside edge to the outer edge of the pulley. Though the metric is simple to find, selecting the proper pulley diameter for your project can be a bit complicated. Mechanical advantage, HP transmitted, shaft distances, and a variety of additional factors come into play during pulley selection.
Advantages of Poly-V Pulleys
Poly-v pulleys have certain advantages innate to their design. The reduced thickness of poly-v belts make them very flexible, allowing them to wrap around very small diameters. Additionally, Poly-v belts can achieve higher peripheral speed than V-belts.
Poly-v belts also offer the following advantages:
- Compact dimensions
- High flexibility
- High peripheral speed
- High efficiency
- Low noise
- Possibility of using flat pulleys, reducing the cost of the system
Poly-V Pulleys vs Round Belt Pulleys
Poly-v pulleys are sometimes confused with round belt pulleys. Which do you need? Although these pulley systems are not the same, they have similar applications.
What are the primary differences between both systems?
The first difference between poly-v pulleys and round belt pulleys is the shape of the belt. Round belt pulleys have a belt which is round, similar to a rope of cord, that is gently sloped between pulley grooves.
The sides of a poly-v pulley, on the other hand, are sloped inward, forming a “V” shape (groove angle). The belt is also flat on one side.
The second difference is the surface of the belt. Poly-v belts have a larger contact surface area than round belt systems. Thus, poly-v belts are known for their efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
How Can I Customize My Poly-V Pulley?
Unique applications require unique poly-v pulleys. Unfortunately, pulley manufacturers do not always have the precise pulley you need on hand. This forces many individuals to purchase a pulley and then pay to have the pulley customized for their specific application. This process can be costly and time-consuming!
At Illinois Pulley & Gear, we offer complete customization right away. Our customers provide us with the precise specifications they need for their poly-v pulleys, and we provide the precise piece of equipment needed. In other words, we are a one-stop-shop, eliminating the need for another middle-man to provide customization.
What specifications can we customize?
Groove profile, number of ribs, bore size (English or Metric), keyway, set screws, lightning holes, are only a few examples of the specific requirements we customize for our clients. Additionally, our poly-v pulleys can be produced from a variety of materials, depending on your specific application. Some of our most common materials include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and plastics. In other words, we can create the precise poly-v pulley needed for your project!
Illinois Pulley & Gear: Custom Poly-V Pulley Manufacturers
At Illinois Pulley & Gear, we manufacture a large variety of high-quality poly-v pulleys, made on-demand, according to your specific needs. Select your material, belt profile, and the number of ribs, and we will produce the product with precision.
Beyond customization, our team is known for outstanding customer service. We are always happy to answer the phone, answer your questions, and provide helpful solutions. Do you have a question about a quote, pitch diameter, or the right material for your application? Get in touch. We would love to help.
You can reach our team at 847-407-9595 or via our online contact form.
