Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Belt Drives And Vibration

Some ultra-sensitive applications require belt drives to operate with as little vibration as possible, as vibration sometimes has an effect on the system operation or finished manufactured product. In these cases, the characteristics and properties of all appropriate belt drive products should be reviewed. The final drive system selection should be based upon the most critical design requirements, and may require some compromise.

Vibration is not generally considered to be a problem with synchronous belt drives. Low levels of vibration typically result from the process of tooth meshing and/or as a result of their high tensile modulus properties. Vibration resulting from tooth meshing is a normal characteristic of synchronous belt drives, and cannot be completely eliminated. It can be minimized by avoiding small sprocket diameters, and instead choosing moderate sizes. The dimensional accuracy of the sprockets also influences tooth meshing quality. Additionally, the installation tension has an impact on meshing quality.

PowerGrip® GT®2 drives mesh very cleanly, resulting in the smoothest possible operation. Vibration resulting from high tensile modulus can be a function of sprocket quality. Radial run out causes belt tension variation with each sprocket revolution. V-belt sheaves are also manufactured with some radial run out, but V-belts have a lower tensile modulus resulting in less belt tension variation. The high tensile modulus found in synchronous belts is necessary to maintain proper pitch under load.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Search This Blog