Belt drive systems are reliable, require low maintenance and are clean running. It is normal, however, for belts to generate small quantities of dust and particulates during operation. Rubber V-belts, Micro-V, Polyflex JB, rubber synchronous, TruMotion, Poly Chain, etc. belts all have individual and unique dusting characteristics, so “normal” behaviors will vary.
The quantity of dust generated from all belt drives is influenced by many factors including belt type, sheave and sprocket surface finish, drive alignment, belt installation tension or slippage, whether belts are new or used, and others. And not surprisingly, smaller drives tend to generate less dust than larger drives.
New belt drives generate the most dust during the first 24 to 48 hours of operation, and then dusting should taper off significantly. If dusting seems unusually heavy or continues after the initial run in period, this is abnormal and users should look more closely for possible causes.
The quantity of dust generated from all belt drives is influenced by many factors including belt type, sheave and sprocket surface finish, drive alignment, belt installation tension or slippage, whether belts are new or used, and others. And not surprisingly, smaller drives tend to generate less dust than larger drives.
New belt drives generate the most dust during the first 24 to 48 hours of operation, and then dusting should taper off significantly. If dusting seems unusually heavy or continues after the initial run in period, this is abnormal and users should look more closely for possible causes.
For small synchronous belt applications that are sensitive to dusting, the Gates TruMotion construction is available on a made-to-order basis. TruMotion belts utilize materials and treatments that minimize dusting, so are well suited for clean operations.