A/B Multi-Duty® Sheave Use

Individual V-belts do not require exact groove spacing to properly operate. Therefore, both A and B-section single V-belts can be used with Gates Multi-Duty combination sheaves.

However, PowerBand® joined V-belts require very specific groove spacing for proper fit and operation. Gates Multi-Duty® combination sheaves use B-section groove spacing, making only B-section PowerBand V-belts compatible.

Sheaves that may be used with A-section PowerBand V-belts are available through Gates Made-to-Order Metals (www.gates.com/mtometals/).

www.Gates.com Shortcuts

If you have been on our website recently, you may know that it has changed pretty significantly.  What you may not know is that many of our shortcuts still work.  Here are a couple of direct links that may help you navigate the website faster:

Engineering

www.gates.com/drivedesign

Design Flex

www.gates.com/designflex

Design IQ

www.gates.com/designiq

PartView

www.gates.com/partview

Distributor Locator

http://www.gates.com/where-to-buy

EZ Align Green Laser Alignment Tool

The Gates EZ Align laser alignment tool is the best available in the industry for measuring belt drive alignment.  EZ Align shows misalignment in three planes, and the unique reflective technology multiplies angular shaft misalignment for much more accurate measurement.  It is fast and easy for one person to use and is very durable for use in industrial environments.

The original EZ Align laser tool utilized a high quality red laser, but it is now available with a more powerful green laser.  The green color improves visibility for outdoor use in sunlight, as it is 10 times brighter than the original red laser.  The range has been extended from approximately 6 feet for the red laser to 15 feet or better for the green laser.  The following figures illustrate the original EZ Align and EZ Align Green laser tools.

EZ Align Green Laser Alignment Tool

Original EZ Align Laser Alignment Tool

While the original EZ Align laser tool works well indoors, the visibility of EZ Align Green in sunlight is a dramatic improvement.  EZ Align Green is the laser alignment tool of choice for use in sunlight, even with a modest price increase.

For further information or assistance, feel free to contact us at ptpasupport@gates.com or at 303-744-5800.

Belt Characteristics

When designing a power transmission system, it is important to consider the environmental conditions the belt will be exposed to.  This includes, but is not limited to; ambient temperatures, oil exposure, and static conductivity requirements.  These factors are often overlooked and can result in an otherwise appropriately designed system performing inadequately, not meeting the required specifications, or failing.  Below is a list of Gates standard line belt characteristics.  This should be used as a reference whenever a new belt drive is designed or the drive environmental requirements are in question.

For any additional questions feel free to contact us at ptpasupport@gates.com or 303-744-5800.

Fluid Power: Don't Mix and Match!

A 3,000 psi coupling on a 3,000 psi hose does not always equal a 3,000 psi assembly. One of the most important and often times overlooked factors in hydraulic hose assembly performance is the hose/coupling interface. You can’t just design a hose, you can’t just design an coupling. You must design a system. Unless you have a hose and coupling specifacally designed for each other, you may end up with a hose assembly with a lower pressure rating, reduced life, or even worse, a catastrophic failure. Hose outside diameter and crimp outside diameter are only two of the variables affecting assembly performance. As variation or tolerances increase even slightly for each component a significant reduction in hose assembly life is guaranteed and the risk for catstrophic failiure increases. The next time you grab any hose and a coupling ask youself: Who is the manufacturer of these components? Have these components been designed together? Validated together? And if not, what are the risks that I am assuming? Am I willing to accept an assembly with a guarantee for reduced impluse life and performance? Am I willing to risk catastrophic failure?

Fluid Power: Use of Adapters Part II

Adapters can be used to make installation and orientation easier. Be aware, however, that adapters can also be a potential leak point. Adapters can be used in the following situations: A. To change to a different thread configuration, including international threads. B. As a rule of thumb, it is better to use a straight adapter and bent tube coupling than an angled adapter and straight hose end. Using a straight adapter and bent tube coupling promotes laminar flow and reduces pressure drop compared to an angled adapter/straight hose end. When using adapters, the preferred method is to install the adapter first, and then the hose assembly.