New Configuration For Gates EZ Align Green®

Gates EZ Align™ laser alignment tools are the best available.  Aside from their exceptional durability and robustness, the reflected beam technology magnifies detected shaft angularity for much more accurate detection than other tools.  

While original EZ Align units used a red laser, an improved EZ Align Green model was introduced few years ago.  

Original EZ Align Green

EZ Align Green uses a powerful green laser that is 20X brighter than the standard red laser.  The increased power and green color make it readily visible in daylight and increase the range from about 6 feet to 15 feet or better.  

The original EZ Align Green units emitted the laser beam from the end of the transmitter as seen in the illustration at left.  This was a different configuration than standard EZ Align Red units.

Improvements in laser technology and size now allow the green laser beam to be emitted from the side of the transmitter, like the standard EZ Align Red units.  

New EZ Align Green Configuration

Now EZ Align Red and EZ Align Green units use identical configurations for convenience and easier use.

For further information, contact Gates Product Application Engineering at 303-744-5800 or at ptpasupport@gates.com.

Product Application Engineers on YouTube

Are you looking for an easy way to learn more about Gates belts and hoses?

Head over to www.YouTube.com/GatesPT/ for videos created by the Product Application Engineering team.

Once on the site, navigate to the Learn with the Gates Product Application Team and Lessons from Gates Professionals play lists to get quick access to the engineer's videos. Recent additions include topics such as:

• TaperLock Bushing Installation
• QD Bushing Installation
• Gates Super HC XP belts
• eCrimp
• Gates Mectrol – Specialty Belts

Feel free to contact us at ptpasupport@gates.com or +1.303.744.5800 if you have any additional questions.

2016 NHRA Season is Underway!

The 2016 NHRA Drag Racing season has begun and whether you are a fan or not, it is hard to not be in awe when watching two 10,000 horsepower cars racing down a 1,000 foot track.  These nitro-fed engines are some of the harshest applications imaginable and the professionals rely solely on our Poly Chain supercharger belts to power them to the winners circle.  The performance of our premium belting in these application is a testament to the technology and innovation Gates brings to all of our products.  From 10,000 horsepower Top Fuel Funny Cars and Dragsters to 1/4 horsepower precision timing application, Gates has the right product for the job.

Gates is a proud sponsor of the John Force Racing team and wishes them the best of luck in their 2016 campaigns.  CLICK HERE to hear about the quality of Gates products directly from the John Force Racing team.

Which Sprockets Have Flanges?

If you've read the blog post on flanged sprockets then you're aware that not all sprockets have flanges. Most applications only need flanges on one sprocket. For this reason larger sprockets don't have flanges. The table below shows the number of grooves in the largest standard sprocket with flanges. Any standard sprocket with more teeth will not have flanges.

Sprocket details may change without notification.

Easy Fixes For Obtaining Readings From Gates 508C Sonic Tension Meter

The new Gates 508C Sonic Tension Meter is an excellent tool, and is very easy to use.  Occasional user difficulties often result from some common issues.  Solutions to a couple of common issues follow.

If readings can’t be obtained, first check to see that the meter is set in the standard frequency mode.  Look for an “S” in the upper left hand corner of the screen.  If an "H" is displayed instead, the meter is set in the high frequency mode (500 hz to 5000 hz) and normal belt span frequencies cannot be detected.  

Change the frequency mode by holding the “Range” key down (zero button) until the screen changes. Then toggle to select the “Standard” range with the “up” (8 button) and “down” (2 button) keys.  Press “Measure” afterward to return to the main screen and look for the “S” in the upper left hand corner of the screen.

When using the meter to measure belt tension in terms of lb., kg. or N, “Mass”, “Width” and “Span” constants need to be entered.  These constants are available in the tensioning section of drive design reports from our Design Flexibility software.  Correct constants are necessary to obtain correct belt tension readings.

Many users prefer the simplicity of span frequency, but don’t know whether the “Mass”, “Width” and “Span” constants need to be entered.  The constants do not effect belt span frequency measurements, but incorrect constants can result in a meter display overflow, or “Error Re-Measure” message. 

If the meter is to be used to measure belt span frequencies only, here’s a really handy trick.  Enter values of 1.0 for all three constants.  Now the meter will display zero tension, but press the “Hz” button for the frequency display mode.  Now the meter will display accurate belt span frequency values, not display belt tension, and not display an error message from incorrect constants.

Contact Product Application Engineering at 303-744-5800 or at ptpasupport@gates.com for further assistance with Gates Sonic Tension Meters. 

Selecting Batteries for the Sonic Tension Meter 508C

For optimum meter performance, use two disposable AAA alkaline batteries.

Gates’ 508C Sonic Tension Meter is designed to use two AAA alkaline batteries, rated for 1.5 volts each (3.0 volts combined).  When used with new alkaline batteries, the estimated continuous use time is 10 hours.  Using other battery types, such as lithium ion (Li-Ion) or nickel cadmium (NiCd), may reduce the meter run time. 

Rechargeable batteries are not recommended, as they reduce the run time in several ways.  They are generally rated for 1.2 volts, so they appear partially discharged to the meter even when fully charged. Also, the voltage will fall below the minimum requirements for the 508C before the batteries are fully discharged. In addition to the lower voltage rating, continuous charge and re-charge cycles can decrease the run time further.

Note:  The information in this blog post also applies to the older 507C model.

Sprocket and Sheave Balancing

Stock sprockets and sheaves are statically balanced per MPTA ( Mechanical Power Transmission Association) Standard Practice for Pulley Balancing SPB-86 using the weight based on the following two criteria:

1.  Balance limit (ounces) = Sprocket Weight (lb) x 0.016; or
2.  0.176 ounce (5 grams), whichever is greater

It is important to note that stock sprockets and sheaves should not be used on drives where the rim surface speeds exceed 6500 fpm.  Sprocket and sheave construction and materials will determine the dynamic balancing requirements of the sprocket(s) or sheave(s) where rim surface speeds exceed 6500 fpm.  

If rim speed exceeds 6500 fpm, then the sprocket(s) or sheave(s) will need to be quoted through our Made-to-Order Metals group. They can be contacted directly at makemymetal@gates.com or 800-709-6001 however any quotes will need to be made through your local Gates industrial belt distributor.  

For any additional questions feel free to look through our other blog topics or contact us at ptpasupport@gates.com or 303-744-5800.