When designing a belt drive system, the first step is to choose the most suitable belt for the application. But the pulleys also play an important role in the performance of the belt — especially in synchronous belt drive systems, where proper meshing of the belt teeth with the pulley grooves can affect everything from […]
Synchronous belt materials: What’s the difference between urethane and neoprene?
Synchronous belts for linear motion applications — such as general transport conveyors or high-speed gantry positioning — are available in a wide range of materials suitable for virtually any application. The most common synchronous belt materials are neoprene and polyurethane, but specialty materials and backing surfaces are also available to address requirements such as temperature extremes, […]
Electric actuators help reconfigure rooms in futuristic flexible residential construction
Traditional residential construction is fraught with inherent inefficiencies. Bedrooms are infrequently used during the day, while living rooms are unoccupied overnight. At a time when real-estate prices are climbing (especially in urban areas) the desire for single-purpose rooms inflates prices. Plus energy consumption is rising in many parts of the world … so the need […]
What’s the best timing belt tooth profile for high-speed applications?
Synchronous belts (also referred to as timing belts) are used in a wide range of power transmission and transport applications that require good positioning accuracy. Tensile cords molded into the belt material help eliminate or minimize belt stretch, and positive engagement between the teeth of the belt and the pulley make synchronous belts less likely […]
What causes synchronous belt noise and how can it be reduced?
Synchronous belts are common in motion systems, providing smoother operation and better high-speed performance than chains and lacking the problems of slipping and stretching that can plague V-belts in precision applications. But one downfall of synchronous, or toothed, belts is the noise they produce. Although quieter than a chain drive, a synchronous belt can still generate noise […]
Festo electric actuators simplify setup of linear motion axes
Festo now sells a Simplified Motion Series of electric drives that combines the simplicity of pneumatics with the benefits of electric automation. These new electric drives equipped with Digital I/O and IO-Link enable a range of operational and productivity benefits and deliver intelligent IIoT communication. The actuators in this series are built for simple motion […]
When to consider Kevlar reinforced belts for linear motion applications
Both types of belts commonly used in linear positioning applications — V-belts and synchronous designs — have internal tensile cords that serve as the primary load-carrying component. Or, as one engineer from Gates Mectrol put it, the tensile cords are the “muscle” of the belt. V-belts and synchronous belts are offered with tensile cords of various materials, including polyester, […]
PHD Inc. offers linear slides that are IP54 and even IP67 rated (for washdown)
PHD Inc. offers electric Series ESU linear slides that are IP54 rated with magnetic band sealing for rugged protection. These are electric-motor and belt-driven linear actuators with a robust enclosed design and high-capacity rail bearing system to deliver exceptional moment and load capability. Available in three sizes with travel lengths to 5,500 mm (with other […]
How to calculate motor drive torque for belt and pulley systems
Belt driven linear systems are common in applications that require long travel and high speed, such as gantry robots and material handling and transport. The motors of choice for these systems are often servo motors, for their ability to accurately control position, speed, and torque. Sizing and selecting the servo motor requires determining both the continuous […]
igus belt drive actuator lowers automation costs
New lubrication- and maintenance-free toothed belt drive actuators from igus can significantly reduce the costs of automation tasks such as pick-and-place, inspection, and assembly applications. High speeds, high load and precise positioning accuracy are not required in every application, such as format adjustment and vision system positioning. Many solutions in the market are oversize, however, […]
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