Commonly, belts can be categorized into a few general types. V-belts and film belts have many characteristics and applications in addition to flat belts and timing belts. V-belts are the most common power transmission, providing the best combination of traction, operating speed, bearing load, and service life. The pulley has a V-shaped groove that runs in a pulley with a trapezoidal cross section. As they wedge in the groove of the pulley, they transmit more torque at a smaller width and tension than flat ones.
V-belts transmit higher torque at a smaller width and tension due to their wedging action in the groove of the pulley. They are typically infinite. Because of their greater thickness, they require bigger pulleys than flat belts. The flat belt is significantly superior in terms of reduction ratios and small center distances compared to it.
As mentioned above, V-belts are further divided into many types, including open-ended correas trapeciales, V-ribbed V-belts, variable speed V-belts, cogged V-belts, and double-sided V-belts. These first ones are constructed the same as traditional ones, but they don’t require metal fasteners because they are open-ended. The drive is expensive, has a limited load capacity, and has a limited lifespan. In addition, they are useful for applications where access to a drive belt is obstructed.
A second type of product is a correas trapeciales that is combined with multiple V-belts in order to achieve different speeds, strengths and transmission capabilities. This type of belt is suitable for multi-sheave drives.
The third type has a wider speed range and is more resistant to twisting as it transitions from one speed to another. In variable-speed drives, it is recommended for controlling the speed to achieve a particular outcome.
Trapezoidal shapes are associated with the fourth type. There are two types of cogged V-belts: conventional and narrow. The first is suitable for high-tension drives, while the latter is suitable for all drives.
Five types are characterized by hexagonal cross-sections. The name of this type describes the fact that it has two Vs, one on each side. Because of its special shape, it can be applied to serpentine reverse bend drives where a transmission may need to drive in reverse to generate power.