Belt Drive Design Problem

[Monochron]

Originally Posted by Travis Schuh

Why are you looking to switch from chain to belts? I caution against using belts in situations where you do not have active tensioning. Chain (even #25) is more forgiving for a design like this.

Can you explain why this is the case? As I understand it, belts are great if you have perfect C-C distance with no need for tensioning. Chain however, due to their slight stretching, does require tensioning.

[pfreivald]

1. We switched from chain to belts years ago, and are so glad we did. I would recommend that everybody do it!

2. If the wheel and the pulley are on the same hex shaft, the pulley shouldn't need to be attached to the wheel in any manner--the pulley turns the shaft, which turns the wheel.

[sdcantrell56]

Originally Posted by Monochron

Can you explain why this is the case? As I understand it, belts are great if you have perfect C-C distance with no need for tensioning. Chain however, due to their slight stretching, does require tensioning.

Due to belt tolerances, the only way to get perfect c-c distances would be to lay out and measure the actual belt and pullies. This solves it for that particular belt but what happens when you have to replace it? Last time I checked the belt tolerance is +-.010 on the circumference so the chances of it being perfect with another belt are slim. With a means of tensioning the belt this problem disappears.