As a belts supplier, Yorkshire’s YB Components can attest to the popularity of the belt drive for power transmission applications. Alongside the likes of gears, chain drives and shaft couplings, belt drives are highly efficient mechanical drives that can accommodate high-power demands while remaining extremely safe.
Belt drives are also relatively easy to maintain, though there are some dangers that need to be looked out for. Here we describe these belt drive dangers so you can keep your belt drive performing to its maximum.
Dirt and Debris in the Belt Drive
Dirt and debris in the belt drive will hasten wear and tear, while the build-up of dirt in the groove of a v-belt groove will act as insulation and cause the drive to overheat. Allowing dirt to get into your belt drive can also hinder the traction, while debris in grooves and sprockets or on the belt itself can amplify vibration and lead to broken belts.
To avoid calling your belts supplier in Yorkshire too often, make sure to inspect the guards regularly and keep them free of dirt, debris and any grime that‘s building up. Keep the drives properly guarded with high quality guards as they will make maintenance much easier while protecting the drive from larger bits of debris.
Excessive Vibration During Operation
Allowing excessive vibration to continue will wear out your belt drive much faster than it should. Try to minimise any vibration you see, which will likely be caused by low tension or a damaged tensile member.
One potential solution to excessive vibration in your belt drive is the addition of a kiss idler on the back side. In extreme cases, the idler can be fitted in the vibrating span to reduce the vibration.
Also never allow your belts to vibrate laterally. Known as snaking, this type of vibration will quickly lead to a broken down belt drive and a call to your belts supplier in Yorkshire.
Overheating Belt Drive
Running your belt drive at higher temperatures than the belt is designed for will decrease the belt’s service life through the process of heat aging. If your belts must be operated in temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Celsius, consider using a special heat-resistant belt to avoid heat aging your belts to an early failure.
Leaking Oil and Grease
Oil leaks and excess grease are another belt drive danger to keep an eye out for. Regularly check the bearings for any leaks or excess oil before it has a chance to drip or splash onto the belts.
Obviously replace any leaky bearings, although there are also oil-resistant belts which can be used in situations where oil leakage cannot be avoided.
If you require any parts for belt drives such as v-belts and bearings, then contact YB Components who are the UK’s leading belts supplier in Yorkshire. We keep local stocks of all such parts and more ready to ship out fast and free all over the UK and the rest of the world.