As an Original Equipment Manufacturer, choosing the right parts and components for all aspects of new equipment designs is a critical factor. For example, even something as simple as a timing belt can be the difference between equipment with a long-life cycle and equipment, machines or systems which need to have frequent repairs.
To address the long-life cycle issue, many OEMs choose to use a urethane belt. Highly effective as a timing belt material, urethane offers strength, flexibility, light-weight as well as options for colors, tooth profiles, and belt types. It is also a material resistant to corrosion, an essential consideration in many types of equipment and machines.
Flexibility
With the choice of a urethane belt, the belt continues to remain flexible in all working conditions. This is not the same with all types of timing belts as some materials will become hard and brittle in extremely cold temperatures or very soft and elongated in hot operating temperatures.
In these types of conditions, or when there is a change of both cold and hot conditions, the choice of urethane eliminates the concern. This also helps to eliminate belt cracking.
Return to Original Size
The flexibility and the durability of urethane also offers an important benefit when the belt is slightly stretched during use. This can happen in many applications, resulting in elongated belts with a slippage problem.
By choosing a urethane belt, the belt can accommodate a moderate amount of stretch and then return to the original size.
Abrasion
In equipment, it is not uncommon for a belt to occasionally rub against another component in the system. The choice of urethane is also ideal for this type of issues as the edges of the belt are resistant to abrasion through occasionally rubbing or contact with other parts and components.