Metallic conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the design of any automated conveyor belt system. They become the driving push behind the movement of the belt, generating torque and quickness. In very general conditions it can be stated that pulleys are categorized as friction drive or timing pulleys (type I and II). Precision is the name of the game when it comes to pulleys. A steel belt is as good and precise as the pulleys. Most pulleys recommended by Ever-power are constructed with anodized aluminum (hard coat) with the right friction coefficient to operate a vehicle the metal belt. Stainless steel can also be used nonetheless it is expensive and heavy, though it might become indicated using applications where extra hardness is essential. If your application requires a lighter pulley, the experts at Ever-power can help you select the best material.
Selecting the correct pulley size and configuration can have a substantial influence on the lifespan and performance of a conveyor belt. Ever-power engineers possess the knowledge and experience to help you choose the correct pulley type, diameter, and composition to reduce maintenance downtime and increase product volume.
Metallic Conveyor Belt Pulley Types
Ever-power designs custom steel conveyor belt pulleys and configurations to bring maximum efficiency to one’s body. While steel conveyor belts are typically made of stainless steel, pulleys can be created from a variety of materials, including aluminum or a number of plastic composites. Depending on the unique needs of one’s body, the pulleys can also be installed with custom timing attachments, relief channels, and more.
Independently Steerable Pulley
Ever-power has developed a forward thinking concept in smooth belt tracking called the ISP (independently steerable pulley), which can be utilized in the next system designs:
· Two pulley conveyor systems where the ISP may be the idler or driven pulley
· Systems with multiple idler pulleys on a common shaft
· Systems with serpentine or other complex belt paths
Steering toned belts with an ISP is based on the concept of changing tension romantic relationships across the width of the belt simply by adjusting the position of the pulley relative to the belt.
Instead of moving the pulley shaft left/right or up/straight down by pillow prevent adjustment, the ISP fits a variable steering collar and sealed bearing assembly to the body of the pulley.
The steering collar was created with either a skewed or an offset bore. When rotated, the collar changes the angle of the pulley body, resulting in controlled, bi-directional movement of the belt over the pulley face.
The ISP is exclusively available from Ever-power. It offers a simple approach to steering flat steel belts. Users may combine ISP steering with the traditional belt tracking designs of crowning, flanging, and timing components to make a synergistic belt tracking system which effectively and exactly steers the belt to specific tracking parameters.
Unique Characteristics and Benefits of the ISP
· Flat belts are tracked quickly by rotating the steering collar.
· ISP styles minimize downtime when replacing belts on creation machinery.
· ISP system is easy to use and requires simply no special tools or schooling.
· ISP simplifies the design and assembly of conveyor systems using toned belts.
· Existing idler pulleys may normally be retrofitted to an ISP without major system modifications.
· No maintenance is necessary once the belt tracking parameters have already been established.
· It prolongs belt existence by minimizing side loading when using flanges and timing pulleys.
ISP Pulley (picture and cross-section view)
Installation and Use
The ISP is mounted to the system frame using commercially available pillow blocks. A clamp can be used to prevent the shaft from turning.
The Rotated Shaft Approach to ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Is used with systems having an individual pulley on the shaft.
· Is ALWAYS used when the pulley body can be a capped tube style.
· Is NEVER utilized when multiple pulleys are on a common shaft.
· Used selectively when the ISP is certainly a steering roll in a multiple pulley system.
Secure the ISP to the shaft using the split collar and locking screw built into the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a unit. When the required tracking features are obtained, prevent the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will right now rotate about the bearing built into the ISP assembly. This method enables the belt to end up being tracked while operating under tension.
Secure the ISP to the shaft using the split collar and locking screw built into the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a device. When the required tracking characteristics are obtained, prevent the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will now rotate about the bearing built into the ISP assembly. This technique allows the belt to end up being tracked while working under tension.
The Rotated Collar Method of ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually change each belt/pulley combination whenever there are multiple pulleys on a common shaft.
· Utilized when systems have a cantilevered shafting typical of serpentine and other complex belt path systems. It is suggested that these modifications be made only once the belt reaches rest.
Fix the shaft via the shaft clamp, loosen the locking screw of the steering collar, and rotate the steering collar about the shaft. When the desired belt tracking characteristics are attained, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Right for You?
There are many applications because of this new product, so Ever-power designs and manufactures independently steerable pulleys to suit your needs. Contact Ever-power to discuss your questions or for style assistance.
Ever-power may be the worldwide innovator in the look and production of application-specific pulleys, metal belts, and drive tapes. Our products provide exclusive benefits for machinery used in precision positioning, timing, conveying, and automated production applications.
System Configuration
Number 1 1 – The drive pulley is a friction drive pulley.
· The ISP is usually a friction-driven pulley. This configuration is specified for a tracking precision of 0.030″ (0.762 mm) or greater.
· Teflon® flanges are attached to the pulley body to establish a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is utilized to set one edge of the belt against the flange with reduced side-loading to the belt.
System Configuration
#2 2 – The drive pulley is a timing pulley.
· The ISP is definitely a friction driven pulley. One’s teeth of the drive pulley and the perforations of the belt establish a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is used to reduce side-loading of the belt perforations. Tracking precision is between 0.008″ (0.203 mm) and 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for steel belt systems.
OR
· The ISP is usually a timing pulley. One’s teeth of the ISP and the perforations of the belt are used for precise monitoring control of the belt with the steering feature of the ISP used to minimize part loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking precision is 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Take note: Although it is generally not recommended to have timing elements in both the drive and driven pulleys, this design can be used selectively on metal belt systems with lengthy center distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the top of pulley continuously changes the tracking feature of the belt.