V-belts are the oldest, most commonly used power transmission belt style in the industry, and therefore, are often referred to as “classicals.” Whereas, High Performance V-Belt, also known as timing belts, positive-drive belts or high-torque drive belts, were later designed to incorporate a notched or toothed function that requires the installation of a sprocket.

　　High Performance V-Belts offer various advantages that you can’t get from a standard V-belt. To determine whether or not a High Performance V-Belt could improve your belt drive system, consider the following top five benefits, weighing them against both your business’ power transmission capabilities and overall operational objectives.

　　Five Reasons To Upgrade Your V-Belt To A High Performance V-Belt

　　You could benefit from an upgrade to a High Performance V-Belt if you want to…

　　1. Eliminate Maintenance Hassles

　　V-belt performance hinges on frequent and precise tensioning. Business Group Director of Industrial Rubber Products,

　　For facilities with multiple belt drive systems, time spent maintaining perfect belt tension can add up. The High Performance V-Belt’s self-sufficient performance not only eliminates this hassle, but it also minimizes the potential for human error.

　　2. Increase Efficiency

　　Additionally, while a V-belt’s efficiency can deteriorate over time due to slippage, the High Performance V-Belt was engineered to run slip-free. Its notched design, paired with flanged sprockets as opposed to v-groove sheaves, guarantees it stays in-place and on-track.

　　3. Increase Energy Savings

　　On the same note, a more efficient performance equates to a greater conservation of energy. With thicker cross-section and a larger bend radius, V-belts require more energy than High Performance V-Belts to operate under the same load. While High Performance V-Belts rely on the grip of the sprocket to move them forward, the “wedged” nature of the V-belt within the sheave’s grooves creates a dependence on friction for functionality, generating more heat.

　　Although V-belts are often selected for their inexpensive, face-value cost, they can end up costing your business more overall when you factor in operational costs.

　　4. Accommodate For Space Constraints

　　Another factor to take into the consideration of a power transmission belt upgrade is the spatial capacity of your facility.

　　Many assume that because V-belts are more narrow than High Performance V-Belts, they take up less space in your power transmission systems. While this holds true for lighter load applications, belt drives with heavier loads demand additional support.

　　Additionally, the cogs in the High Performance V-Belt allow it to wrap around a smaller diameter pulley, which allows for further flexibility in systems with space constraints.

　　5. Switch To A Higher Horsepower Application

　　Finally, upgrading to a High Performance V-Belt, is also recommended when switching to an application with higher horsepower.

　　With every added unit of horsepower, the friction-dependant function of the V-belt further limits its load capacity and heightens its susceptibility to wear. If the increase in torque is not accommodated for with a multi-belt system, as mentioned, there’ll be a sharp decrease in performance, due to slippage, as soon as that capacity is reached.

　　High strength V-Belt, however, maintain their high-efficiency performance over a wide range of loads. Engineered for higher horsepower ratings, with advanced polymer compounds to withstand wear, high torque levels are no match for the tooth-in-sprocket combo.

　　High Performance V-Belt vs Chain ━ An Upgrade Could Also Improve Your Chain Drive

　　Our staff’s wealth of product knowledge, together with our vast network of partnership means you can trust you’re always getting the best product solution in the business for your application.