Tuesday, October 22, 2013

What Is a Friction Drive Belt

What Is a Friction Drive Belt?

Friction drive belts, also known as V-belts, are used in a variety of automotive, agricultural and industrial machines that use pulley systems.

Function

    Friction drive belts are used in mechanical systems that utilize pulleys to do their jobs. The friction drive belts, which are also known as V-belts because of their trapezoidal shape, are attached to a set of pulleys, and the friction of the belts against the pulley surfaces causes them to move, much like a gear or a chain system.

Significance

    The unique V-shape of the friction drive belts is what increases their efficiency. The area where the belts make contact with the pulley surfaces are wider, allowing them to achieve more grip and better transmission of power. The tops of the belts are compressed more tightly to produce a more solid, durable "spine" that increases the overall strength of the belts.

Considerations

    Friction drive belts transmit power purely through friction between the belts and the pulleys. Because of this, you should never make the mistake of lubricating them as you would a normal gear or chain system. Lubricating a friction drive belt system will only make the belts slippery, which will cause them to lose their grip and their efficiency.

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