Metallic conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the design of any automated conveyor belt program. They become the driving push behind the motion of the belt, creating torque and swiftness. 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 metallic belt is only as good and specific as the pulleys. Most pulleys recommended by Ever-power are constructed with anodized aluminum (hard coat) with the right friction coefficient to drive the metallic belt. Stainless steel can also be used but it is pricey and heavy, although it might end up being indicated using applications where extra hardness is necessary. If your application requires a lighter pulley, the professionals at Ever-power can help you select the best material.
Selecting the right pulley size and construction can have a significant effect on the lifespan and performance of a conveyor belt. Ever-power engineers possess the knowledge and experience to assist you choose the appropriate pulley type, diameter, and composition to minimize 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 metal conveyor belts are typically made of stainless steel, pulleys can be created from a variety of materials, including light weight aluminum or a variety of plastic composites. According to the unique requirements of one’s body, the pulleys may also be fitted with customized timing attachments, relief stations, and more.
Independently Steerable Pulley
Ever-power has developed a forward thinking concept in toned belt tracking called the ISP (independently steerable pulley), which can be used in the following 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 additional complex belt paths
Steering smooth belts with an ISP is founded on the concept of changing tension romantic relationships over the width of the belt by adjusting the angle of the pulley relative to the belt.
Instead of moving the pulley shaft left/right or up/down by pillow prevent adjustment, the ISP fits a adjustable steering collar and sealed bearing assembly to the body of the pulley.
The steering collar is designed with the skewed or an offset bore. When rotated, the collar changes the angle of the pulley body, leading to controlled, bi-directional movement of the belt over the pulley face.
The ISP is exclusively available from Ever-power. It provides a simple approach to steering flat steel belts. Users may combine ISP steering with the original belt tracking designs of crowning, flanging, and timing components to make a synergistic belt tracking system which effectively and specifically 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 designs minimize downtime when changing belts on creation machinery.
· ISP system is easy to use and needs no special tools or schooling.
· ISP simplifies the design and assembly of conveyor systems using smooth belts.
· Existing idler pulleys may normally become retrofitted to an ISP without major system modifications.
· No maintenance is required once the belt monitoring parameters have already been established.
· It prolongs belt life by minimizing aspect 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 is used to prevent the shaft from turning.
The Rotated Shaft Approach to ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Is used in combination with systems having a single pulley on the shaft.
· Is ALWAYS used when the pulley body is usually a capped tube style.
· Is NEVER used when multiple pulleys are on a common shaft.
· Utilized selectively when the ISP is a steering roll in a multiple pulley program.
Protected 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, avoid the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will at this point rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This technique allows the belt to become tracked while running under tension.
Protected the ISP to the shaft using the split collar and locking screw included in the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a device. When the required tracking features are obtained, prevent the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will today rotate about the bearing built into the ISP assembly. This technique enables the belt to end up being tracked while running under tension.
The Rotated Collar Approach to ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually modify each belt/pulley combination whenever there are multiple pulleys on a common shaft.
· Used when systems possess a cantilevered shafting typical of serpentine and various other complex belt route systems. It is recommended that these changes be made only when 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 required belt tracking characteristics are attained, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Correct for You?
There are several applications for this new product, therefore Ever-power designs and manufactures independently steerable pulleys to meet your requirements. Contact Ever-power to go over your questions or for style assistance.
Ever-power is the worldwide head in the design and manufacturing of application-specific pulleys, metallic belts, and drive tapes. Our products provide exclusive benefits for machinery found 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 definitely specified for a monitoring precision of 0.030″ (0.762 mm) or greater.
· Teflon® flanges are attached to the pulley body to determine a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP can be used 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 usually 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 minimize side-loading of the belt perforations. Tracking accuracy is between 0.008″ (0.203 mm) and 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for steel belt systems.
OR
· The ISP can be 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 utilized to minimize side loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking accuracy is 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Take note: Although it is generally not recommended to possess timing elements in both drive and driven pulleys, this design can be utilized selectively on metal belt systems with long middle distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the surface of the pulley constantly changes the tracking characteristic of the belt.