Steel conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the look of any automated conveyor belt system. They act as the driving drive behind the motion of the belt, making torque and velocity. In very general terms it can be stated that pulleys are categorized as friction drive or timing pulleys (type I and II). Precision may be the name of the game when it comes to pulleys. A metallic belt is only as good and specific as the pulleys. Most pulleys suggested by Ever-power are constructed with anodized aluminum (hard coat) with the right friction coefficient to operate a vehicle the metallic belt. Stainless steel may also be used nonetheless it is pricey and heavy, though it might become indicated in certain applications where extra hardness is essential. If your application requires a lighter pulley, the specialists at Ever-power can help you choose the best material.
Selecting the right pulley size and construction can have a substantial effect on the lifespan and effectiveness of a conveyor belt. Ever-power engineers have the data and experience to assist you choose the right 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 steel conveyor belts are usually made of stainless steel, pulleys can be created from a variety of materials, including aluminum or a number of plastic composites. Based on the unique requirements of your system, 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 utilized in the following system designs:
· Two pulley conveyor systems where the ISP is the idler or driven pulley
· Systems with multiple idler pulleys on a common shaft
· Systems with serpentine or other complex belt paths
Steering flat belts with an ISP is based on the idea of changing tension romantic relationships across the width of the belt by adjusting the angle of the pulley in accordance with the belt.
Instead of moving the pulley shaft left/right or up/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 is designed with either a skewed or an offset bore. When rotated, the collar changes the position of the pulley body, resulting in controlled, bi-directional movement of the belt across 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 monitoring system which efficiently and precisely steers the belt to specific tracking parameters.
Unique Characteristics and Advantages of the ISP
· Toned belts are tracked quickly by rotating the steering collar.
· ISP styles minimize downtime when replacing belts on creation machinery.
· ISP system is simple to use and requires simply no special tools or schooling.
· ISP simplifies the design and assembly of conveyor systems using flat belts.
· Existing idler pulleys may normally be retrofitted to an ISP without main system modifications.
· No maintenance is necessary once the belt tracking parameters have 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 is utilized to avoid the shaft from turning.
The Rotated Shaft Method of ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Is used in combination with systems having a single pulley on the shaft.
· Is ALWAYS utilized when the pulley body is usually a capped tube style.
· Is NEVER used when multiple pulleys are on a common shaft.
· Used selectively when the ISP is usually a steering roll in a multiple pulley system.
Secure the ISP to the shaft using the split training collar and locking screw included in the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a unit. When the desired tracking characteristics are obtained, avoid the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will now rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This method enables the belt to be tracked while running under tension.
Protected the ISP to the shaft using the split training collar and locking screw included in the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a unit. When the desired tracking characteristics are obtained, prevent the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will now rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This method allows the belt to become tracked while working under tension.
The Rotated Collar Approach to ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually change each belt/pulley combination when there are multiple pulleys on a common shaft.
· Used when systems possess a cantilevered shafting typical of serpentine and additional complex belt path systems. It is suggested that these modifications be made only when the belt is at 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 obtained, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Right for You?
There are several applications for this new product, so 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 may be the worldwide innovator in the look and manufacturing of application-specific pulleys, steel belts, and drive tapes. Our products provide unique benefits for machinery used in precision positioning, timing, conveying, and automated manufacturing applications.
System Configuration
Number 1 1 – The drive pulley is a friction drive pulley.
· The ISP is a friction-driven pulley. This configuration is usually specified for a tracking 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 advantage of the belt against the flange with reduced side-loading to the belt.
System Configuration
Number 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 set up a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP can be used to minimize side-loading of the belt perforations. Tracking precision is between 0.008″ (0.203 mm) and 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metallic belt systems.
OR
· The ISP is certainly a timing pulley. The teeth of the ISP and the perforations of the belt are utilized for precise monitoring control of the belt with the steering feature of the ISP used to minimize aspect loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking precision is definitely 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Notice: Although it is generally not recommended to have timing elements in both the drive and driven pulleys, this design can be used selectively on steel belt systems with long center distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the surface of the pulley constantly changes the tracking characteristic of the belt.