Engineering a notched belt can be a balancing act between versatility, tensile cord support, and tension distribution. Precisely formed and spaced notches help to evenly distribute stress forces as the belt bends, thereby assisting to prevent undercord cracking and extending belt life.

Like their synchronous belt cousins, V-belts have undergone tremendous technological development since their invention by John Gates in 1917. New V Belt synthetic rubber substances, cover materials, construction methods, tensile cord advancements, and cross-section profiles have led to an often confusing array of V-belts that are highly application particular and deliver vastly different levels of performance.
Unlike toned belts, which rely solely on friction and may track and slip off pulleys, V-belts have sidewalls that match corresponding sheave grooves, providing additional surface area and greater balance. As belts operate, belt stress applies a wedging force perpendicular to their tops, pushing their sidewalls against the sides of the sheave grooves, which multiplies frictional forces that permit the drive to transmit higher loads. How a V-belt fits in to the groove of the sheave while working under pressure impacts its performance.
V-belts are made from rubber or synthetic rubber stocks, so they have the flexibility to bend around the sheaves in drive systems. Fabric materials of various types may cover the stock material to provide a layer of protection and reinforcement.
V-belts are manufactured in a variety of industry regular cross-sections, or profiles
The classical V-belt profile dates back to industry standards developed in the 1930s. Belts produced with this profile can be found in many sizes (A, B, C, D, Electronic) and lengths, and are widely used to displace V-belts in old, existing applications.
They are accustomed to replace belts on commercial machinery manufactured in other parts of the world.
All of the V-belt types noted over are usually available from manufacturers in “notched” or “cogged” variations. Notches reduce bending tension, allowing the belt to wrap easier around little diameter pulleys and enabling better temperature dissipation. Excessive temperature is a significant contributor to premature belt failure.

Wrapped belts have a higher level of resistance to oils and extreme temperatures. They can be utilized as friction clutches during set up.
Raw edge type v-belts are more efficient, generate less heat, enable smaller pulley diameters, increase power ratings, and offer longer life.
V-belts look like relatively benign and simple devices. Just measure the top width and circumference, discover another belt with the same sizes, and slap it on the drive. There’s only 1 problem: that strategy is about as wrong as possible get.