Metal conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the design of any automated conveyor belt program. They act as the driving force behind the movement of the belt, making torque and rate. 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 overall game when it comes to pulleys. A steel belt is only as good and exact as the pulleys. Most pulleys recommended by Ever-power are made of anodized aluminum (hard coating) 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 be indicated in certain applications where extra hardness is essential. If your application takes a lighter pulley, the professionals at Ever-power can help you choose the best material.
Selecting the right pulley size and construction can have a significant influence on the lifespan and performance 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 maximize product volume.
Metallic Conveyor Belt Pulley Types
Ever-power designs custom metal conveyor belt pulleys and configurations to bring maximum efficiency to your system. While steel conveyor belts are typically made of stainless steel, pulleys can be produced from a variety of materials, including aluminium or a variety of plastic composites. With respect to the unique needs of one’s body, the pulleys may also be installed with custom timing attachments, relief stations, and more.
Independently Steerable Pulley
Ever-power has developed a forward thinking concept in smooth belt tracking called the ISP (independently steerable pulley), which can be utilized in the next system designs:
· Two pulley conveyor systems in which 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 toned belts with an ISP is founded on the idea of changing tension relationships across the width of the belt by adjusting the angle of the pulley relative to the belt.
Rather than moving the pulley shaft still left/right or up/straight down by pillow block adjustment, the ISP fits a variable steering collar and sealed bearing assembly to your body of the pulley.
The steering collar was created with either a 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 across the pulley face.
The ISP is exclusively available from Ever-power. It provides a simple method of steering flat metallic belts. Users may combine ISP steering with the original belt tracking designs of crowning, flanging, and timing elements to create a synergistic belt tracking system which effectively and precisely 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 simple to use and needs simply no special tools or schooling.
· ISP simplifies the look and assembly of conveyor systems using smooth belts.
· Existing idler pulleys may normally be retrofitted to an ISP without major system modifications.
· No maintenance is required once the belt monitoring parameters have already been established.
· It prolongs belt lifestyle by minimizing part 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 avoid 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 utilized when the pulley body can be a capped tube style.
· Is NEVER used when multiple pulleys are on a common shaft.
· Utilized selectively when the ISP is certainly a steering roll in a multiple pulley program.
Secure the ISP to the shaft using the split training collar and locking screw built into the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a unit. When the required tracking characteristics are obtained, avoid the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will right now rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This method enables the belt to end up being tracked while operating under tension.
Secure the ISP to the shaft using the split training collar and locking screw built into the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a device. When the desired tracking characteristics are obtained, prevent the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will right now rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This technique allows the belt to be tracked while running under tension.
The Rotated Collar Approach to ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually modify each belt/pulley combination when there are multiple pulleys on a common shaft.
· Used when systems possess a cantilevered shafting typical of serpentine and other complex belt path systems. It is recommended that these adjustments be made only once 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 Correct for You?
There are various applications because of this new product, so Ever-power designs and manufactures independently steerable pulleys to meet your requirements. Contact Ever-power to go over your queries or for design assistance.
Ever-power is the worldwide head in the design and production of application-specific pulleys, metallic belts, and drive tapes. Our products provide unique 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 certainly a friction-driven pulley. This configuration is certainly specified for a tracking accuracy of 0.030″ (0.762 mm) or greater.
· Teflon® flanges are mounted on the pulley body to establish a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is utilized to set one advantage of the belt against the flange with minimal side-loading to the belt.
System Configuration
Number 2 2 – The drive pulley is a timing pulley.
· The ISP is definitely a friction driven pulley. The teeth of the drive pulley and the perforations of the belt establish a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is used to reduce 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 tracking control of the belt with the steering feature of the ISP used to minimize part loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking accuracy is usually 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Notice: Although it is generally not recommended to possess timing elements in both drive and driven pulleys, this design can be used selectively on metallic belt systems with lengthy center distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the top of pulley constantly changes the tracking feature of the belt.