Metallic conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the look of any automated conveyor belt system. They become the driving drive behind the movement of the belt, producing torque and speed. In very general terms 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 as good and specific as the pulleys. The majority of pulleys recommended by Ever-power are made of anodized aluminum (hard layer) with the proper friction coefficient to drive the metal belt. Stainless steel may also be used but it is expensive and heavy, though it might be indicated using applications where extra hardness is necessary. If your application requires a lighter pulley, the experts 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 knowledge and experience to help 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 metal conveyor belt pulleys and configurations to bring optimum efficiency to your system. While metallic conveyor belts are usually made of stainless steel, pulleys can be produced from a variety of materials, including light weight aluminum or a variety of plastic composites. According to the unique requirements of your system, the pulleys can also be installed with custom timing attachments, relief stations, and more.
Independently Steerable Pulley
Ever-power has developed an innovative concept in smooth 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 smooth belts with an ISP is based on the concept of changing tension relationships across the width of the belt simply 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 block adjustment, the ISP fits a adjustable steering collar and sealed bearing assembly to the body of the pulley.
The steering collar was created with the 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 over the pulley face.
The ISP is exclusively available from Ever-power. It offers a simple approach to steering flat metal belts. Users may combine ISP steering with the traditional belt tracking designs of crowning, flanging, and timing elements to create a synergistic belt monitoring system which efficiently and precisely steers the belt to specific tracking parameters.
Unique Characteristics and Advantages of the ISP
· Flat belts are tracked quickly by rotating the steering collar.
· ISP designs minimize downtime when replacing belts on production machinery.
· ISP system is easy to use and needs no special tools or schooling.
· ISP simplifies the look and assembly of conveyor systems using flat belts.
· Existing idler pulleys can normally become retrofitted to an ISP without major system modifications.
· No maintenance is required once the belt tracking parameters have already been established.
· It prolongs belt life by minimizing side loading when working with flanges and timing pulleys.
ISP Pulley (picture and cross-section view)
Installation and Use
The ISP is mounted to the machine frame using commercially available pillow blocks. A clamp is utilized to avoid the shaft from turning.
The Rotated Shaft Approach to ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Is used with systems having an individual pulley on the shaft.
· Is ALWAYS used when the pulley body is certainly a capped tube design.
· Is NEVER used when multiple pulleys are on a common shaft.
· Used selectively when the ISP is a steering roll in a multiple pulley system.
Secure the ISP to the shaft using the split collar and locking screw included in 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 built into the ISP assembly. This method enables the belt to end up being tracked while working under tension.
Secure 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 now rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This technique allows the belt to become tracked while operating 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 recommended that these modifications 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 required belt tracking characteristics are attained, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Correct for You?
There are various applications for this new product, therefore Ever-power designs and manufactures independently steerable pulleys to meet your requirements. Contact Ever-power to discuss your queries or for style assistance.
Ever-power may be the worldwide innovator in the design and manufacturing of application-specific pulleys, metallic belts, and drive tapes. Our products provide exclusive benefits for machinery used 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 definitely a friction-driven pulley. This configuration is usually specified for a tracking precision of 0.030″ (0.762 mm) or greater.
· Teflon® flanges are mounted on the pulley body to determine a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is utilized 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 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 minimize side-loading of the belt perforations. Tracking accuracy is between 0.008″ (0.203 mm) and 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metallic belt systems.
OR
· The ISP is a timing pulley. The teeth of the ISP and the perforations of the belt are used for precise tracking control of the belt with the steering feature of the ISP used to minimize aspect loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking accuracy is definitely 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Take note: Although it is generally not recommended to have timing elements in both the drive and driven pulleys, this style can be utilized selectively on steel belt systems with lengthy middle distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the top of pulley constantly changes the tracking feature of the belt.