Metallic conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the look of any automated conveyor belt system. They act as the driving force behind the motion of the belt, creating torque and quickness. In very general terms it can be said that pulleys are categorized as friction drive or timing pulleys (type I and II). Precision is the name of the overall game with regards to pulleys. A metal belt is only as good and specific as the pulleys. Most pulleys recommended by Ever-power are made from anodized aluminum (hard coat) with the proper friction coefficient to drive the metal belt. Stainless steel can also be used but it is expensive and heavy, though it might end up being indicated in certain applications where extra hardness is essential. If your application takes a lighter pulley, the experts at Ever-power can help you select the best material.
Selecting the right pulley size and configuration can have a substantial influence on the lifespan and efficiency of a conveyor belt. Ever-power engineers possess the knowledge and experience to help you choose the appropriate pulley type, diameter, and composition to minimize maintenance downtime and maximize product volume.
Metal Conveyor Belt Pulley Types
Ever-power designs custom steel conveyor belt pulleys and configurations to bring maximum efficiency to one’s body. While metallic conveyor belts are typically made of stainless steel, pulleys can be created from a variety of materials, including aluminium or a variety of plastic composites. According to the unique requirements of your system, the pulleys may also be fitted with custom timing attachments, relief channels, 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 used in the following 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 additional complex belt paths
Steering toned belts with an ISP is based on the concept of changing tension human relationships over the width of the belt by adjusting the position 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 adjustable steering collar and sealed bearing assembly to your body of the pulley.
The steering collar is designed with either a skewed or an offset bore. When rotated, the collar changes the angle 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 provides a simple method of steering flat metallic belts. Users may combine ISP steering with the traditional belt tracking designs of crowning, flanging, and timing elements to create a synergistic belt tracking system which efficiently and exactly steers the belt to specified tracking parameters.
Unique Characteristics and Benefits of the ISP
· Smooth 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 requires no special tools or teaching.
· ISP simplifies the design and assembly of conveyor systems using flat belts.
· Existing idler pulleys may normally end up being retrofitted to an ISP without main system modifications.
· No maintenance is necessary once the belt monitoring parameters have been established.
· It prolongs belt lifestyle by minimizing part loading when working with 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 prevent the shaft from turning.
The Rotated Shaft Method of ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Is used with systems having a single pulley on the shaft.
· Is ALWAYS used when the pulley body is certainly a capped tube design.
· Is NEVER utilized when multiple pulleys are on a common shaft.
· Utilized selectively when the ISP can be a steering roll in a multiple pulley program.
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 characteristics are obtained, prevent the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will today rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This technique enables the belt to be tracked while running under tension.
Protected 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 desired tracking features are obtained, prevent the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will now rotate about the bearing built into the ISP assembly. This technique allows the belt to be tracked while operating under tension.
The Rotated Collar Method of ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually modify each belt/pulley combination when there are multiple pulleys on a common shaft.
· Utilized when systems have a cantilevered shafting typical of serpentine and various other complex belt route systems. It is suggested that these modifications be made only once 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 desired belt tracking features are attained, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Correct 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 is the worldwide innovator in the design and manufacturing of application-specific pulleys, steel belts, and drive tapes. Our products provide exclusive benefits for machinery found in precision positioning, timing, conveying, and automated manufacturing applications.
System Configuration
#1 1 – The drive pulley is a friction drive pulley.
· The ISP can be a friction-driven pulley. This configuration is specified for a monitoring accuracy of 0.030″ (0.762 mm) or greater.
· Teflon® flanges are attached to the pulley body to establish a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is used to set one edge 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 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 utilized to reduce 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 certainly 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 utilized to minimize aspect loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking precision can be 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Take note: Although it is normally not recommended to have timing elements in both drive and driven pulleys, this design can be used selectively on metallic belt systems with lengthy middle distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the top of pulley continually changes the tracking characteristic of the belt.