A machine with two shafts definitely needs to transmit power from one shaft to the other. In other to carry out this task seamlessly, the use of power transmission devices such as chains, gears, and belts, in particular, are adopted. Of all mentioned means, one is highly flexible, seamless, effective, and also an efficient power transmission device, which is popularly known as High Performance V-Belt.

What is High Performance V-Belt?

“High Performance V-Belts” as it sounds, was coined from the letter V looks of this particular belt. We can also say its name is gotten from its trapezoidal shape. The High Performance V-Belt helps to transmit force out from the engine straight to the ancillary elements, which also includes the alternator. The primary source of the seamless task done by the High Performance V-Belt comes from the rotation of the crankshaft, which helps to drive one or two units of an engine.

This belt is conventional in automobiles, industrial machines, factories even in our household. The High Performance V-Belt was made from twisted synthetic fibrous tensile, which is compressed by synthetic rubber, this strengthens the belt and makes it more flexible. Compared to the other power transmission devices, High Performance V-Belts does not require any form of maintenance or lubrication, as it is the case for chains.

In industries and some manufacturing factories, the majority of the machines you get to see there are operated with the High Performance V-Belt as it is the primary power transmission device that also provides a suitable combination for loading of the bearings, speed, traction, and even longevity.

It is widely known that High Performance V-Belts solve slipping and alignment problems, it can never go wrong while in operation compared to other power transmission devices.

High Performance V-Belts can also be found in modern automobiles (In the past, roller chains were used to transmit power in vehicles) and in our households such as washing machines and lawn mowers. As long as we make use of one or two machines regardless of its size, High Performance V-Belt keeps it in motion.

Types of High Performance V-Belts:

There are three common type of High Performance V-Belts, and they are classified by their dimensions:

1) Classical High Performance V-Belt – Classified by its dimensions ranging from A to E

The classical High Performance V-Belt is the most common of all High Performance V-Belt types, and it has been in existence even before other High Performance V-Belt types. This type of High Performance V-Belt has a broad scope of usage in different areas such as Agriculture, Industrial Machinery, ventilation etc. and this is due to the fact that it covers a load range from 1 horsepower to 500 horsepower. There is no doubt that the Narrow Wedge is more efficient than the classical High Performance V-Belt; however, they work seamlessly with higher bearing loads and have a high tolerance for adverse operating conditions.

This type of High Performance V-Belt is more efficient than the Classical type as they have the most significant degree possible for the distribution of force and load transfer, which is the main advantage over the Classical type. Narrow Wedge is able to transmit three times the Horsepower a classical High Performance V-Belt would in the same drive space; they are very suitable for drives at high speed and its well-known for its sturdy, compact size. Unlike the classical High Performance V-Belt.

3) Fractional Horsepower – Classified by its dimensions ranging from 2L, 3L, 4L, 5L.

Unlike the two mentioned types of High Performance V-Belts, the Fractional Horsepower is different in operation as it is only designed for light loads and is often used as a single belt on drives that run at one Horsepower or even less. This type of belt is what you see in domestic machines popular in household equipment such as washing machines, fans, and refrigerators. Fractional Horsepower can never be used on any heavy-duty industrial machinery even if it fits perfectly well.

How to Measure High Performance V-Belt

There are times when you will need to replace your High Performance V-Belt due to its natural wear and tear. In some instances, High Performance V-Belts need to be substituted because of premature failure. You could prevent this by looking out for these warning signs.

To order the correct replacement High Performance V-Belt, it is as simple as taking a few quick measurements as shown in the steps below:

Step 1: Determine the type of belt you have. You need to measure the width of your belt. We have different types of belts, Type A, Type B, with different measurements. So you want to know the width of your belt first

Step 2: Measure the length of your belt. You can do this by using a cloth or a measuring tape. To get a correct length, place your belt on a steel tape.

Step 3: Subtract from the outside measurement. If you know the type of High Performance V-Belt you have already, there will be need to subtract a specific inch from the size to select the correct High strength V-Belt

For type A, you subtract 2 Inches

For type B, you subtract 3 inches.