Steel conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the look of any automated conveyor belt system. They become the driving drive behind the motion of the belt, producing torque and swiftness. In very general conditions 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 when it comes to pulleys. A metallic belt is as good and precise as the pulleys. Many pulleys recommended by Ever-power are constructed with anodized aluminum (hard coat) with the proper friction coefficient to operate a vehicle the steel belt. Stainless steel can also be used nonetheless it is costly and heavy, though it might be indicated in certain applications where extra hardness is necessary. If your application requires a lighter pulley, the professionals at Ever-power can help you select the best material.
Selecting the correct pulley size and configuration can have a substantial influence on the lifespan and efficiency of a conveyor belt. Ever-power engineers have the data and experience to help you choose the right pulley type, diameter, and composition to reduce maintenance downtime and maximize product volume.
Metal Conveyor Belt Pulley Types
Ever-power designs custom steel conveyor belt pulleys and configurations to bring optimum efficiency to one’s body. While metal conveyor belts are usually made of stainless, pulleys can be created from a variety of materials, including light weight aluminum or a number of plastic composites. Depending on the unique requirements of one’s body, the pulleys may also be fitted with customized timing attachments, relief channels, and more.
Independently Steerable Pulley
Ever-power has developed an innovative concept in flat belt tracking called the ISP (independently steerable pulley), which can be utilized in the following system designs:
· Two pulley conveyor systems in which the ISP may be the idler or driven pulley
· Systems with multiple idler pulleys on a common shaft
· Systems with serpentine or other complex belt paths
Steering flat belts with an ISP is based on the idea of changing tension interactions over the width of the belt by adjusting the angle of the pulley in accordance with the belt.
Rather than moving the pulley shaft remaining/right or up/down by pillow prevent adjustment, the ISP fits a variable steering collar and sealed bearing assembly to the body of the pulley.
The steering collar is designed 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 provides a simple method of steering flat metallic belts. Users may combine ISP steering with the original belt tracking styles of crowning, flanging, and timing elements to create a synergistic belt tracking system which effectively and specifically 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 styles minimize downtime when replacing belts on production machinery.
· ISP system is simple to use and needs simply no special tools or teaching.
· ISP simplifies the design and assembly of conveyor systems using flat belts.
· Existing idler pulleys can normally be retrofitted to an ISP without major system modifications.
· No maintenance is necessary once the belt tracking parameters have already been established.
· It prolongs belt life by minimizing aspect 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 prevent 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 usually a capped tube design.
· Is NEVER utilized when multiple pulleys are on a common shaft.
· Used selectively when the ISP is a steering roll in a multiple pulley system.
Protected the ISP to the shaft using the split 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 at this point rotate about the bearing built into the ISP assembly. This technique allows the belt to end up being tracked while running under tension.
Protected the ISP to the shaft using the split 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 technique enables the belt to be tracked while running under tension.
The Rotated Collar Method of ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually adapt each belt/pulley combination whenever there are multiple pulleys on a common shaft.
· Used when systems have a cantilevered shafting typical of serpentine and other complex belt route systems. It is suggested 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 features are acquired, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Correct for You?
There are several applications because of this new product, therefore Ever-power designs and manufactures independently steerable pulleys to suit your needs. Contact Ever-power to discuss your questions or for style assistance.
Ever-power is the worldwide leader 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 manufacturing applications.
System Configuration
Number 1 1 – The drive pulley is a friction drive pulley.
· The ISP can be a friction-driven pulley. This configuration is definitely specified for a tracking precision 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 can be used to set one advantage of the belt against the flange with minimal side-loading to the belt.
System Configuration
#2 2 – The drive pulley is a timing pulley.
· The ISP is usually a friction driven pulley. The teeth of the drive pulley and the perforations of the belt set up a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is used to minimize side-loading of the belt perforations. Tracking precision is between 0.008″ (0.203 mm) and 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal belt systems.
OR
· The ISP is definitely a timing pulley. The teeth of the ISP and the perforations of the belt are used for precise monitoring control of the belt with the steering feature of the ISP used to minimize part loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking accuracy is certainly 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Take note: Although it is generally not recommended to possess timing elements in both the drive and driven pulleys, this style can be utilized selectively on metal belt systems with long middle distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the surface of the pulley consistently changes the tracking characteristic of the belt.