Belteslitasje

Belteslitasje is a term used to describe wear and degradation of drive belts in mechanical systems. It encompasses the progressive loss of belt material, tooth wear on toothed belts, glazing, cracking, and fatigue damage. Belt wear can reduce efficiency, increase the risk of slip, and in some cases lead to sudden belt failure that interrupts operation.

Causes of belteslitasje include age and service life, excessive operating temperature, incorrect belt tension (too tight or too loose), misalignment of pulleys, improper routing, contamination by oil, coolant or chemicals, dirt or debris, and mechanical overload or rough handling during installation or operation. Poor maintenance practices and using incompatible belt types with loads beyond design specifications also contribute.

Signs of belt wear vary by belt type but common indicators are cracking at edges, missing or worn teeth in timing belts, glazing or hardening of the belt surface, fraying, visible fraying of the belt body, belt slipping, squealing noises, and a decrease in transmitted power or efficiency. A belt that shows significant wear is at higher risk of unexpected failure.

Assessment and maintenance involve regular visual inspections and, where possible, measurement of belt thickness and tooth depth. Specialized tools can assess belt tension and pulley groove wear. It is important to check pulley alignment and condition, replace worn pulleys if needed, and ensure belts are routed correctly.

Prevention focuses on selecting appropriate belt types for the application, maintaining correct tension, ensuring proper alignment, keeping belts clean and dry, avoiding oil or chemical exposure, and adhering to manufacturer-recommended replacement intervals. The term belteslitasje reflects a common concern across automotive, industrial, and household machinery contexts.