Vbelt

A V-belt, short for V-shaped belt, is a power transmission belt whose cross-section is trapezoidal. It sits in a matching V-groove pulley and relies on friction and a wedge effect to transmit torque between rotating shafts. V-belts are widely used in machinery to drive components such as pumps, conveyors, compressors, and agricultural equipment.

Construction generally consists of a rubber or thermoplastic elastomer base with reinforcing cords and fabric or rubber covers. Cord materials typically include polyester, aramid fibers (such as Kevlar), or steel, which provide strength and resistance to stretch. The belt’s outer surfaces are usually low-friction to reduce wear and heat buildup. Modern belts may feature coatings to improve life and performance in specific environments.

V-belts come in several profile families. Classical V-belts are relatively wide and used with standard pulleys. Narrow-profile V-belts are thinner, offering higher power capacity per width and improved efficiency. Another family, known as multi-V or poly-V belts, uses multiple small V-grooves with a single belt; these belts can drive multiple accessory pulleys from one source and are commonly used as serpentine belts in automobiles. Timing belts, by contrast, are toothed and provide a positive drive, which prevents slip but requires different pulley designs.

Operation and maintenance focus on proper tensioning and alignment. V-belts require appropriate tension to maximize grip and minimize slip; misalignment or excessive tension can cause accelerated wear, noise, and bearing damage. Regular inspection for glazing, cracking, fraying, or cord exposure is recommended, with replacement intervals based on load, environment, and belt type.