Steel 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 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 game when it comes to pulleys. A metal belt is as good and specific as the pulleys. Most pulleys recommended by Ever-power are constructed with anodized aluminum (hard layer) with the right friction coefficient to drive the metal belt. Stainless steel may also be used but it is pricey and heavy, though it might become indicated in certain applications where extra hardness is essential. If your application requires a lighter pulley, the experts at Ever-power can help you select the best material.
Selecting the correct pulley size and configuration can have a significant influence on the lifespan and performance of a conveyor belt. Ever-power engineers have the data and experience to assist you choose the right pulley type, diameter, and composition to reduce maintenance downtime and maximize product volume.
Steel Conveyor Belt Pulley Types
Ever-power designs custom metal conveyor belt pulleys and configurations to bring maximum efficiency to your system. While metal conveyor belts are usually made of stainless steel, pulleys can be produced from a number of materials, including aluminium or a number of plastic composites. According to the unique requirements of one’s body, the pulleys can also be fitted with customized timing attachments, relief stations, and more.
Independently Steerable Pulley
Ever-power has developed a forward thinking concept in flat belt tracking called the ISP (independently steerable pulley), which can be utilized in the following system designs:
· Two pulley conveyor systems where 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 idea of changing tension human relationships across the width of the belt by adjusting the angle of the pulley relative to the belt.
Rather than moving the pulley shaft left/right or up/down by pillow prevent adjustment, the ISP fits a variable 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 motion of the belt across the pulley face.
The ISP is exclusively available from Ever-power. It offers a simple approach to steering flat metallic belts. Users may combine ISP steering with the traditional belt tracking styles of crowning, flanging, and timing elements to create a synergistic belt monitoring system which effectively and exactly steers the belt to specified tracking parameters.
Unique Characteristics and Advantages of the ISP
· Toned belts are tracked quickly by rotating the steering collar.
· ISP designs minimize downtime when changing belts on production machinery.
· ISP system is easy to use and requires no special tools or training.
· ISP simplifies the design and assembly of conveyor systems using toned belts.
· Existing idler pulleys can normally become retrofitted to an ISP without major system modifications.
· No maintenance is necessary once the belt monitoring parameters have been established.
· It prolongs belt existence 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 machine 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 in combination 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 definitely 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 features 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 method allows the belt to be tracked while running under tension.
Secure the ISP to the shaft using the split training 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 now rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This technique enables the belt to end up being tracked while operating under tension.
The Rotated Collar Approach to ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually adapt each belt/pulley combination when there are multiple pulleys on a common shaft.
· Utilized when systems possess a cantilevered shafting typical of serpentine and additional complex belt path systems. It is suggested that these adjustments be made only when 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 acquired, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Correct for You?
There are many applications because of this new product, therefore Ever-power designs and manufactures independently steerable pulleys to meet your requirements. Contact Ever-power to go over your queries or for design assistance.
Ever-power may be the worldwide leader in the design and manufacturing of application-specific pulleys, metal belts, and drive tapes. Our products provide exclusive 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 is usually a friction-driven pulley. This configuration can be specified for a monitoring accuracy of 0.030″ (0.762 mm) or greater.
· Teflon® flanges are attached to the pulley body to determine a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is used to set one edge of the belt against the flange with minimal side-loading to the belt.
System Configuration
Number 2 2 – The drive pulley is a timing pulley.
· The ISP is certainly 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 can be 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 metallic belt systems.
OR
· The ISP is certainly a timing pulley. The teeth of the ISP and the perforations of the belt are utilized for precise monitoring control of the belt with the steering feature of the ISP utilized to minimize side loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking accuracy is certainly 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Notice: Although it is normally not recommended to possess timing elements in both the drive and driven pulleys, this style can be utilized selectively on metal belt systems with lengthy middle distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the surface of the pulley continuously changes the tracking feature of the belt.