Timing Belts, Timing Pulleys, Sprockets, and Chains for Power Transmission Applications

What's your timing belt knowledge?
Whether you're working with timing belts for the first time, or you're an old pro, this infographic is a helpful tool to refresh your knowledge of timing belts. Machines won't run like well-oiled machines on their own.

Synchronous drives employ the positive engagement of two sets of meshing teeth. Due to this design, they do not slip and there is no relative motion between the two elements in mesh. The positive nature of these drives makes them capable of transmitting large torques and withstand large accelerations. However, chain drives are often used where positive synchronization between shafts and transmission of substantial torque is required.

SDP/SI supplies hobbyists, students, distributors and a wide variety of OEMs with high-quality machined timing belt pulleys, molded pulleys, timing belts, sprockets, and chains at affordable prices.

Synchronous drives can be divided into 3 categories:

• Chains and Sprockets
• Gears
• Belt Drives

Belt drives are particularly useful in applications where layout flexibility is important. They enable the designer to place components in more advantageous locations at larger distances without paying a price penalty.

SDP/SI offers a broad range of off-the-shelf inch and metric timing belts, timing belt pulleys, chains, and sprockets; timing pulleys in aluminum, steel or plastic with or without metal inserts, metal hubs, set screws or Fairloc® hubs.

For over 70 years we have helped design engineers build synchronous drive systems. Our engineers can assist in the selection of a standard catalog item to meet your need. Sometimes, there are applications where the standard catalog item doesn't meet all your apllication's requirements. Modifications, custom components or custom drive systems can be designed, engineered, manufactured, and assembled in-house.

SDP/SI carries a large inventory of single and double-sided timing belts in standard inch and metric widths. Belt stock in fiberglass reinforced neoprene and polyurethane reinforced with steel tensile cords are also available. If your requirement is a non-standard width, on-hand timing belt sleeves can be cut to your exact need, often overnight for fast turn-around.

Get the timing belt you need!

• 40 D.P.
• Miniature FHT® 1, 2, & 3 mm
• Gates PowerGrip GT®2
  Gates PowerGrip® GT®3
  Gates HTD
• L
• MXL
• T
• XL

Other drive components offered are: PosiDrive, Synchromesh, round belts, flat belts, fractional H.P. V-belts and belt clamps.



Need help in identifying a timing belt?
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Design Your Belt and Pulley Drive System

Design your belt drive system using our Center Distance Designer.
This calculator computes belt lengths for various center distances and checks the number of teeth in mesh for both pulleys. It calculates pulley drive ratios and the minimal center distance for a designated pulley pair.

The Center Distance Designer shows all available pulleys and belts that fit within your criteria. Click on the part number for instant access to product specifications, 3D CAD Models, pricing and availability. Belts and pulleys ship within 24 hours from stock. If a standard catalog item doesn't meet your needs we can provide custom alternatives, call 516-328-3300 for engineering assistance.

Sprocket and Chain Drive Systems

The most economical chain drive selection usually consists of a combination of:

• The shortest pitch single strand chain which has the required “design horsepower” rating when used with the desired size sprocket at the selected sprocket speed.
• The selection of a center-distance that insures a chain wrap of at least 120° (meshing with at least 1/2 of the teeth) on the smaller sprocket.

When selecting sprockets:

• For long service life and smooth performance, select sprockets with 17 or more teeth, but less than 67.
• When space limitations are a factor or running at slow speeds, sprockets with less than 17 teeth can be used.

Chain life will vary appreciably depending on the way the drive is lubricated. A properly lubricated chain can last more than 100 times as long as the same chain with poor lubrication.

Ladder chain links interlock and are fabricated from wire. Ladder chain is inexpensive and easy to install and can be found in many household appliances, vending machines and various timing and electrical devices.

SDP/SI offers a wide selection of inch and metric dimensioned roller chain and ladder chain. To complete your drive system both plastic sprockets and metal sprockets designed to work with the chain are available.

Correct operating tension is an important factor in the satisfactory performance and life of a drive system. SDP/SI offers chain and belt tensioning products, as well as tension monitoring tools.

Our engineering staff is available to assist you in selecting the best components for your drive system.

Ball & Lead Screws Bearings Brakes & Clutches Chains & Sprockets Couplings & Flexible Shafts Fairloc^® Components Gearheads & Speed Reducers Gears Hardware & Miscellaneous Components Linear Guide Systems Miniature Belts & Pulleys Miniature Gears Miniature Shaft & Shaft Accessories Motors Right Angle Drives Rollers - Feed & Idler Shafts & Accessories Shaftloc® & Accessories Synchromesh Drive Systems Timing Belts & Cables GT® Timing Belts HTD® Timing Belts 40 D.P. Timing Belts MXL Timing Belts XL Timing Belts L Timing Belts Timing Belt Profile (Detail) Timing Belt Pulleys Universal Joints Vibration Mounts

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Our sister division, QBC, offers monitoring and maintenance tools for power transmission components.

Attain Fast and Accurate Pulley Alignment
Get tools that are easy to use:

• Fast and accurate readings
• Easy one-person operation
• Displays parallel and angular misalignment
• Both horizontal and vertical mounted machines

Safely Mount Pulleys without Damaging the Shaft
Use safe, environmentally friendly and energy efficient tools to mount bearings and other drive components:

• Impact Fitting Tools to avoid unnecessary damage and premature failure

Monitor Vibration and Noise Levels for Best Machine Performance
Regularly scheduled monitoring of drive train conditions can prevent machinery downtime and costly repairs. Easy to use, multi-functional, hand-held tools are available to:

• Measure shock pulses and machine temperature
• Monitor irregular machine sounds
• Vibration measurement