Almost every manufacturing plant has equipment that requires a v-belt. Whether it is for a conveyor belt or other machinery, these belts are needed to keep production rolling. However, they are often one of the reasons productions comes to a halt. To make your v-belts last longer, consider these common causes of v-belt failure to extend the life of your belts to keep your production floor rolling.

• High temperatures. While some heat is unavoidable, high ambient temperatures can cause your v-belts to become brittle and crack, giving out at the most inopportune times. Using good ventilation and air flow can help reduce heat in the drives, protecting your v-belts.
• Oil damage. Oil and other contaminants can damage your v-belts. If you have v-belts that fall apart in layers or are slipping, it is a sign that oil is leaking into your drive, causing belt damage.
• Large loads. If your conveyor is handling larger loads than it is specified for, this can cause v-belt failure. Improper or overloading can cause high heat and fast wear on your v-belt. For heavy applications, often changing your v-belt to a notched or cogged version can prolong the use.
• Improper installation. Are you constantly replacing v-belts? It may not be the belt but instead the installation.  Misalignment and setting the wrong tension can cause belt failure. Inspect the installation process to ensure alignment and tension is correct.

Not sure if you have the right v-belt for your application? Talk to your local industrial rubber supplier that offers v-belt replacements. An experienced supplier can help you determine the right v-belt for your application that will last longer and keep your production line moving.

Posted on behalf of:
The King Group, Inc.
6865 Shiloh Road East, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 886-1113