Metallic conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the design of any automated conveyor belt system. They become the driving power behind the movement of the belt, creating torque and quickness. In very general conditions it can be said that pulleys are categorized as friction drive or timing pulleys (type I and II). Precision may be the name of the game when it comes to pulleys. A metal belt is only as good and exact as the pulleys. Many pulleys recommended by Ever-power are made of anodized aluminum (hard coating) with the proper friction coefficient to operate a vehicle the metal belt. Stainless steel can also be used nonetheless it is costly and heavy, although it might become indicated in certain applications where extra hardness is essential. If your application takes a lighter pulley, the professionals at Ever-power will help you select the best material.
Selecting the right pulley size and construction can have a substantial effect on the lifespan and effectiveness of a conveyor belt. Ever-power engineers possess the data and experience to assist you choose the correct pulley type, diameter, and composition to reduce maintenance downtime and maximize product volume.
Metallic Conveyor Belt Pulley Types
Ever-power designs custom metallic conveyor belt pulleys and configurations to bring maximum efficiency to one’s body. While steel conveyor belts are typically made of stainless, pulleys can be created from a variety of materials, including aluminium or a number of plastic composites. Depending on the unique requirements of one’s body, the pulleys can also be fitted with custom timing attachments, relief stations, and more.
Independently Steerable Pulley
Ever-power has developed a forward thinking concept in toned belt tracking called the ISP (independently steerable pulley), which can be utilized in the next system designs:
· Two pulley conveyor systems in which the ISP may be the idler or driven pulley
· Systems with multiple idler pulleys on a common shaft
· Systems with serpentine or various other complex belt paths
Steering toned belts with an ISP is based on the concept of changing tension interactions across the width of the belt simply by adjusting the angle of the pulley relative to the belt.
Instead of moving the pulley shaft still left/right or up/down by pillow prevent adjustment, the ISP fits a variable steering collar and sealed bearing assembly to the body of the pulley.
The steering collar was created with the skewed or an offset bore. When rotated, the collar changes the angle of the pulley body, resulting in controlled, bi-directional movement 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 designs of crowning, flanging, and timing elements to create a synergistic belt tracking system which effectively and specifically steers the belt to specified tracking parameters.
Unique Characteristics and Benefits of the ISP
· Toned belts are tracked quickly by rotating the steering collar.
· ISP styles minimize downtime when replacing belts on production machinery.
· ISP system is easy to use and requires simply no special tools or schooling.
· ISP simplifies the look and assembly of conveyor systems using smooth belts.
· Existing idler pulleys can normally be 
retrofitted to an ISP without main system modifications.
· No maintenance is required once the belt tracking parameters have been established.
· It prolongs belt existence by minimizing side 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 can be used to prevent the shaft from turning.
The Rotated Shaft Approach to ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Is used in combination with systems having a single pulley on the shaft.
· Is ALWAYS utilized when the pulley body is usually a capped tube style.
· Is NEVER used when multiple pulleys are on a common shaft.
· Utilized selectively when the ISP is a steering roll in a multiple pulley system.
Secure the ISP to the shaft using the split training collar and locking screw built into the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a device. When the desired tracking features are obtained, avoid the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will today rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This method allows the belt to become tracked while operating under tension.
Protected the ISP to the shaft using the split collar and locking screw built into 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 at this point rotate about the bearing built into the ISP assembly. This technique allows the belt to be tracked while operating under tension.
The Rotated Collar Method of ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually change each belt/pulley combination when there are multiple pulleys on a common shaft.
· Used when systems have a cantilevered shafting typical of serpentine and various other complex belt path systems. It is recommended that these modifications be made only when the belt is at 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 obtained, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Correct for You?
There are plenty of applications for this new product, so Ever-power designs and manufactures independently steerable pulleys to meet your requirements. Contact Ever-power to discuss your questions or for style assistance.
Ever-power may be the worldwide innovator 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
#1 1 – The drive pulley is a friction drive pulley.
· The ISP is certainly a friction-driven pulley. This configuration can be specified for a tracking accuracy of 0.030″ (0.762 mm) or greater.
· Teflon® flanges are mounted on the pulley body to establish a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is utilized to set one edge of the belt against the flange with reduced side-loading to the belt.
System Configuration
#2 2 – The drive pulley is a timing pulley.
· The ISP is certainly a friction driven pulley. One’s teeth of the drive pulley and the perforations of the belt set up a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP can be used to reduce side-loading of the belt perforations. Tracking accuracy is between 0.008″ (0.203 mm) and 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metallic belt systems.
OR
· The ISP is definitely a timing pulley. One’s teeth of the ISP and the perforations of the belt are utilized for precise tracking control of the belt with the steering feature of the ISP utilized to minimize side loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking precision is 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Take note: Although it is normally not recommended to have timing elements in both the drive and driven pulleys, this design can be utilized selectively on metallic belt systems with lengthy middle distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the top of pulley constantly changes the tracking characteristic of the belt.