The most common systems for transmitting power from a drive to a driven shaft are belt, gear, and chain drives. But V-belt drive systems, also known as friction drives (because power is usually transmitted as a result of the belt’s adherence to the pulley) are an economical option for industrial, auto, commercial, agricultural, and home appliance applications. V-belt drives are also easy to install, require no lubrication, and dampen shock load.
Here’s the catch: Standard friction drives may both slip and creep, leading to inexact velocity ratios or degraded timing precision between input and output shafts. For this reason, it is essential to choose a belt appropriate for the application accessible.
Belt drives are among the earliest power tranny systems and were trusted through the Industrial Revolution. After that, smooth belts conveyed power over large distances and were made from leather. Later, needs for better machinery, and the growth of large markets like the automobile industry spurred new belt designs. V-belts, with a trapezoidal or V shape, made of rubber, neoprene, and urethane synthetic materials, replaced flat belts. Now, the improved overall surface area material of contemporary belts adheres to V Belt pulley grooves through friction push, to lessen the tension necessary to transmit torque. The top area of the belt, called the tension or insulation section, contains fiber cords for increased strength as it carries the strain of traction force. It helps hold tension members in place and functions as a binder for higher adhesion between cords and various other sections. In this manner, heat build-up is decreased, extending belt life.
We’ve designed our V-belts for wear, corrosion, and heat level of resistance with OE quality match and construction for reliable, long-lasting performance.
V-Belts are the most typical kind of drive belt used for power transmitting. Their primary function can be to transmit power from a principal source, just like a engine, to a second driven unit. They provide the best combination of traction, rate transfer, load distribution, and extended service life. The majority are countless and their cross section is certainly trapezoidal or “V” designed. The “V” shape of the belt tracks in a similarly shaped groove on a pulley or sheave. The v-belt wedges into the groove as the strain boosts creating power distribution and torque. V-belts are commonly manufactured from rubber or polymer or there could be fibers embedded for added strength and reinforcement.
V-belts are generally found in two construction classes: envelope (wrapped) and raw advantage.

Wrapped belts have a higher resistance to oils and extreme temperatures. They can be used as friction clutches during set up.
Raw edge type v-belts are more efficient, generate less heat, allow for smaller pulley diameters, boost power ratings, and provide longer life.
V-belts look like relatively benign and simple pieces of equipment. Just measure the top width and circumference, find another belt with the same sizes, and slap it on the drive. There’s only one problem: that strategy is approximately as wrong as you can get.