Metal conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the design of any automated conveyor belt system. They become the driving force behind the motion of the belt, producing torque and swiftness. In very general terms it can be stated that pulleys are categorized as friction drive or timing pulleys (type I and II). Precision may be the name of the game with regards to pulleys. A metal belt is as good and precise as the pulleys. The majority of pulleys recommended by Ever-power are made of anodized aluminum (hard coat) with the right friction coefficient to drive the steel belt. Stainless steel can also be used nonetheless it is expensive and heavy, though it might end up being indicated in certain applications where extra hardness is necessary. If your application takes a lighter pulley, the specialists at Ever-power will help you select the best material.
Selecting the correct pulley size and construction can have a substantial effect on the lifespan and performance of a conveyor belt. Ever-power engineers possess the data and experience to assist you choose the right pulley type, diameter, and composition to reduce maintenance downtime and increase product volume.
Metallic Conveyor Belt Pulley Types
Ever-power designs custom metallic 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 variety of materials, including aluminium or a number of plastic composites. Based on the unique requirements of your system, the pulleys can also be installed with custom timing attachments, relief channels, and more.
Independently Steerable Pulley
Ever-power has developed a forward thinking concept in smooth belt tracking called the ISP (independently steerable pulley), which can be used in the next 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 flat belts with an ISP is based on the idea of changing tension interactions across the width of the belt simply by adjusting the position of the pulley in accordance with the belt.
Instead of moving the pulley shaft remaining/right or up/straight down by pillow block adjustment, the ISP fits a adjustable steering collar and sealed bearing assembly to the body of the pulley.
The steering collar was created with either a skewed or an offset bore. When rotated, the collar changes the position of the pulley body, leading to controlled, bi-directional motion of the belt over the pulley face.
The ISP is exclusively available from Ever-power. It offers a simple method of steering flat metallic belts. Users may combine ISP steering with the original belt tracking styles of crowning, flanging, and timing components to create a synergistic belt tracking system which efficiently and specifically steers the belt to specific tracking parameters.
Unique Characteristics and Benefits of the ISP
· Toned belts are tracked quickly by rotating the steering collar.
· ISP designs minimize downtime when replacing belts on production machinery.
· ISP system is simple to use and needs simply no special tools or teaching.
· ISP simplifies the look and assembly of conveyor systems using smooth belts.
· Existing idler pulleys can normally become retrofitted to an ISP without main system modifications.
· No maintenance is required once the belt tracking parameters have already been established.
· It prolongs belt existence by minimizing part 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 utilized to prevent the shaft from turning.
The Rotated Shaft Method of ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Is used in combination with systems having a single pulley on the shaft.
· Is ALWAYS utilized when the pulley body can be a capped tube style.
· Is NEVER utilized when multiple pulleys are on a common shaft.
· Utilized selectively when the ISP can be 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 unit. When the desired tracking features 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 enables the belt to become tracked while operating 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 unit. 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 built into the ISP assembly. This technique enables the belt to be tracked while running under tension.
The Rotated Collar Method of ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually adapt 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 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 required belt tracking features are attained, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Correct for You?
There are various applications because of this new product, therefore Ever-power designs and manufactures independently steerable pulleys to suit your needs. Contact Ever-power to go over your questions or for style assistance.
Ever-power may be the worldwide head in the look and manufacturing of application-specific pulleys, steel belts, and drive tapes. Our products provide unique benefits for machinery used in precision positioning, timing, conveying, and automated manufacturing applications.
System Configuration
#1 1 – The drive pulley is a friction drive pulley.
· The ISP is a friction-driven pulley. This configuration is 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 can be used to set one advantage of the belt against the flange with minimal side-loading to the belt.
System Configuration
#2 2 – The drive pulley is a timing pulley.
· The ISP is usually 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 is utilized to reduce side-loading of the belt perforations. Tracking precision is between 0.008″ (0.203 mm) and 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for steel belt systems.
OR
· The ISP is a timing pulley. One’s 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 used to minimize side loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking precision is certainly 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Notice: Although it is normally not recommended to have timing elements in both drive and driven pulleys, this style can be used selectively on metallic belt systems with long middle distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the top of pulley consistently changes the tracking characteristic of the belt.