LogoLogo
  • REV DUO
  • Structure
    • Introduction to Structure
      • 15mm Extrusion
      • 15mm x 30mm Extrusion
      • 15mm x 45mm C Channel
      • 45mm x 45mm U Channel
      • Flat Plate
      • Flat Beam
      • L Beam
    • Brackets
    • Corrugated Plastic Sheets
    • M3 Hardware
  • Motion
    • Introduction to Motion
      • Hex Shaft and Spacers
      • Bearings
    • Sprockets and Chain
      • Advanced Sprockets and Chain
      • Chain Tool
    • Timing Belts and Pulleys
    • Gears
      • Advanced Gears
    • Wheels
    • Linear Motion
    • Choosing an Actuator
    • Motors
      • HD Hex Motor
        • Pinion Pressing Guide
        • Pinion Removal Guide
      • Core Hex Motor
    • Servos
      • Smart Robot Servo
  • Building Techniques
    • Tips and Tricks for Building
    • Supporting Motion
    • Constraining Motion
    • Compatibility
  • Build Guides
  • Linear Motion Kit
    • Three Stage Cascading Lift
    • Three Stage Continuous Lift
  • Channel Drivetrain
    • Single Sprocket Shaft Assembly
    • Double Sprocket Shaft Assembly
    • Drive Shaft Assembly
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Making the Chain Links
    • Drive Rail Assembly
    • Final Assembly
  • Channel Drivetrain - Mecanum Upgrade
    • 90mm Single Sprocket Shaft Assembly
    • 75mm Single Sprocket Shaft Assembly
    • Drive Shaft Assembly
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Making the Chain Links
    • Drive Rail Assembly
    • Final Assembly
    • Mecanum Wheel Setup and Behaviour
  • Mecanum Drivetrain V2
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Drive Rail Assembly
    • Final Assembly
    • Mecanum Wheel Setup and Behavior
    • Mecanum Drivetrain Example Code
  • Mecanum Drivetrain Kit
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Drive Rail Assembly
    • Final Assembly
    • Mecanum Wheel Setup and Behavior
    • Mecanum Drivetrain Example Code
  • Extrusion Chain Drivetrain
    • Pre-Loading Brackets
    • Traction Wheel Assembly
    • Omni Wheel Assembly
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Internal Chassis Frame Assembly
    • Making the Chain Links
    • Final Assembly
  • Extrusion Gear Drivetrain
    • Pre-Loading Brackets
    • Omni Wheel Assembly
    • Middle Grip Wheel Assembly
    • Front Grip Wheel Assembly
    • Gear Idler Assembly
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Internal Chassis Frame Assembly
    • Final Assembly
  • Class Bot V2
    • Pre-Loading Brackets
    • Internal Robot Frame Assembly
    • External Robot Frame Assembly
    • Wheel Assemblies
    • Arm Gear Assemblies
    • Arm Assemblies
    • Final Assembly
  • Class Bot
    • Pre-Loading Brackets
    • Internal Robot Frame Assembly
    • External Robot Frame Assembly
    • Wheel Assemblies
    • Arm Gear Assemblies
    • Arm Assemblies
    • Final Assembly
  • Electronics and Communication
    • REV Control System
    • Sensors
Powered by GitBook
On this page
  • Timing Belt and Pulley Basics
  • Product Specs:
  • Belt Installation
  • Belt Tension

Was this helpful?

Export as PDF
  1. Motion

Timing Belts and Pulleys

PreviousChain ToolNextGears

Last updated 1 year ago

Was this helpful?

Timing Belt and Pulley Basics

The Timing Belt and Pulley system is a pulley-based motion transmission system. Timing Belts and Pulleys transmit motion similarly to sprockets and chains. Both the Belt and the Pulley have teeth that interlock and engage with each other to drive motion.

Timing Belts and Pulleys are lighter, more compact, and more efficient at transferring motion than chains and sprockets. Belts do not stretch over time as much as chain, making re-tensioning less of an issue. In general, a timing belt and pulley system should last a full season, if properly installed. Follow through the rest of this section to learn more about the proper installation and tensioning of the .

Product Specs:

The REV GT2 3mm Pitch Pulleys and the GT2 3mm Pitch Belt come in various sizes to fit your needs.

Pitch

GT2 3mm

Material

Acetal (POM)

Thickness

Varies

All pulleys, except the 12 Tooth (), come with two ends and an inset to adjust the width of the pulley as needed to drive multiple belts.

Belt Installation

All of the GT2 3mm Pitch Pulleys, with the exception of the 12 Tooth Pulley, have flanges to keep the belt on track. This is because the belts tend to thrust to the side when in motion. It is recommended that at least one pulley in the system have flanges to keep the belt from slipping. In situations where the center distance between shafts is more than 8 times the diameter of the smaller pulley or when the drive is operating on vertical shafts, both pulleys should have flanges on both sides.

When choosing what structural aspect to use to support a pulley system, it is important that the support be rigid or capable of withstanding torsion. Any significant flex or give in the supporting structure can cause the center-to-center distance between the pulleys to change. Repercussions of a change in the center distance are slack in the belt and the belt jumping teeth.

During the installation process, ensure that supporting shafts are parallel and that pulleys are aligned.

Belts require relatively little maintenance if installed correctly, but it's always advised to run the center distance calculation to account for the installation and removal of belts.

As a general rule avoid subjecting belts to sharp bends or rough handling.

Belt Tension

The Timing Belt should be snug when installed to ensure a longer life and less wear on the mechanism. A taut belt is not going to have the same lifespan as a snug belt, and a loose belt may jump teeth in situations where torque is high.

Do not force the belt over the flange of the pulley!

When working with the REV GT2 3mm Pitch Pulleys and Belts there will be some difference in pitch between the , featured on the , and the pitch of the Timing Belts. Because of the mismatched pitches, there may be limitations to getting the perfect center-to-center distance. One solution to accommodate this issue is to use a combination of M3 Standoffs () and Tensioning Bushings () to help tension the belt appropriately.

REV GT2 3mm Pitch Pulley and Belt system
REV-41-1668
Channels
REV-41-1492
REV-41-1702
Extended Motion Pattern