Metal conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the look of any automated conveyor belt system. They act as the driving power behind the motion of the belt, making torque and speed. In very general conditions it can be said that pulleys are categorized as friction drive or timing pulleys (type I and II). Precision is the name of the game with regards to pulleys. A metal belt is only as good and exact as the pulleys. Most pulleys suggested by Ever-power are constructed with anodized aluminum (hard layer) with the proper friction coefficient to drive the metallic belt. Stainless steel may also be used nonetheless it is costly and heavy, though it might become indicated using applications where extra hardness is essential. If your application takes a lighter pulley, the professionals at Ever-power can help you choose the best material.
Selecting the correct pulley size and configuration can have a substantial influence on the lifespan and efficiency of a conveyor belt. Ever-power engineers possess the data and experience to help 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 your system. While metallic conveyor belts are usually made of stainless steel, pulleys can be created from a variety of materials, including light weight aluminum or a variety of plastic composites. With respect to the unique requirements of one’s body, the pulleys can also be installed with custom timing attachments, relief channels, and more.
Independently Steerable Pulley
Ever-power has developed an innovative concept in smooth belt tracking called the ISP (independently steerable pulley), which can be used in the following 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 other complex belt paths
Steering flat belts with an ISP is based on the idea of changing tension romantic relationships across the width of the belt 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 block adjustment, the ISP fits a variable 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 movement of the belt across the pulley face.
The ISP is exclusively available from Ever-power. It offers a simple approach to steering flat metal belts. Users may combine ISP steering with the original belt tracking designs of crowning, flanging, and timing components to create a synergistic belt monitoring system which effectively and exactly steers the belt to specified tracking parameters.
Unique Characteristics and Benefits of the ISP
· Flat belts are tracked quickly by rotating the steering collar.
· ISP designs minimize downtime when changing belts on production machinery.
· ISP system is easy to use and requires no special tools or schooling.
· ISP simplifies the look and assembly of conveyor systems using smooth belts.
· Existing idler pulleys may normally end up being retrofitted to an ISP without major system modifications.
· No maintenance is necessary once the belt tracking parameters have already been established.
· It prolongs belt life 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 system frame using commercially available pillow blocks. A clamp can be used 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.
· Used selectively when the ISP is a steering roll in a multiple pulley program.
Protected 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, prevent the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will right now rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This method enables the belt to become tracked while running under tension.
Secure the ISP to the shaft using the split collar and locking screw built into the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a unit. When the required tracking characteristics are obtained, avoid the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will now rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This method allows the belt to become tracked while running under tension.
The Rotated Collar Approach to ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually adjust each belt/pulley combination whenever there are multiple pulleys on a common shaft.
· Utilized when systems have a cantilevered shafting typical of serpentine and other complex belt route systems. It is recommended that these adjustments be made only once 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 desired belt tracking characteristics are obtained, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Correct for You?
There are numerous applications because of this new product, so Ever-power designs and manufactures independently steerable pulleys to suit your needs. Contact Ever-power to go over your questions or for design assistance.
Ever-power is 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 production applications.
System Configuration
Number 1 1 – The drive pulley is a friction drive pulley.
· The ISP is certainly a friction-driven pulley. This configuration is certainly specified for a monitoring accuracy of 0.030″ (0.762 mm) or greater.
· Teflon® flanges are attached to the pulley body to establish 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
Number 2 2 – The drive pulley is a timing pulley.
· The ISP is a friction driven pulley. One’s teeth of the drive pulley and the perforations of the belt establish a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is utilized to reduce side-loading of the belt perforations. Tracking accuracy is between 0.008″ (0.203 mm) and 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal belt systems.
OR
· The ISP is certainly a timing pulley. The 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 utilized to minimize aspect loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking accuracy is usually 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Notice: Although it is generally not recommended to have timing elements in both the drive and driven pulleys, this style can be utilized selectively on steel belt systems with lengthy middle distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the surface of the pulley continuously changes the tracking feature of the belt.