Stage 1: Peak Torque
The first stage is the determination of the peak torque for the drive. This is mostly the starting torque of the motor. However there may also be momentary or shock loads that are unusual occurring during normal operation.
Stage 2: Diameter Determination
The second stage is the determination of the diameters of the largest pulley that can be utilized. This is done in consideration of the space limitations and the system’s drive ratio. This helps by increasing the drive’s torque capacity and prolonging the service life of the belt.
Stage 3: Tooth Profile Selection
The third stage is the selection of the tooth profile of the belt. If for the selected profile, the torque for the peak drive is at the upper limits of torque transmission capability, consider making use of the next higher torque rated profile. For the selected profile, find the corresponding pitch. For the calculation of the required number of belt teeth, this value will be needed.
Stage 4: Calculating T.I.M
Calculate the T.I.M (teeth in mesh), bearing in mind the teeth in mesh factor. The peak torque from stage one must now be divided by the T.I.M. factor in order to determine the design torque. An important point to note is to check the belt pitch again to ensure that your application has not been moved outside the limits of the pitch that is desired for the chosen pulleys by this adjustment in torque.
Stage 5: Belt Pitch Length
This stage involves the calculation of the belt pitch length based on the distance of the design center of the drive.
Stage 6: Length Division and Belt Pitch
The sixth stage involves the division of the length of the belt pitch by the selected tooth pitch and rounding of the result to the nearest whole number. This will be the number of teeth on the belt for the application. The nominal center distance of the drive design must be adjusted to match the belt.
Stage 7: Calculating Effective Tension
This seventh stage calculates the effective tension (Te) on the drive by using the pitch radius and design torque of the loaded pulley that is the smallest in the system.
Stage 8: Strength Factor
In this stage, the selection of the strength factor for the application is done. The effective tension from stage seven is then divided by the strength factor to determine the break strength required for the belt design. To represent a double span break, multiply by 2. For the determination of the reinforcement type that is required and the belt width, consult the table for the break strength. The value that is listed in the table must be larger than the break strength for the design.
Stage 9: Belt Width Selection
This stage involves the selection of the belt width that is able to handle the torque of the design with the selected size of the pulley. An important point to note is that the required width of the belt for the system will be wider of the two.