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 called friction drives (because power is transmitted because of this of the belt’s adherence to the pulley) are an economical option for industrial, automotive, commercial, agricultural, and house appliance applications. V-belt drives are also easy to install, require no lubrication, and dampen shock load.
Here’s the catch: Regular friction drives may both slide and creep, resulting in inexact velocity ratios or degraded timing precision between input and output shafts. For this reason, it is essential to choose a belt befitting the application accessible.
Belt drives are among the earliest power transmitting systems and were widely used during the Industrial Revolution. After that, toned 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 market spurred new belt styles. V-belts, with a trapezoidal or V shape, manufactured from rubber, neoprene, and urethane synthetic materials, replaced flat belts. Now, the increased overall surface area material of contemporary belts adheres to pulley grooves through friction drive, to lessen the tension required to transmit torque. The very best part of the belt, called the strain or insulation section, consists of fiber cords for increased strength as it carries the load of traction pressure. It helps hold tension members in place and acts as a binder for better adhesion between cords and other sections. This way, 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 fit and construction for reliable, long-lasting performance.
V-Belts are the most common kind of drive belt used for power transmitting. Their primary function can be to transmit power from a main source, like a motor, to a second driven unit. They provide the best combination of traction, rate transfer, load distribution, and extended service life. The majority are endless and their cross section is usually trapezoidal or “V” shaped. The “V” form of the belt tracks in a similarly designed groove on a pulley or sheave. The v-belt wedges in to the groove as the load improves creating power distribution and torque. V-belts are commonly manufactured from rubber or polymer or there may be fibers embedded for added power and reinforcement.
V-belts are generally found in two construction V Belt groups: envelope (wrapped) and raw edge.

Wrapped belts have a higher level of resistance to oils and intense temperatures. They can be used as friction clutches during set up.
Raw edge type v-belts are better, generate less heat, enable smaller pulley diameters, enhance power ratings, and offer longer life.
V-belts appear to be relatively benign and simple devices. Just measure the best width and circumference, find another belt with the same sizes, and slap it on the drive. There’s only 1 problem: that approach is about as wrong as possible get.