You can buy pulleys of different types - round belt pulleys, flat belt pulleys and V-belt pulleys. A flat belt pulley or the flat belt sheave is the best option for high-speed, low-power applications. Typical applications of flat belt pulleys are in textiles, paper industries and in office machinery such as computer printers.

The advantage of a flat belt pulley system is that in over torque situations, the belt restricts the damage. Flat belt drive pulleys and flat belt idler pulleys have a crown, which keeps the belt in center and provides support to the center of the belt where there is maximum stress. Flat belt pulleys are also useful when used behind a conventional V-belt.

For general flat belt applications, use steel pulleys. However, for applications that require a high strength to weight ratio, aluminum or bronze pulleys are better options. Plastic and composite materials are other options to improve the strength to weight ratio of a pulley.

Some of the important parameters you must consider before purchasing a flat belt pulley are:

1. Torque and load acting on the flat belt pulley
2. Required diameter and bore size
3. Required type of flat belt pulley such as non-flanged, single flange or double flange

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a suitable flat belt pulley from a reputable manufacturer

Once you understand your requirements, start searching for different standard pulleys offered by flat belt pulley manufacturers.

I recommend: MISUMI manufactures various components for a belting system including flat belt pulleys and idlers. Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instrument offers inch and metric flat belt pulleys. POBCO provides plastic flat belt pulleys and thermoplastic idler pulleys.

Buy a flat belt pulley from a retailer or a distributor

You can also buy a flat belt pulley from a retailer or a distributor after comparing products from different manufacturers. The retailers may also provide a discount if you are buying in bulk.

I recommend: powertransmission.com helps you buy a wide range of flat belt pulleys. Bearing Industrial & Supplies offers flat belt pulleys from different manufacturers. Globalspec offers a list of manufacturers as well as distributors for flat belt pulley systems. BDI is another online distributor that provides pulleys from various reputable manufacturers of flat belt pulleys.

Buy a customized flat belt pulley

If the standard flat belt pulleys available in the market do not meet your application requirements, consult a custom flat belt pulley manufacturer. You can order a customized flat belt pulley by providing the required flat belt pulley specification to the manufacturer.

I recommend: Contact New Hampshire Industries to get custom made steel flat belt pulleys. W.M. Berg offers standard as well as customized aluminum and steel pulleys. Brewer Machine & Gear offers customized power transmission drive components including flat belt pulleys.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consult an expert to align your flat belt pulley system in a proper manner.
• •  Keep an inventory of fasteners used for flat belt pulleys to avoid downtime.