ContiTech Develops Higher HP Polyurethane Timing Belt

CLEVELAND, July 6, 2004 – A new generation polyurethane power transmission timing belt that allows the end-user to operate motors at higher horsepower has been developed by ContiTech's Power Transmission Group.

Called the “Synchroflex Gen III,” the new polyurethane timing belt is reinforced with steel cord tension members, and includes the popular “S and Z” twist. “The ‘S and Z’ twist – or bi-filar winding – is an industry standard and allows the belt to track straighter on pulleys,” said Roger Homer, director of marketing for ContiTech’s North American Power Transmission Group.

“Higher cord packages and new polyurethane mixture provides additional strength to the belt and the new formula also allows us to build a belt that is virtually maintenance free.”

The distinctive red color belt offers increased hardness – up to 45 percent tooth-load capacity and 30 percent more load-bearing teeth, with an overall increase in performance of more than 25 percent.

“The bottom line is that there is minimum tooth deformation and increased abrasion resistance in the polyurethane belt,” said Homer. “And this allows designers to reduce the size of the timing belt transmission while offering the same horsepower.”

The Synchroflex GEN III is suitable for temperatures of up to 100° C, offers a longer service life, and features all the familiar advantages of chemical resistance to oil, swelling or UV light. An added benefit is a quieter running belt – especially during start-up on the flanged wheel.

Applications for the belt include painting lines and skid units. The polyurethane belts are available through normal ContiTech distribution points.

ContiTech Power Transmission Group, a business unit of the ContiTech Division of Continental AG, develops and manufactures a wide range of drive systems for the automotive original equipment and replacement markets, appliance and industrial equipment industries. ContiTech Power Transmission Group employs more than 1,325 worldwide.