What Is a Flexstar Belt?
A flexstar belt is a trade name for a type of flat belt. As a friction belt, it transmits power through the frictional force between pulleys and the belt. Constructed from special synthetic rubber, it boasts a thin profile, enabling high-speed use with small-diameter pulleys.
The design of a flexstar belt includes transverse shear reinforcement on the front side to increase rigidity perpendicular to the running direction, preventing vertical tearing. This structure also enhances bendability in the running direction, facilitating use with small pulley diameters.
The belt’s core wire, made of specially processed polyester cord, minimizes elongation and maximizes strength. The rubber portion, composed of synthetic or chloroprene rubber, offers exceptional abrasion, weather, and alcohol resistance, improving the coefficient of friction and extending the belt’s lifespan.
Uses of Flexstar Belts
Flexstar belts are extensively employed in various industrial, machine tool, and office automation equipment, capitalizing on their compact size and high-speed capabilities. They are prevalent in general industrial machinery like blowers, pumps, and compressors; textile machinery such as winders and weaving machines; machine tools including NC lathes and drilling machines; electrical devices like generators and electronic equipment; as well as in paper manufacturing machinery and various office automation devices.
Features of Flexstar Belts
Flexstar belts are characterized by their thin, flexible design, allowing for small pulley diameters and compact machinery. Their lightweight nature reduces the impact of centrifugal force, supporting high-speed operation up to about 60 m/s. The belt’s substantial transmission capacity enables narrower belt widths, while the simple pulley shapes facilitate easier machining. Uniform belt thickness ensures reduced vibration and smoother operation. The special synthetic rubber material of the belt provides excellent heat and oil resistance, and prevents static electricity generation.
Another notable feature is the belt’s minimal elongation, virtually eliminating the need for tension adjustments and tension pulleys. While belt transmission relies on friction between the pulley and belt, leading to some slippage, flexstar belts are suitable for applications where slippage loss is not a concern.
Smaller flexstar belts are produced using one-piece molding techniques, ensuring seamlessness for increased flexibility and bendability.