Metal conveyor belt pulleys are critical to the look of any automated conveyor belt program. They become the driving force behind the movement of the belt, producing torque and quickness. In very general terms it can be said that pulleys are categorized as friction drive or timing pulleys (type I and II). Precision is the name of the game with regards to pulleys. A metal belt is only as good and precise as the pulleys. The majority of pulleys suggested by Ever-power are constructed with anodized aluminum (hard coat) with the right friction coefficient to operate a vehicle the metal belt. Stainless steel can also be used nonetheless it is expensive and heavy, although it might end up being indicated using applications where extra hardness is essential. If your application takes a lighter pulley, the professionals at Ever-power will help you choose the best material.
Selecting the correct pulley size and construction can have a substantial effect on the lifespan and performance of a conveyor belt. Ever-power engineers possess the data and experience to help you choose the appropriate pulley type, diameter, and composition to minimize maintenance downtime and maximize product volume.
Metal Conveyor Belt Pulley Types
Ever-power designs custom steel conveyor belt pulleys and configurations to bring maximum efficiency to your system. While steel conveyor belts are typically made of stainless steel, pulleys can be created from a number of materials, including light weight aluminum or a number of plastic composites. Based on the unique needs of one’s body, the pulleys can also be installed with custom timing attachments, relief 
stations, and more.
Independently Steerable Pulley
Ever-power has developed a forward thinking concept in flat belt tracking called the ISP (independently steerable pulley), which can be utilized in the next system designs:
· Two pulley conveyor systems where the ISP is the idler or driven pulley
· Systems with multiple idler pulleys on a common shaft
· Systems with serpentine or other complex belt paths
Steering smooth belts with an ISP is based on the concept of changing tension human relationships across the width of the belt simply by adjusting the angle of the pulley relative to the belt.
Rather than moving the pulley shaft remaining/right or up/straight down by pillow block adjustment, the ISP fits a adjustable steering collar and sealed bearing assembly to the body of the pulley.
The steering collar was created with either a skewed or an offset bore. When rotated, the collar changes the angle of the pulley body, leading to controlled, bi-directional motion of the belt over the pulley face.
The ISP is exclusively available from Ever-power. It provides a simple method of steering flat metal belts. Users may combine ISP steering with the traditional belt tracking designs of crowning, flanging, and timing elements to make a synergistic belt tracking system which effectively and precisely steers the belt to specific tracking parameters.
Unique Characteristics and Advantages of the ISP
· Flat belts are tracked quickly by rotating the steering collar.
· ISP designs minimize downtime when replacing belts on creation machinery.
· ISP system is easy to use and needs no special tools or teaching.
· ISP simplifies the design and assembly of conveyor systems using smooth belts.
· Existing idler pulleys can normally be retrofitted to an ISP without major system modifications.
· No maintenance is necessary once the belt tracking parameters have been established.
· It prolongs belt life by minimizing aspect loading when using flanges and timing pulleys.
ISP Pulley (picture and cross-section view)
Installation and Use
The ISP is mounted to the machine frame using commercially available pillow blocks. A clamp can be used to prevent the shaft from turning.
The Rotated Shaft Approach to ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Is used with systems having an individual pulley on the shaft.
· Is ALWAYS used when the pulley body is definitely a capped tube design.
· Is NEVER used when multiple pulleys are on a common shaft.
· Used selectively when the ISP is definitely a steering roll in a multiple pulley system.
Protected the ISP to the shaft using the split collar and locking screw included in the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a device. When the required tracking characteristics are obtained, prevent the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will right now rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This technique allows the belt to be tracked while running under tension.
Protected the ISP to the shaft using the split training collar and locking screw built into the ISP. Rotate the shaft and collar as a device. When the desired tracking features are obtained, avoid the shaft from rotating by securing the shaft clamp. The pulley body will right now rotate about the bearing included in the ISP assembly. This technique enables the belt to become tracked while operating under tension.
The Rotated Collar Method of ISP Flat Belt Tracking
· Used to individually change each belt/pulley combination whenever there are multiple pulleys on a common shaft.
· Used when systems have a cantilevered shafting typical of serpentine and additional complex belt route systems. It is suggested that these modifications be made only once the belt is at rest.
Fix the shaft via the shaft clamp, loosen the locking screw of the steering collar, and rotate the steering collar about the shaft. When the desired belt tracking features are acquired, secure the locking screw.
Which Design Is Right for You?
There are plenty of applications for this new product, so Ever-power designs and manufactures independently steerable pulleys to meet your requirements. Contact Ever-power to go over your questions or for style assistance.
Ever-power is the worldwide leader in the look and manufacturing of application-specific pulleys, metal belts, and drive tapes. Our products provide exclusive benefits for machinery used in precision positioning, timing, conveying, and automated production applications.
System Configuration
Number 1 1 – The drive pulley is a friction drive pulley.
· The ISP is usually a friction-driven pulley. This configuration is certainly specified for a tracking precision of 0.030″ (0.762 mm) or greater.
· Teflon® flanges are attached to the pulley body to determine a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP can be used to set one edge of the belt against the flange with reduced side-loading to the belt.
System Configuration
Number 2 2 – The drive pulley is a timing pulley.
· The ISP is certainly a friction driven pulley. One’s teeth of the drive pulley and the perforations of the belt establish a lateral constraint. The steering feature of the ISP is utilized to reduce side-loading of the belt perforations. Tracking accuracy is between 0.008″ (0.203 mm) and 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for steel belt systems.
OR
· The ISP is a timing pulley. One’s teeth of the ISP and the perforations of the belt are used for precise monitoring control of the belt with the steering feature of the ISP used to minimize part loading of belt perforations. Again, tracking accuracy is 0.008″ (0.203 mm) to 0.015″ (0.381 mm) for metal bells.
Note: Although it is generally not recommended to possess timing elements in both drive and driven pulleys, this style can be utilized selectively on steel belt systems with long middle distances between pulleys and in applications where particulate accumulation on the top of pulley continuously changes the tracking characteristic of the belt.