What is a timing belt?

Timing belts are fitted to rotary mechanisms in various power transmission systems. It is a portion of the internal combustion engine that helps synchronise the rotation of the camshaft and the crankshafts. It is also used in an interference engine to prevent the piston from striking the valves.

Types

Timing belts can be used across various environments. There are two main types of timing belts; single-side teeth and double-side teeth. According to the tooth shape, they can be generally classified as:

Curvilinear

The tooth is shaped like an arc or a half-circle. They have a higher contact area with a higher power transmission capacity. They are primarily used in automotive engines.

Trapezoidal

This timing belt has tapered teeth and is used in various industrial machines. It can transmit lesser power than the curvilinear ones.

Applications

Timing belts can come in various configurations and can be used in different processes, including:

• Electronic data processing equipment (EDP)
• Hydraulic gear pumps
• Office machinery
• Compressors
• Building machinery
• Machine tools
• Textile machinery
• Wood processing machinery
• Printing machinery