Benefits of Investing in Nylon Timing Belt Pulleys Over Carbon Steel or Aluminium

22 December 2021
 Categories: Industrial & Manufacturing, Blog


Metallic pulleys offer a superior timing advantage when considering higher torque and horsepower applications. They have a considerable difference in tensile strength and size. Unfortunately, these are the only benefits they offer. On the contrary, nylon timing belt pulleys offer numerous advantages. They are relatively inexpensive compared to metal pulleys and offer various other benefits. Please take a look at some of them below.

They Are Non-Magnetic 

Nylon timing belt pulleys are non-magnetic, meaning they don't carry any magnetic signatures. This quality makes them ideal for various devices, industrial mechanisms, manufacturing processes and electronics. 

Such applications are highly vulnerable to even the tiniest change in magnetic fields. Since magnetic fields have zero effect on nylon pulleys, they are ideal for use around machinery, including magnetic conveyors and MRI equipment. 

Possess Excellent Longevity 

Generally, pulleys have web-supported working surfaces to withstand different loads and higher rotation speeds. The web relies on metallic inserts for the pulley's installation on its driveshaft. Typically, inserts are designed from carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminium with conventional mounting features. 

Remember that inserts are carefully machined parts, over-moulded during the nylon pulley manufacturing process. All these give nylon timing belt pulleys excellent longevity and performance.

Offer Higher Resistance to Chemicals and Corrosion

Compared to other conventional pulley materials, nylon possesses excellent resistance to chemicals and corrosion. Nylon belt pulleys do not rust or undergo oxidation, making them ideal options for harsher conditions. Furthermore, nylon is inherently a natural lubricant, which means it doesn't suffer premature deterioration.  

Are Flame Retardant 

Nylon timing belt pulleys are designed with flame retardant additives that conform to flammability regulations. That, in turn, means that these pulleys cannot combust without applying continuous heat or fire. In short, they are self-extinguishing and won't promote the spread of fire in an application. 

Do Not Promote Static Build-Up

Indeed, static build-up and its subsequent release can cause significant problems in applications that use belt pulleys in their processes. Generally, static electricity is generated from high-speed mechanical movement, humidity and location inside an electrical field. Consequently, this causes static charge build-up on the respective surfaces, which can be dangerous in highly flammable or explosive environments. 

Therefore, to help avert this problem, nylon timing belt pulleys are designed with PAN carbon fibre additives. Generally, nylon is an excellent insulation material on its own, but the addition of PAN will help to enhance its anti-static properties much further. 

It's undoubtedly true that nylon timing belt pulleys offer superior advantages to their metallic counterparts. They are versatile and will help maximise the performance and value of your application. Reach out to a professional who can help you with your belt pulley system. 


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