Failure analysis of Micro-V and Poly-V belts
The wear and premature breakage of a belt can result from a number of causes, such as friction, Pulley misalignment, overheating, contact with foreign bodies, etc...
Abrasion
Appearance :
Origin :
Recommendation:
The back of the Belt appears shiny or glazed. At an advanced stage, the textile becomes visible.
During operation, the Belt may come into contact with an object such as a metal edge or bolt.
Change the Belt and remove any foreign matter. Check belt tension before restarting.
Detachment of pieces of material
Aspect:
Origin :
Recommendation:
Pieces of rubber come loose. When this happens, the Belt can break at any time.
Pieces of material can come off when the cracks run parallel to the tensile Cords. Heat and the age of the Belt are the main causes of this phenomenon.
Replace the Belt with a Gates Micro-V® Belt. Gates belts are recommended for their high flexibility and heat resistance.
Scrub
Aspect
Origin :
Recommendation:
Rubber residue in the grooves.
Loss of tension, misalignment, damaged or worn Pulleys - these are common problems with diesel engines.
If the Belt makes noise or vibrates, it should be replaced.
Irregular striae
Appearance :
Origin :
Recommendation:
The Belt is damaged and probably the traction cords. When the Belt is in motion, a noise can be heard due to friction.
Presence of a foreign element in the Pulley which could cut the Belt.
Change the Belt and check the Pulley. Replace pulley if necessary.
Incorrect installation
Appearance :
Origin :
Recommendation:
A damaged outer ridge.
One of the outer strands of the Belt comes out of the grooves in the Pulley.
Change the Belt. Make sure that all the strands of the new belt fit correctly into the grooves in the Pulley. Restart the machine for a few cycles and check that the system is working correctly again.
Cracking
Appearance :
Origin :
Recommendation:
Small cracks visible along the striae.
The Belt is exposed to high temperatures and the bending tension around the Pulley causes cracks.
Change the Belt for a Gates Micro-V® belt suitable for high temperatures and resistant to cracking. Check pulleys for wear. Change if necessary.
Misalignment
Appearance :
Origin :
Recommendation:
The sides of the Belt may look shiny or the side tensile cords may fray. A peculiar noise may occur. The Belt may come off the Pulley.
Misalignment forces the Belt to twist as it travels, causing damage.
Change the Belt and realign the Pulleys. Also check that the transmission system is not damaged.
Impact
Appearance :
Origin :
Recommendation:
Small holes are visible on the back of the Belt. Nicks or dents may be visible, textiles or cords may be damaged.
Elements such as sand or gravel are trapped between the grooves of the Belt and the grooves of the Pulley.
The Belt must be replaced.