Resources
Belts, Pulleys, and SheavesMPTA Bulletins on Belts, Pulleys, and Sheaves
MPTA B3c – Synchronous Drive Identification Informational Bulletin (MPTA B3c-2020)
This informational bulletin categorizes current and discontinued synchronous drive products by tooth form.
MPTA B11i – Belt Drive Misalignment Informational Bulletin (MPTA-B11i-2018 R2024)
Proper alignment is crucial for optimal belt service life and performance. This informational bulletin provides information on belt drive misalignment and recommendations for maximum misalignment angles for V-belt, V-ribbed, and synchronous belt drives. It also provides a formula for calculating the allowable misalignment offset based on the center distance, and includes a table with the maximum allowable misalignment offsets for different center distances.
MPTA Standards on Belts, Pulleys, and Sheaves
MPTA B1c – Bore and Keyway Tolerances for V-Belted Sheaves (MPTA-B1c-2010)
This standard defines the bore and keyway tolerances to be used for V-belted sheaves.
MPTA B2c -Standard Practice Sheave / Pulley Balancing (MPTA-B2c-2017 R2024)
This document is a standard practice for sheave/pulley balancing in mechanical power transmission, including guidelines for one-plane and two-plane balancing. Defines the balance tolerances to be used with all transmission sheaves/pulleys with or without grooves or teeth.
MPTA B4c – Standard Surface Finish for Transmission Pulleys (MPTA-B4c 2024)
This document outlines the standard surface finish requirements for transmission sheaves and pulleys. It applies to v-groove sheaves, cylindrical (flat) pulleys, and synchronous pulleys.
MPTA B6c – Quick Detachable Bushing and Mating Hub (MPTA-B6c-2020)
This standard provides general dimensions and tolerances for inch and metric quick detachable bushings and mating hubs.
MPTA B7i – Calculation of V-Belt Tensions And Shaft Loads (MPTA-B7i-2024)
V-Belts will transmit power satisfactorily over a wide range of tensions. An experienced user can develop a “feel” when a drive is tensioned within this range. However, to optimize belt life and performance and to avoid undue stress on shafts and bearings it is desirable to calculate and measure belt tension based on drive loads. This standard provides a method for calculating and measuring V-Belt tensions and for calculating shaft loads associated with these tensions on two-sheave locked center drives.
MPTA B8i – Sheave Arm Stress Formula (MPTA-B8i-2011 R2016)
This standard provides a method for calculating bending stresses in v-belt sheave arms.
MPTA B9i – Taper-Lock Bushing & Mating Hub Standard (MPTA-B9i-2020)
This standard defines the general dimensions and tolerances for Taper-Lock detachable bushings and mating hubs.
MPTA B10i – Split Taper Bushing Standard (MPTA-B10i-2020)
This publication is intended to provide dimensions and tolerances, which permit bushings made by one manufacturer to be used to mount sheaves or other products made by different manufacturer.
MPTA B13i – Rim Speed Limits Standard (MPTA-B13i-2013 R2019)
This standard provides rim speed limits for sheaves and pulleys based on typical construction and materials. Any rim speed above 6,500 feet per minute must be carefully considered.
ARPM Belt Drive Publications
The following publications are prepared in collaboration with the member companies of the Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers (ARPM). These publications are available for purchase from this page on the ARPM website.
- IP-20 Classical Multiple V-Belts (A,B,C., D, and E Cross Sections)
- IP-21 Double V-Belts (AA, BB, CC, and DD Cross Sections)
- IP-22 Narrow Multiple V-Belts (3V, 5V, and 8V Cross Sections)
- IP-23 Single V-Belts (2L, 3L, 4L, and 5L Cross Sections)
- IP-24 Synchronous Belts (MXL, XL, L, H, XH, and XXH Belt Sections)
- IP-25 Variable Speed V-Belts (12 Cross Sections)
- IP-26 V-Ribbed Belts (H, J, K, L, and M Cross Sections)
- IP-27 Curvilinear Toothed Synchronous Belts (H3M, R3M, S3M, H5M, S5M, H8M, R8M, S8M, H14M, R14M, S14M, H20M, and R20M Belt Pitches)