When selecting a timing belt pulley there are a number of factors to take into consideration. The first thing you must consider is the end applications. What sort of environment will the timing belt pulley be operating in? Often, the application itself will dictate what sort of timing belt pulley will work best. In general, however, nylon timing belt pulleys offer a number of advantages over more traditional metal construction.
Advantages of Nylon
Nylon, as a construction material, offers a number of advantages to recommend it. Probably the most easily recognized advantage is weight. Nylon is well known as a light weight material. Nylon is a fraction of the weight of aluminum or steel and, as a result, produces low inertia components.
Less well understood are nylons non-magnetic properties. Nylon is a naturally non-metallic material. This means that nylon is ideal for use in applications where strong magnetic fields are present, like MRI's.
Additives also add to the list of advantages in nylons favor. With the addition of additives into the manufacturing process nylon's natural resistance to static can be greatly increased. This is especially important in applications in explosive environments where there will be exposure to flammable gases, solvents, or particles. Additives can also greatly increase the flame resistance of nylon.
Nylon is also a naturally corrosion resistant material. This means that nylon will not rust or oxidize, which contributes to the long service life of nylon components.
Making the Right Choice
At the end of the day, what it comes down to is choosing a material that meets the needs of the application while also being cost effective. Often this balance is best achieved when using nylon as the construction material. Because of the advantages offered by nylon, choosing nylon timing belt pulleys is often the most practical choice.
