While metal Timing Pulleys are by far the most common, metal free pulleys offer a number of advantages for situations where metal is a detriment.
Advantages of Metal Pulleys
When we think of pulley construction material it is easy to understand why metal timing pulleys are so common. Metal pulleys offer obvious strength benefits, making them ideal for high horsepower drive systems. Metal pulleys also have the advantage of being very easy to find.
That being said, there are a number of reasons why metal may not be preferable nor, even, an option.
Benefits of Metal Free Pulleys
Engineered plastics, and nylon timing pulleys in particular, offer a number of material advantages over their metal counterparts.
Weight
Nylon timing pulleys have a significant advantage over metal pulleys in the weight category. The specific gravity of Nylon is 1.3, aluminum is 2.7 and steel is 7.8. This contributes to overall system weight reduction and if inertia is a factor, there is no other economical choice. Lower weight equals greater performance efficiency.
Non Corrosive and Chemical resistant
Nylon Timing Pulleys are both chemical and corrosion resistant in virtually all manufacturing environments.
Non-Magnetic
Metal free, nylon pulleys also offer the advantage of being non-magnetic. Nonmagnetic applications are rare but in a high flux environment even aluminum will register, nylon will not
Additives in Nylon
The properties of a Nylon pulley can be improved with the addition of additives. The addition of carbon removes any possibility of electrostatic discharge build up, Kevlar or carbon fibers to increase tensile strength or FDA approved material and resistant to bacterial buildup.
Nylon Timing Pulleys are Cost Effective
Nylon timing pulleys also outperform metal timing pulleys economically. They’re more cost effective to produce and in fractional horse power applications they have an enduring track record for reliability, both of which save you money.
Nylon Vs. Metal Pulleys
If you’d like to learn more about metal free pulleys, download the Nylon vs. Metal Pulleys whitepaper below. Contact us to learn more!
