Polyurethane Timing Belt and Rubber Timing Belt: Which One is Better?

Polyurethane and rubber are the materials that are largely used in industry belts. The major function of these timing belts is to coordinate with the machine’s combustion cycle by connecting the camshaft (a rod with lobes that controls the opening and closing of the valves) and the crankshaft (backbone of the internal combustion engine). In other words, the belts are responsible for synchronizing the different parts of the machine.  In this post, we will discuss the difference between polyurethane timing belts and rubber timing belts.

Difference Between PU Timing and Rubber Timing Belt

Polyurethane Timing Belt 

This belt consists of high-quality thermoplastic polyurethane which guarantees smooth functioning and is very durable and resistant to any kind of wear- tear, and scratches. They are also resistant to heat, chemicals, and oil which makes them suitable for usage in a wide range of applications. 

Rubber Timing Belt

On the other hand, the rubber timing belt is constructed with a rubber body that has cords that are either made of steel wire or glass fiber. The cords run parallel to the length of the belt, providing strength and rigidity for productivity. The rubber timing belt is highly used in automobiles, agriculture, and manufacturing industries because of its efficiency and reliability. 

Here are some of the other things that differentiate both the timing Belt.

Material: 

The very first and obvious difference between the two belts is their material. PU timing belt is made with a flexible polyurethane body and steel or Kevlar cords, while the rubber timing belt has a rubber body with glass fiber and steel wire cords. The difference in the materials affects the performance of both the belts.

Strength & Durability:

Compared to the rubber timing belt, the PU one has greater strength and durability. The PU belt is made of steel or Kevlar which provides better strength, which makes it more durable. However, the same cannot be said for the rubber cords, as they can break due to heavy load.

Temperature Resistance:

The PU belt material is made of Polyurethane, which makes it better resistant to heat. They can operate in the temperature range of -30°c to 110°C. This property makes PU timing belts apt for applications that require manufacturing in high temperatures like food processing and automobile industries. Whereas the rubber belt has comparatively lesser heat resistance power ranging from -20°c to 70 °c.

Chemical Resistance:

Again when it comes to PU versus rubber timing belts, the former has a better tolerance level for chemical, heat, and abrasion. They are less prone to corrosion and can function in extreme climatic conditions be it heat or rain. On the other hand, rubber timing belts have limited chemical resistance and their quality may even degrade if exposed to certain kinds of chemicals.

Applications:

Considering the different kinds of features that these belts have, one can understand the PU timing belt is the tougher and more precise one. It can easily function in harsh climatic conditions and is resistant to chemicals. It is highly used in food processing, power transmission, and food processing industries. On the other hand, rubber timing belts need elasticity and moisture resistance. It is suitable for the textile, wood, and paper industries.

Final Words…

Both the Polyurethane timing belt and the rubber timing belt have different properties, features, and properties. While both belts serve the same purpose of synchronizing the different parts of the machine they are well-suited for different kinds of industries. If you too are looking for a high-quality timing belt for your manufacturing industry, you can check out the DKTEE

 wide range of timing belts. Their products have exceptional combinations of high strength, minimal elongation, and durability. Hopefully, this post will help you understand the difference between both belts and choose the one that suits your needs best.