The unexpected failure of a V-belt can lead to serious consequences such as machine downtime, production losses, and even damage to other equipment. Below are the most common causes of belt breakage and the preventive actions that can be taken:
- Belt Reaching Its Service Life: Every belt has a defined lifespan; material aging, continuous stress, and fatigue gradually weaken the belt.
- Excessive or Shock Loads: Operating the machine beyond its rated capacity or subjecting it to sudden load changes can create excessive tension on the belt, leading to breakage.
- Incorrect Installation and Tensioning: Over-tight or excessively loose installation causes the belt to operate under abnormal stress or leads to overheating due to slippage.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme temperatures, exposure to chemicals, or contact with oil or water can deteriorate the belt material, reducing its durability.
- Pulley Problems: Worn, rusty, dirty, or misaligned pulleys cause unbalanced belt operation and premature wear, increasing the risk of breakage.
To prevent such failures, regular maintenance inspections, proper belt selection (type and size suitable for the application and environment), installation and tensioning according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, periodic pulley inspections, and timely belt replacement before the end of its service life are critical preventive measures.