39 www.drivesncontrols.com March 2026 BEARINGS, BELTS AND CHAINS n n suitable for non-thermoplastic materials such as rubber or silicone, when combined with polyamide tapes; n good for high-resilience or shock-resistant applications; and n operates effectively at temperatures of up to 100°C But Thermofix joints result in increased stiffness and are thus not recommended for small pulley diameters. Mechanical lacing This uses metal or plastic fasteners attached to the belt ends via a pneumatic press or roller. A metal or plastic pin secures the joint. There are three common styles: steel lacing; Mecafast; and Mecaflex. Steel lacing is pressed directly onto the belt ends. In the Mecafast method, a plastic lace is attached to a short fabric segment and then bonded to the belt using Thermofix joining. The Mecaflex technique similarly uses a short fabric segments, but is bonded using the Flexproof method. There are several preparation options for mechanical lacing. These include a hidden or recessed lace, where the lace is installed below the belt surface. Another option is a “flap-over hidden lace”, where a flap of belt material covers the lace, providing additional protection and a smoother belt surface. Mechanical lacing is good where quick or frequent belt changes are needed. Once the lace has been attached, installation in the field requires no special tools. But the initial attachment requires specialised equipment. Habasit offers pre-installed lace options. n The Thermofix technique is used to join thermoset plastics Composite belts sprockets cut costs and weight by ‘up to 80%’ By using advanced composite materials and carbon fibre reinforcement, ContiTech has developed a new form of belt sprocket that it claims will redefine standards in the power transmission industry and help users to optimise drive performance and cut system costs. It adds that the development of the Thunderbolt SilentSync composite sprockets will deliver “unmatched benefits in weight reduction, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility”, while expanding access to its SilentSync belt technology. The sprockets, made from a patented high-strength material, promise weight reductions of up to 80% compared to steel versions, lowering rotational inertia “significantly” and simplifying installation, especially in vertical shaft applications. The sprockets have been optimised for demanding synchronous belt applications. They have undergone more than 200,000 hours of lab testing, and five years of field trials in applications ranging from HVAC to food processing Joe Glandorf, head of product management in ContiTech’s power transmission business in the Americas, says the new sprockets have been designed with real-world challenges in mind. “From energy savings to improved workplace safety, these sprockets deliver real operational value,” he declares. “Whether you're upgrading existing systems or designing new ones, this technology offers an ideal path forward.” The sprockets are currently available in helical offset tooth versions. Future plans include straight tooth profiles, as well as large-diameter sprockets for aircooled heat exchanger applications where the weight savings are a particular attraction. Users can tailor the sprocket designs to suit their power transmission needs, while benefiting from improved handling, reduced shipping and storage costs, and extended equipment longevity as a result of lower overhung weights. ContiTech estimates that the combination of the new sprocket with its SilentSync belts will cut drive conversion costs by up to 30% compared to using traditional metal sprockets. “This is more than just a product launch,” says Robert Jack, distribution and PTS marketing communications manager in ContiTech’s Industrial Solutions Americas business. “It’s a transformative step toward making highperformance drive systems more accessible, efficient, versatile, and economical.” It will “empower users to harness the full potential of our SilentSync belt technology with a lighter, corrosion-resistant, and more cost-effective sprocket solution,” he adds. ContiTech’s corrosion-resistant and customisable composite sprockets can cut weights by up to 80% compared to steel versions
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