The most common systems for transmitting power from a drive to a driven shaft are belt, gear, and chain drives. But V-belt drive systems, also called friction drives (because power is transmitted consequently of the belt’s adherence to the pulley) are a cost-effective option for industrial, automotive, commercial, agricultural, and house appliance applications. V-belt drives are also simple to install, need no lubrication, and dampen shock load.
Here’s the catch: Standard friction drives may both slip and creep, resulting in inexact velocity ratios or degraded timing precision between input and output shafts. For this reason, it is important to choose a belt befitting the application accessible.
Belt drives are one of the earliest power tranny systems and were trusted through the Industrial Revolution. After that, flat belts conveyed power over huge distances and were made from leather. Later, demands for better machinery, and the development of large markets like the automobile industry spurred new belt designs. V-belts, with a trapezoidal or V shape, made of rubber, neoprene, and urethane synthetic materials, replaced flat belts. Now, the increased overall surface area 
material of contemporary belts adheres to pulley grooves through friction drive, to reduce the tension necessary to transmit torque. The very best part of the belt, called the tension or insulation section, includes fiber cords for increased strength as it carries the strain of traction pressure. It helps hold tension members set up and functions as a binder for greater adhesion between cords and other sections. In this manner, heat build-up is reduced, extending belt life.
We’ve designed our V-belts for wear, corrosion, and heat resistance with OE quality fit and structure for reliable, long-enduring performance.
V-Belts are the most common kind of drive belt used for power transmitting. Their primary function is to transmit power from a principal source, like a electric motor, to a second driven unit. They provide the best combination of traction, speed transfer, load distribution, and extended service life. Most are limitless and their cross section is usually trapezoidal or “V” designed. The “V” shape of the belt tracks in a likewise designed V Belt groove on a pulley or sheave. The v-belt wedges in to the groove as the strain improves creating power distribution and torque. V-belts are commonly manufactured from rubber or polymer or there could be fibers embedded for added power and reinforcement.
V-belts are generally found in two construction types: envelope (wrapped) and raw advantage.
Wrapped belts have an increased level of resistance to oils and extreme temperature ranges. They can be used as friction clutches during set up.
Raw edge type v-belts are more efficient, generate less heat, enable smaller pulley diameters, increase power ratings, and offer longer life.
V-belts appear to be relatively benign and basic devices. Just measure the best width and circumference, find another belt with the same measurements, and slap it on the drive. There’s only 1 problem: that approach is about as wrong as you can get.