CIC belts
Belts are the ideal component for quiet transmission of torque and motion.
They must be highly resistant to friction wear (against the pulleys and sprockets they contact) and must keep their structure flexible through work cycles at high and low temperatures.
There are three variants depending on the application:
- Serpentine (multi-rib) belts.
- V-belts.
- Timing belts.
Serpentine and V-belts are black and have a very high surface roughness so that, under high operating temperatures, they conform to the side faces of the pulley, increasing friction and lateral contact, which reduces slippage and noise.
Made (depending on the application) of EPDM, HBN and HBNR with polyester or steel cords, which provide high resistance to deformation and fracture and great lateral and radial stability, improving contact with the pulley or sprocket surface. Operating values vary according to the specifications and dimensions of each belt.
Exact dimensions, because the surfaces are ground during manufacturing, allowing very precise control of the top width and side faces.
The inner cords (or reinforcing fibers) are thermally active, which makes the belt very stable once the engine reaches operating temperature—but only if the belt is installed and tensioned correctly (always check the working tension).
Requirements for correct belt installation:
- The tooth surfaces of the sprockets and the pulley grooves must be clean and free of surface damage.
- There must be no misalignment between pulleys and shafts.
- Never replace the belt without replacing the other tensioning components of the system the belt belongs to.
- Working tension values must be respected and verified.
- Timing belts must never come into contact with oil, before or after installation.