Last modified: 02. 12. 2024
Abstract
Timing belts, like other drive belts, are used in machines for transport drive and control systems. They are made of various types of polymers, most often rubber, but also thermo and chemically hardened polyurethanes. Modification of the properties of these belts by means of 3D printing is possible depending on the material from which the hose is made and the available printing technology. It is possible to apply an additional layer on the back side of the belt as well as for printing additional elements such as sensors and printing cleats. For a number of years, there have been additional elements in the form of cleats and handles on timing belts, but previously they were made by machining or obtained in the technology of plastic injection into the mold. These technologies did not allow to design the internal structure of the handle, as well as in terms of shape there were limitations related to the technology of production. 3D printing gives us a number of new possibilities in this area, which are more and more widely used, but have not yet been researched and developed.