Drive Belt vs Serpentine Belt:What is the Difference

Transmission belts and serpentine belts are both common transmission methods in mechanical transmission, and they are widely used in industrial production. Although they all belong to belt transmission, they have significant differences in shape and usage. This article will provide a detailed introduction to drive belt vs serpentine belt: what is the difference.

1、 Different shapes

Drive belts are usually flat in shape and made of materials such as rubber or polyurethane. Its cross-section is rectangular or trapezoidal, and is generally used in transmissions with short shaft spacing.

The serpentine belt, on the other hand, is a curved transmission belt composed of multiple curved trapezoidal belts. Due to its appearance resembling a snake, it is called a serpentine belt. The characteristic of a serpentine belt is that it can be used on small diameter wheels, allowing for greater torque transmission under the same size.

2、 Different transmission principles

Drive belts transmit power from one shaft to another through static friction, usually achieved by pulleys. The hub of the drive belt is generally a flat hub, with a large contact area with the belt and high friction.

The transmission principle of a serpentine belt is to transmit torque through tension, and the curved trapezoidal belt enables the serpentine belt to fit well with small diameter wheels. The hub of a serpentine belt is generally a convex hub, with a smaller contact area with the belt, but a higher tension, which results in a greater transmitted torque.

3、 Different usage effects

The advantage of drive belts is low manufacturing cost, easy installation and maintenance. However, during high load, high-speed, and large-span transmission, the drive belt may experience issues such as deviation, sliding, and wear, affecting its service life and transmission efficiency.

The serpentine belt has the advantages of large transmission torque, high transmission efficiency, and low noise, especially in the application of small diameter wheels, which can better leverage its advantages. However, the manufacturing cost of serpentine belts is relatively high and it is also difficult to install and maintain.

Overall, drive belt vs serpentine belt, drive belt and serpentine belt each has their own applications. In short distance transmission and low load, low speed situations, the drive belt is an economical and practical choice. In high load, high-speed, and small diameter wheel transmission situations, serpentine belts are more suitable for use.