Timing Belt Pitch Comparison

The various timing belt profiles (trapezoidal, HTD, PolyChain), timing belt construction (rubber or polyurethane), tensile cord members (fiberglass, steel, Aramid (Kevlar), carbon fiber) and timing belt pitch together dictate the amount of horsepower and speed that a timing belt can transmit.

Without considering the individuals merits of all the above factors horsepower is transmitted by both the pitch and width of the timing belt. In regards to timing belt pitch, the larger the timing belt tooth pitch the higher the horsepower it can transmit. However, both timing belt pitch and width have to be looked at in terms of space limitations for both the diameter of the circular pitch and also the width of the timing belt pulleys to be used. In addition if positional accuracy is required, smaller pitches are usually preferred because of their reduced clearance values.

Click here to see a chart that identifies the popular timing belt tooth profiles and pitches along with their related dimensions for belt height and also tooth depth.