In 1921, Warren G. Harding became the 29th President of the United States, insulin was discovered, baseball’s World Series was broadcast on radio for the first time, and the predecessors of Timken Belts invented the raw edge v-belt.
Early v-belts were made of leather or balata and fabric, glued or riveted together. The materials evolved to natural rubber with a fabric covering, but the harsh demands of industry pushed for a better belt. Our solution was a raw edge die cut v-belt. This revolutionary multiple ply neutral axis raw edge v-belt was a huge success. The new raw edge v-belt was soon transmitting power on automobiles, industrial machines, business equipment and household appliances.
A v-belt is one of the most dynamic and rigorous uses of flexible materials. Everything is in constant motion changing from tension to compression thousands of times a minute as the drive rotates. Belts are used to transmit torque and rotation in an amazing variety of environments and configurations with an impressive efficiency compared to other forms of power transmission.
Our Super II® and Durapower II® v-belts still use this same basic design enhanced by improved compounds, technology and processes to meet today’s demands. The gripping power of raw edge sidewalls increases energy efficiency and reduces vibration for extended component life. The raw edge construction also allows more cord width for increased horsepower capacity compared to wrapped v-belts.
Information provided by Dale L. Waugh, former Director of V-Belt Research and Development at our Springfield, MO Technical Center.