Engineering a notched belt is usually a balancing act among flexibility, tensile cord support, and tension distribution. Precisely designed and spaced notches help evenly distribute tension forces as the belt bends, thereby helping to prevent undercord cracking and extending belt existence.

Like their synchronous belt cousins, V-belts have undergone tremendous technological development since their invention by John Gates in 1917. New synthetic rubber substances, cover materials, construction methods, tensile cord advancements, and cross-section profiles have resulted in an often confusing selection of V-belts that are highly application particular and deliver vastly different degrees of performance.
Unlike smooth belts, which rely solely on friction and may track and slip off pulleys, V-belts have sidewalls that match corresponding sheave grooves, offering additional surface area and V Belt greater balance. As belts operate, belt tension applies a wedging power perpendicular to their tops, pressing their sidewalls against the sides of the sheave grooves, which multiplies frictional forces that permit the drive to transmit higher loads. What sort of V-belt fits into the groove of the sheave while operating under stress impacts its performance.
V-belts are manufactured from rubber or synthetic rubber stocks, so they have the versatility to bend around the sheaves in drive systems. Fabric materials of varied kinds may cover the stock material to provide a layer of safety and reinforcement.
V-belts are manufactured in a variety of industry standard cross-sections, or profiles
The classical V-belt profile dates back to industry standards developed in the 1930s. Belts produced with this profile come in many sizes (A, B, C, D, E) and lengths, and so are widely used to displace V-belts in older, existing applications.
They are used to replace belts on industrial machinery manufactured in other areas of the world.
All the V-belt types noted over are usually available from producers in “notched” or “cogged” variations. Notches reduce bending stress, permitting the belt to wrap more easily around little diameter pulleys and permitting better temperature dissipation. Excessive high temperature is a significant contributor to premature belt failing.

Wrapped belts have an increased resistance to oils and intense temperatures. They can be utilized as friction clutches during set up.
Raw edge type v-belts are better, generate less heat, allow for smaller pulley diameters, enhance power ratings, and provide longer life.
V-belts appear to be relatively benign and simple pieces of equipment. Just measure the top width and circumference, discover another belt with the same sizes, and slap it on the drive. There’s only 1 problem: that approach is about as wrong as possible get.