Timing Belt Pulleys & Timing Gears
Precision machined timing belt pulleys, synchronous drive components, and timing pulley replacement parts for power transmission systems
- All major tooth profiles: GT2, HTD, 3M, 5M, 8M, T-series, AT-series
- Metal detectable and X-ray detectable options available
- Custom machining and reverse engineering services
- Weight reduction improves acceleration and reduces energy consumption
- Zero corrosion in washdown environments
- Serving Chicago and nationwide since 1986
Overview
Custom plastic timing wheels for precise positioning and synchronous power transmission.
CDS Plastics manufactures precision timing belt pulleys (also called timing gears or timing wheels) that deliver accurate motion control without the weight, noise, and inertia of metal alternatives. Our CNC plastic machining capabilities produce toothed pulleys that perfectly mesh with GT2, HTD, T-series, and AT-series timing belts for reliable performance in demanding applications. We specialize in custom machined timing pulleys, replacement parts for obsolete equipment, and detectable plastic options for food safety programs.
Why Choose CDS Plastics Timing Belt Pulleys
Reduced Inertia for Faster Positioning
Plastic timing pulleys weigh significantly less than aluminum, dramatically reducing rotational inertia. This enables faster acceleration, more precise stops, and lower motor power requirements.
Quieter Operation Than Metal Gears
Our plastic synchronous pulleys reduce drive noise considerably, eliminating the metal-on-metal sounds common with aluminum timing wheels while maintaining precise tooth engagement.
Precision Tooth Profiles Through CNC Machining
We hold ±0.002" tolerances on critical tooth dimensions and pitch diameters, ensuring optimal belt mesh and eliminating premature wear from misaligned teeth.
Corrosion-Proof Performance
Unlike aluminum pulleys that oxidize and wear belts prematurely, our engineered plastics maintain smooth surfaces indefinitely, extending belt life significantly. Available in FDA approved timing pulleys and detectable plastic timing gears for food safety programs.
Solutions for Common Timing Drive Challenges
Excessive System Noise
High Inertia Limiting Speed
Belt Wear from Pulley Corrosion
Magnetic Interference Issues
Chemical Attack on Components
Obsolete Equipment Replacement
Technical Specifications & Capabilities
Machining Capabilities
- Diameter range: 0.5" to 24"
- Number of teeth: 10 to 200+
- Bore tolerance: ±0.0005" to ±0.002"
- Face width: Up to 6"
- Tooth pitch accuracy: ±0.001"
- Concentricity: 0.002" TIR
- Surface finish: 63Ra Standard. Better available.
Supported Tooth Profiles
- GT2/GT3: 2mm, 3mm, 5mm pitch
- HTD: 3M, 5M, 8M, 14M
- Trapezoidal (T-series): T2.5, T5, T10, T20
- AT-series: AT5, AT10, AT20
- Classical: MXL, XL, L, H, XH, XXH
- Custom profiles to match existing systems
Material Selection Guide
| Material | Key Properties | Temperature Range | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetal (Delrin®) | High stiffness, low friction, dimensional stability | -40°F to 180°F | General purpose, high precision requirements |
| Nylon 6/6 | High strength (10,000 psi), wear resistant, tough | -40°F to 250°F | High torque, impact loads, drive pulleys |
| UHMW-PE | Self-lubricating, quiet operation, shock absorbing | -260°F to 180°F | Low speed, high contamination areas |
| PEEK | Extreme temperature, chemical resistant, strong | Up to 480°F | High temperature, aggressive chemicals |
| Polycarbonate | Transparent, impact resistant, good accuracy | -40°F to 250°F | Applications requiring visual inspection |
| PVDF | Chemical resistant, FDA compliant, rigid | -80°F to 300°F | Chemical processing, food equipment |
| Glass-Filled Nylon | Enhanced stiffness, reduced thermal expansion | -40°F to 300°F | High loads, precision positioning |
Information We Need From You
To machine your timing pulleys, provide us with:
- Belt specifications: Tooth profile and pitch
- Pulley requirements: Number of teeth or pitch diameter
- Dimensional details: Belt width, face width, bore size
- Mounting features: Keyways, set screw flats, hub style
- Material preference: Based on your application requirements
- Sample part or drawing: For exact replication
Industries and Applications
Packaging Machinery
- Packaging equipment timing pulleys for servo-driven positioning systems
- Quick-change designs for format flexibility and indexing conveyors
- Lightweight pulleys reduce motor size requirements
- FDA-compliant and sanitary timing pulleys for food contact zones
- Washdown timing pulleys for daily cleaning cycles
Medical & Laboratory Equipment
- Non-magnetic for MRI compatibility
- USP Class VI materials available
- Precision motion in diagnostic equipment
- Autoclavable options for sterilization
Semiconductor & Electronics
- Clean room compatible materials
- Static-dissipative options prevent ESD
- No particle generation or contamination
- Precise positioning for pick-and-place systems
Food Processing Equipment
- FDA approved timing pulleys and USDA compliant materials
- Detectable plastic timing pulleys for contamination prevention
- Sanitary design pulleys resist daily sanitization
- Washdown-rated timing gears eliminate corrosion in wet environments
- Metal detectable timing pulleys and X-ray detectable timing pulleys available
Industrial Automation
- Robotic positioning systems
- Linear actuators and stages
- Reduced inertia for faster cycle times
- Custom profiles for OEM equipment
Material Handling Systems
- Sortation equipment timing drives
- Accumulation conveyor indexing
- Transfer systems and diverters
- Compatible with major conveyor manufacturers
Ordering Process
Information Required for Quoting
- Tooth profile and pitch (GT2, HTD, etc.)
- Number of teeth or pitch diameter
- Belt width and pulley face width
- Bore size and keyway requirements
- Quantity and delivery needs
Bore and Hub Options
- Plain bore: Customer machines to size
- Precision bore: Machined to your shaft diameter
- Keyway: Broached or milled per ANSI standards
- Set screw flats: For positive shaft locking
- Clamping hubs: Split hub designs available
- Taper-Lock bushings: Quick installation/removal
No Drawings? No Problem
Send us your worn timing pulleys or provide belt specifications. Our reverse engineering service captures tooth geometry and creates replacement pulleys for proper belt mesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between timing pulleys, timing gears, and timing wheels?
These terms are often used interchangeably in industry. Technically, "timing belt pulleys" is the correct term for toothed pulleys that mesh with timing belts. "Timing gears" typically refers to metal gears that mesh with other gears, though many people use this term for pulleys too. We manufacture the toothed pulleys that work with timing belts.
How much weight savings can I expect with plastic timing pulleys?
Plastic pulleys typically weigh substantially less than aluminum equivalents. For example, a 6" diameter aluminum pulley weighing 3 pounds would weigh about 1 pound in acetal. This dramatic reduction significantly improves system acceleration and reduces motor power requirements.
Can plastic pulleys handle the same torque as metal?
For many applications, yes. Glass-filled nylon pulleys approach the strength of aluminum while maintaining weight advantages. For extreme torque applications, we can recommend optimal materials based on your specifications. The key is matching material properties to your specific requirements.
How accurate are CNC machined tooth profiles?
Our CNC plastic machining process holds tooth position tolerances of ±0.002" and maintains true involute profiles. This precision ensures proper belt mesh, minimizing wear and maximizing power transmission efficiency. Many customers report smooth operation with our pulleys.
Do you make flanged timing pulleys?
Yes, we machine integral flanges or can provide separate flange plates. Flanges keep belts tracking properly and are especially important for reversing applications or vertical shaft orientations. We can match your existing flange specifications or replicate flanges from worn parts.
Contact our engineering team for application assistance and rapid quoting
