Engineering a notched belt can be a balancing act among flexibility, tensile cord support, and tension distribution. Precisely formed and spaced notches help evenly distribute stress forces as the belt bends, thereby assisting to prevent undercord cracking and extending belt lifestyle.

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 specific and deliver vastly different levels of performance.
Unlike flat belts, which rely solely on friction and can track and slide off pulleys, V-belts have sidewalls that fit into corresponding sheave grooves, providing additional surface and greater balance. As belts operate, belt tension applies a wedging push perpendicular with 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 working under stress impacts its performance.
V-belts are produced from rubber or synthetic rubber stocks, so they possess the flexibility to bend around the sheaves in drive systems. Fabric materials of various types may cover the share material to supply a layer of security and reinforcement.
V-belts are manufactured in various industry standard cross-sections, or profiles
The classical V-belt profile goes back to industry standards created in the 1930s. Belts produced with this profile can be found in many sizes (A, B, C, D, Electronic) and lengths, and are widely used to replace V-belts in old, existing applications.
They are used to replace belts on industrial machinery manufactured in other parts of the world.
All the V-belt types noted over are usually available from producers in “notched” or “cogged” versions. Notches reduce bending stress, allowing the belt to wrap easier around little diameter pulleys and permitting better heat dissipation. Excessive temperature is a significant contributor to premature belt failing.

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