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![Custom Timing Belt Options [BRECOflex 2026]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6321faa31729834cada9ee26/6997703e33f181c68a0d4ae7_Rewrite_%20custom%20solutions%20with%20timing%20belts%20and%20pulleys_1%20(1).png)
Timing belts are often thought of as off-the-shelf components, and sometimes they are. But because timing belts power a large number of applications across several industries, a system may demand more than what a stock belt can provide.
Custom polyurethane timing belts allow you to match your components to the specific needs of your system, factoring in environmental conditions, performance requirements, and compliance needs.
BRECOflex offers some of the most extensive custom timing belt options in the industry, including:
Along with basic product selection options like timing belt construction type, length, width, and belt pitch, you can combine several custom timing belt options from BRECOflex.
Polyurethane is an excellent material for timing belts because it’s able to maintain highly accurate performance in a variety of applications. But there are several different types of polyurethane, and each one is suited for specific environments or scenarios. BRECOflex offers 11 polyurethane belt options, which fall into the following categories:
Depending on the application, you may need to customize your belt with one of these specialized polyurethane options to maximize performance and belt lifespan.
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The tension members within a timing belt are critical to performance. Both the tension member material and arrangement will determine how flexible the belt is, its performance, and what environmental exposures it can handle.
BRECOflex offers four high-quality tension member material options, all of which provide the highest efficiency, accuracy, and reliability possible while still meeting specific application requirements:
Timing belts can also be made with tension free zones, where sections of the belt are manufactured without tension member reinforcement, which makes modifications like perforations or longitudinal grinding cleaner and easier to complete. Spliced and welded belts and open-ended belts can also be designed with sealed edges, adding further protection for the internal cords while also reducing belt edge wear and providing smoother operation.
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Belt backings are a layer of material added to the back side of a timing belt that enhances conveying, indexing, or positioning performance. Made of several different materials, backings allow you to get the abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, hardness, friction, or density your application requires.
BRECOflex offers over 50 different timing belt backing cover types that are each suited to handle specific application needs and environments. Some backings meet FDA requirements for hygienic food and pharmaceutical processes, while others can withstand the transport of high-temperature products.
For example, conveying fragile ceramics between assembly stations requires delicate handling. The hardness and friction of a standard polyurethane belt might not suffice, but adding a Linatex® backing allows the belt to securely transport the product without damaging it.
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Machining is another type of timing belt customization that involves modifying a belt after it’s produced. Once the belt is manufactured, it can be mechanically processed in a number of ways, including back grinding for increased friction, slitting and perforating for vacuum applications, or adding grooves for increased positioning accuracy and indexing. Covered and non-covered belts can be machined.
Below is a list of some of the most popular timing belt machining options offered by BRECOflex:
Multiple machining options can be applied to a belt to fit the specific needs of an application. For example, back grinding and perforations can be combined for vacuum applications that require improved belt thickness tolerance.
Timing belts with thicker backings, like T-Cover, are eligible for more machining options than those without backings, as there is more material to process. But belts with thicker backings are less flexible, which is an important consideration when designing a drive system and selecting pulleys.
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Timing belts with profiles, sometimes called cleats, are critical to many conveying applications, as they help hold items in place as they’re moved. Profiles are made of the same abrasion resistant materials as our timing belts and are welded onto belts in any number or sequence.
BRECOflex has thousands of stock profiles which can be used in a variety of applications without the need for added tooling costs. Stock profiles can be machined to meet specific design needs, and fully customized profile designs with specific shapes or metal inserts are also available.
For systems that require more flexibility, mechanically attached profiles are also available with ATN® series belts. Each ATN® belt has inserts extruded into every tooth so profile spacing and shape can be adjusted for variable conveying needs. ATN® profiles are attached using simple hand tools and eliminate the need for a base belt replacement when different profile layouts are required.
BRECOflex offers some of the most comprehensive customization options in the polyurethane timing belt business. But modification choices alone don’t guarantee the right solution. If improperly applied, even the most advanced machining or temperature resistant backing can miss the mark.
So, BRECOflex pairs its customizations with free, industry-leading engineering support. Our in-house Application Engineering and Customer Service teams work directly with you to translate options into real equipment that serves a specific purpose in your application.
Ready to get started? Contact us today.