Tracking [Straight Running]

The unyielding nature of PTFE coated fabrics can lead to tracking problems. Many users track PTFE belts with no more than the equipment found on basic conveyors. i.e. adjustable tail, and/or idler pulleys, but the life or performance of a PTFE belt so employed cannot be guaranteed.

It is recommended that PTFE belts be used with automatic tracking devices. (The nature of PTFE allows for a number of techniques not available to conventional belts) or have incorporated tracking features such as edge guidance studs (with corresponding modification of pulleys etc).

When soft lagging is used on the drive, a natural form of crowning takes place with edge-reinforced belts, as the edges are usually fractionally shorter than the body of the belt and so pull harder into the lagging. Crowned pulleys are otherwise not recommended by Biscor as PTFE-glass or Kevlar® does not conform.

Do not attempt to track the belt with vertical slide pulleys or flanges, as this usually leads to turning over the belt with irrevocable damage. Large belts guided by studs should be provided with studs on both edges, not just one.