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ISC Companies and affiliate Adams-ISC are distributors of mechanical power transmission parts including synchronous belts. For more information about the brands we offer and/or pricing, please contact us by phone 763-559-0033, by email [email protected], or by filling out our online contact form.


Timing belts (synchronous belts) are basically flat belts with evenly spaced teeth. They mate with complimentary teeth on a pulley or sprocket. Because there is no stretch, no slip, and no metal-to-metal contact, lubrication is unnecessary. Timing belts should be used where exact synchronization between the driver shaft and driven shaft is required.

Timing belts are more precise than v-belts and deliver 100% of the intended speed with 98% efficiency. The trapezoidal design is sometimes referred to as an involute tooth profile. There are six standard pitch sizes in the inch system. Pitch is the distance from one tooth center to the next tooth center.

English Sizes (Inch)

English pitch timing belts are measured in inches

  • MXL (0.080″ Pitch): Mini extra light
  • XL (0.200″ Pitch): Extra light
  • L (0.375″ Pitch): Light
  • H (0.500″ Pitch): Heavy
  • XH (0.875″ Pitch): Extra heavy
  • XXH (1.250″ Pitch): Double extra heavy

Metric Sizes (Millimeter)

Metric pitch timing belts are measured in millimeters

  • T Pitch: 2.5mm, 5mm, 10mm, 20mm
  • AT Pitch: 5mm, 10mm, 20mm
  • GT Pitch (Gates): 2mm, 3mm, 5mm
  • HTD Pitch (High Torque Drive): 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, 14mm, 20mm
  • Super-Torque: from 2mm through 14mm pitch

Trapezoidal synchronous belt specifications are found in ARPM standard IP-24 and international standards ISO 5294 and 5296.

Synchronous belts are also available with teeth on both sides (dual-sided), which are used on twisted or serpentine drives where the driven shaft rotation must be reversed from the driver shaft.


Types of Tooth Profiles

The ARPM breaks the curvilinear profiles into three primary types H-Type, S-Type, and R-Type. All have dual sided options.

H-Type (HTD)

Tooth has a round profile. Commonly available in 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, 14mm, and 20mm pitches.

S-Type (STPD)

Tooth has a circular-arc gear shape. Widely used in Europe and Asia. Use in North American is limited (but increasing due to foreign importing). Commonly available in 3mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 8mm, and 14mm pitches.

R-Type

Tooth has a deep-profile parabolic design that can be used in R-Type or H-Type sprockets. They are used in the automotive industry as cam timing drives replacing chain. Commonly available in 5mm, 8mm, 14mm, and 20mm pitches.

Helical Offset Tooth (HOT)

The teeth on the right and left halves of the belt are angled opposite each other and offset by a half a pitch. This allows the belt to self-center on the sprocket, without aiding flanges. Because of continual engagement, vibration and noise are greatly reduced.


Top Brands We Offer

B and B Manufacturing Brand Logo

Bando USA Brand Logo

Bestorq Brand Logo

Browning_Regal Brand Logo

Timken Belts_Brand Logo_web320

Dayco Brand Logo

Dodge RBC Brand Logo

Fenner Drives Brand Logo

Gates Brand Logo

Jason Industrial_Megadyne Brand Logo

Maurey Manufacturing Brand Logo

TB Woods_Altra Brand Logo


PTDA-Handbook-CoverContent on this page was created using excerpts from the Power Transmission Handbook (5th Edition), which is written and sold by the Power Transmission Distributor’s Association (PTDA).

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ISC Companies and affiliate Adams-ISC are industrial distributors of bearings and mechanical power transmission parts. We have many different models and brands in stock for fast delivery. Our sales professionals are happy to assist you in the selection process to ensure the correct part is specified for your application. Get a quote by clicking below on “Request Pricing” and filling out the contact form or give us a call at 1-800-627-9434.

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