Belting

Belting, an engineering term designating a convenient means for the transmission of power from one rotating piece to another. A belt is a flexible band connecting two pulleys. Power given to one of these is transmitted to the other through the belt, which must therefore grip the pulleys sufficiently tight to prevent slipping, and which must also be of suitable dimensions to withstand the stresses given to it. Belts are usually of tanned leather, cut into strips and united by cementing and lacing or riveting. Flat belts of indiarubber, guttapercha, cotton, and even paper are also used. The use of belts of circular section is rapidly extending; these require pulleys with grooved rims, the ropes being of hemp, cotton, or wire.