Timing Pulleys - Comparing Nylon and Aluminum
In any application where there is a drive, driven or idler pulley, engineers and designers need to consider the properties of the materials used in the Timing pulley construction before committing to a final design. Nylon and aluminum are the two most common construction materials for timing pulleys . Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. Nylon timing pulleys are lightweight, offering excellent inertia control which in turn enhances energy savings. They feature good wear characteristics, inherent chemical resistance, material cost savings, and have no oxidation issues. Aluminum timing pulleys are also considered lightweight, although heavier than nylon. They have moderate inertia control and display excellent wear characteristics. They are mechanically durable, but have some oxidation issues if untreated (clear coat or anodizing). Additives to the nylon can give the end-user important, and sometimes necessary, properties incl...