The drive and return pulley is the most obvious subject. Here there is an ongoing field of tension between commerce and technique, usually with a focus on the shape and pulley diameter. Manufacturers often cross the theoretical boundary in this regard, due to their practical experience with existing installations or similar applications that they see from competitors. Based on shape, the best option is to go for a crowned drive and return pulley. In doing so, the convex and three-part crowning have the most traditional shape.
Convex rollers (solution 1), see video below:
3-part rollers (solution 2), see video below:
When it is performed properly, this crowning has a self-directing effect on the conveyor belt within the carrier/cassette. Apart from the aforementioned traditional drive and return pulley, there are several variations identifiable. Theoretically these would not be correct, but practice proves otherwise. This is based on the directing properties and the functionality including the longevity of the conveyor belt.
Based on practical experience a choice can be made for deviating shapes and/or solutions. That requires a look at the following issues:
When crowned excessively, this may lead to large tension differences in the conveyor belt. Especially when the belt tension is too high. When the crowning is too heavily pronounced, what might occur is that the conveyor belt can not properly recline laterally. This will not benefit the directing properties. A real no-go are cylindrical pulleys. They have no directing properties.
Straight rollers - swabbing (problem), see video below:
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