A mechanical system that transfers motion between two or more shafts via a flexible belt that is wrapped around a wheel on each shaft. The belt and wheels can have teeth or be smooth. A belt drive can be sued to convert rotational motion to linear motion by attaching an object to the belt between the wheels.
In additive manufacturing, a belt drive is often attached to a stepper motor and part of the carriage mechanism is attached to the belt, providing precise linear motion along a single axis. Low-cost additive manufacturing systems often use belt drives rather than more expensive but faster and more accurate screw drives.
Categories: System Component
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