Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960

Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960 – endless timing belt for precise industrial drives

The Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960 combines a precise AT20 GEN III tooth geometry with a molded polyurethane body and longitudinally stable steel cord tension elements. The product has 98 teeth and a 1960 mm pitch length, which corresponds to a tooth pitch of 20 mm. The belt is used in synchronous drives where uniform movement and reproducible position are more important than the elasticity normally associated with a conventional V-belt or flat belt. The GEN III version is the reinforced high-performance construction with red high-performance polyurethane and a denser, two-filament steel cord. It should therefore be treated as a separate product series and not as the usual standard version.

Technical information for this timing belt

• Pitch length: 1960 mm
• Number of teeth: 98
• Tooth profile: AT20 GEN III
• Tooth pitch: 20 mm
• Material: cast polyurethane with steel cord
• Brand: Conti Synchroflex

These specifications can be used as a check against the marking on the old belt or against the machine's spare parts list. The pitch length is not necessarily the same as a measurement across the outside of the belt, and the number of teeth is therefore often the safest additional check. If in doubt, both the belt and timing belt pulleys should be examined before ordering a replacement.

Profile, tooth pitch and engagement

The metric AT geometry has trapezoidal teeth with a larger tooth volume than the standard T profile. The purpose is to distribute the load advantageously in the tooth mesh and achieve higher tooth strength without making the drive unnecessarily large. The profile requires suitable AT timing belt pulleys with the same pitch; a visual similarity to other profiles is not evidence of compatibility.

Belt construction

The endless PU construction combines low dead weight with high longitudinal rigidity. The steel cord tension elements are cast into the belt and are not intended to be exposed, damaged or sharply broken during installation. The wear resistance of the polyurethane and the strong bond to the cord are central to the belt's lifespan. Correct handling is therefore just as important as the correct choice of profile and length.

Standard, GEN III or DL ​​– this version

GEN III is the reinforced high-performance version of the Conti Synchroflex series. The construction uses red high-performance polyurethane, more densely packed steel cord tension elements and a two-filament construction with balanced S and Z cords. Continental states up to 25% higher power transmission than the corresponding AT or ATP standard series. GEN III can use the standard profile timing belt pulleys, but the belt still needs to be dimensioned for the specific drive.

The belt width is selected on the product page

The basic price applies to 16 mm, and the other widths are calculated with the same percentage logic as the existing PU timing belts in the webshop. Integer widths from 16 to 50 mm can be selected on this product page. A width of twice the basic width therefore costs 100% more, while a width of one and a half times the basic width gives approximately a 50% surcharge. This price rule is a webshop calculation; it does not replace a technical dimensioning of the belt's load-bearing capacity.

Typical applications and sizing

The application examples in the catalogue include heavy-duty drives, textile machines, printing machines, machine tools and larger industrial power transmissions. This shows that the profile can be used in both power transmission and motion control. However, the specific belt must only be finally selected when the machine's torque, speed, center distance and pulley geometry are known. When simply replacing a spare part, the safest method is usually to copy the documented profile, length, design and width.

Checking when replacing

It is not enough to compare the total circumference of a belt. The correct replacement must have the same pitch, tooth profile and number of teeth as the existing drive. The width must match the pulleys and the required capacity, and a DL or GEN III version must be identified separately. If in doubt, pictures of the marking, tooth profile and pulleys can be used as a supplement, but a documented spare part designation is best.

The discs are part of the overall solution

The pulleys and belt should be considered as a single tooth engagement. Proper AT20 GEN III geometry ensures that the load is distributed across the tooth flanks rather than concentrated on tooth tips or edges. The drive ratio is selected by the number of teeth on the pulleys, while the belt's 98 teeth and 1960 mm pitch length determine the required combination of pulleys and center distance. When changing the drive, the geometry should be calculated.

Practical advice for installation

The belt must be able to be placed on the pulleys without force. If it can only be mounted by forcing it over a flange, the center distance or mounting procedure is incorrect. The pulley shafts must be aligned and the flanges must be smooth and undamaged. In the case of multi-shaft or counter-bent drives, the diameter and position of the rollers must be assessed separately. Correct pretensioning reduces the risk of tooth skipping without unnecessarily loading the bearings.

Wear patterns and troubleshooting

Uniform light polishing of the tooth flanks may be normal, but localised spalling, ctiming baring or severe wear should be investigated. Wear on one edge often indicates misalignment or persistent flange contact. Damage to tooth tips may be due to incorrect profile, foreign bodies or inadequate engagement. If cord becomes visible or the belt has a sharp break, it should not continue in service without assessment.

Operating environment and maintenance

Continental specifies a temperature range of up to +100 °C for the GEN III series. When operating close to the temperature limits, the drive must still be dimensioned according to the specific load and environmental conditions. The timing belt operates without lubrication, and oil or grease should therefore not be added to dampen noise. The polyurethane is described as resistant to aging as well as simple oils, grease and petrol and to certain acids and bases. In the case of permanent contact, cleaning chemicals or unknown media, material compatibility should be specifically clarified.

Questions and answers about this timing belt

Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960: can this belt be used at high rpm?

The Conti Synchroflex series is designed for precise and fast synchronous drives, but the permissible speed depends on the profile, pulley diameter, belt width, load and peripheral speed. A high speed must therefore not be approved based on the product name alone; the drive must be calculated.

Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960: what does the steel cord mean for the function of the belt?

The steel cord tension members absorb the longitudinal tensile load and provide high longitudinal stiffness. This helps maintain pitch and position during operation. The cord must not be kinked, exposed or damaged during installation, as local damage can weaken the belt.

Is the Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960 welded?

No. The Conti Synchroflex series is manufactured as cast, endless timing belts. The belt therefore does not have a welded joint around the circumference. The cast process provides a uniform tooth pitch around the entire belt and a strong bond between the polyurethane and the cast steel cord tension elements.

Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960: what temperature can the belt work at?

The GEN III series is rated for temperatures up to +100°C. When operating close to the limit, load, cooling and environment must be assessed separately.

Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960: how to best store a spare timing belt?

Store the belt in a dry, clean place away from direct sunlight, ozone, strong heat or chemical fumes. It should be free from sharp bends and without heavy loads on top. Avoid hanging a small belt over a sharp hook as this can cause local deformation.

Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960: can the AT20 GEN III be used on a different tooth profile with the same pitch?

No, not without documented compatibility. The 20 mm tooth pitch describes the distance between the teeth, but the shape and clearance of the tooth flanks may differ. The belt must be used with pulleys manufactured to the AT20 profile. Visual similarity is not sufficient documentation.

Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960: can the belt be reversed on the pulleys?

The standard version is single-sided with teeth on the inside and a smooth back. It must run with the teeth in the corresponding tooth grooves; the back is not an alternative tooth side.

Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960: can the belt be installed by pressing it over the flange of the pulley?

This should be avoided. The belt should be installed by adjusting the center distance or following the correct installation procedure for the machine. Forcing it over a flange can damage the cord pullers, teeth or belt edge. After installation, the pulleys must be parallel and the pretension must be correct.

Conclusion

Conti Synchroflex AT20 GEN III 1960 is the correct size when the drive requires AT20 GEN III, 1960 mm pitch length and 98 teeth. The belt is cast endless in PU with steel cord and must be used with timing belt pulleys that match the profile. Choose the width according to the technical load and always check the design, alignment and pretension before commissioning.