Conti Synchroflex T5 260

Conti Synchroflex T5 260 – precise T-profile timing belt in cast polyurethane

With 52 teeth spread over a pitch length of 260 mm, the Conti Synchroflex T5 260 is designed for precise transmission of rotation, stroke and position. The belt is cast endlessly in PU and has integrated steel cord tension elements that stabilize the length during normal operation. The nominal tooth pitch is 5 mm and the tooth profile must match the profile of the pulleys exactly. It is not sufficient for another belt to have approximately the same length or width. This is the standard version in the specified profile. It must not be confused with a possible GEN III version or a double-sided DL belt with the same pitch length.

Key technical data

• Pitch length: 260 mm
• Number of teeth: 52
• Tooth profile: T5
• Tooth pitch: 5 mm
• Material: cast polyurethane with steel cord
• Brand: Conti Synchroflex

The list gathers the information normally used to identify a timing belt: nominal length, number of teeth, profile, material and make. It is important to read all the information together. Two belts can have the same pitch length but be incompatible if the tooth profile or tooth pitch is different. Conversely, a different width does not change the number of teeth as long as the profile and pitch length are the same.

Why the correct profile is crucial

As a classic metric profile, the T-series is used in many machines where reliable synchronous movement is important. The tooth shape is trapezoidal, and the number in the profile designation indicates the tooth pitch in millimeters. The correct washer must therefore both have the same pitch and be manufactured for the T-profile. The wrong profile can lead to poor engagement, noise and rapid wear.

Belt construction

The belt body consists of wear-resistant polyurethane, which encloses high-strength steel cord. The materials each have their own function: PU forms the teeth and protects the belt against mechanical wear, while the cord tensioning elements provide high longitudinal stiffness and limit post-elongation. Continental describes the design as maintenance-friendly and lubrication-free. This does not mean that the drive can be ignored; pulleys, alignment and pretension should still be checked.

The construction behind this variant

The product is the regular Conti Synchroflex standard version in the specified profile. Standard and GEN III may have the same pitch length and number of teeth, but they are different product series with different material construction and capacity data. The same applies to a DL belt, which has teeth on both sides. When reordering, the entire profile designation should therefore be checked, not just the length.

Where is this profile used?

The application examples in the catalogue include office machines, household appliances, positioning drives and control drives. 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, centre 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.

Operating conditions of PU timing belt

The standard material is specified for ambient temperatures from -30 °C to +80 °C. Applications close to the limits, especially below -10 °C or above +50 °C, may require special sizing. The molded PU belt is maintenance-friendly and does not require lubricant. Regular visual inspection is still relevant: look for ctiming bars, frayed edges, shiny tooth flanks, foreign body impressions and abnormal side contact. Sudden changes in noise or grooveing may indicate misalignment, too low tension or worn pulleys.

From basic width to desired width

The basic price applies to 6 mm, and the other widths are calculated with the same percentage logic as the existing PU timing belts in the webshop. Integer widths from 6 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 50% extra. This price rule is a webshop calculation; it does not replace a technical dimensioning of the belt's load-bearing capacity.

The discs are part of the overall solution

A belt of the correct length can still function poorly if the pulleys have the wrong profile, are worn or are misaligned. Therefore, check the tooth grooves, flanges, shaft alignment and the number of teeth on the pulleys. For T5, the nominal tooth pitch is 5 mm. The fixed tooth mesh makes the gear ratio reproducible, but only when the belt has sufficient wrap and does not run with constant side pressure.

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.

Prevention of early belt damage

A properly running timing belt should move smoothly without continuous contact against one flange. Regularly check the teeth for deformation, the back for ctiming bars and the edges for frayed areas. Abnormal noise or heat can be an early sign of incorrect tension or pulley failure. A systematic check of pulleys and belt is more effective than trying to hide symptoms with lubricant.

Profile and length must match

The product's 52 teeth provide a convenient length check. Multiplying the number of teeth by 5 mm gives a pitch length of 260 mm. If an existing belt has a different number of teeth, it is not the same size, even though it may look almost the same length. Also check that the teeth on the pulleys match the T5; the same pitch number alone is not always sufficient.

Answers to typical questions

Conti Synchroflex T5 260: what is the difference between T5 and a GEN III belt?

This product is the standard version. GEN III is a separate reinforced series with red high-performance PU and denser, two-filament steel cord. The same profile and length therefore do not mean that the products are identical.

Conti Synchroflex T5 260: can the belt be shortened or assembled to a different length?

No. This is a cast endless timing belt with a fixed pitch length. It can be cut to width within the available options, but the circumference and number of teeth cannot be changed. If the length needs to be changed, a different cast belt size is required.

Conti Synchroflex T5 260: what is the difference between tooth pitch and pitch length?

The tooth pitch is the distance from one tooth to the next and is 5 mm for this profile. The pitch length is the entire nominal circumference in the cord line and is 260 mm. When the pitch length is divided by the tooth pitch, the belt has 52 teeth.

Conti Synchroflex T5 260: how best to 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 T5 260: 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.

Conti Synchroflex T5 260: why is 6 mm chosen as the basic width?

6 mm is the width of the supplier item whose SKU is used as the main product's stock reference. Other widths are handled as choices under the same product because they are cut from the same type of timing belt sleeve. The base width also determines the percentage-based pricing in the webshop.

Conti Synchroflex T5 260: can the belt be used for precise positioning?

The tooth engagement provides a positive, synchronous transmission without the normal slippage of a friction belt. This makes the profile relevant for positioning tasks, but the achievable accuracy also depends on the quality of the pulleys, shaft play, belt pretension, load and the overall machine design.

Conti Synchroflex T5 260: can a wider belt always transmit twice as much?

Not necessarily. A larger width provides a more active belt cross-section and can increase the permissible load, but the drive capacity also depends on the profile, number of teeth in mesh, pulley size, speed, load factor and preload. The width should be selected by an overall calculation.

Brief summary

Conti Synchroflex T5 260 is the correct size when the drive requires T5, 260 mm pitch length and 52 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.