Conti Synchroflex T5 900

Conti Synchroflex T5 900 – classic PU timing belt with trapezoidal teeth

The Conti Synchroflex T5 900 is an endless, cast polyurethane timing belt with 180 teeth, 5 mm tooth pitch and a pitch length of 900 mm. It is intended for synchronous power transmission, where the driving and driven shafts must follow a fixed tooth ratio without the slippage known from friction-based belt drives. The pitch length is the nominal length measurement in the belt's cord line and is therefore the measurement that must be compared with the existing belt, the machine's spare parts data and the installed timing belt pulleys. 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.

Fixed specifications

• Pitch length: 900 mm
• Number of teeth: 180
• Tooth profile: T5
• Tooth pitch: 5 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.

How tooth geometry works

The trapezoidal T-geometry is a standardized solution for synchronous transmission. The teeth mesh with corresponding grooves in the timing belt pulley, so that the speed ratio is maintained without slipping. The correct pitch is crucial: a T5 belt, for example, will not fit in an AT5 pulley simply because the tooth pitch is 5 mm in both places. The shape and clearance of the tooth flanks are different.

PU body and longitudinally stable traction elements

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 execution must be correctly identified

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.

Relevant machine tasks

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.

Temperature, media and service

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 dimensioning. 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.

How the width variants work

The belt width is not written in the product name because the same pitch length is collected on one product page. The starting pu is 6 mm. Integer widths from 6 to 50 mm can be selected on this product page. The original supplier widths for this length are 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 32 and 50 mm. Other intermediate sizes are offered as cut-to-size versions of the same type of timing belt sleeve when they are within the selection shown. The number of teeth, pitch length and profile do not change when the width is changed.

Selection of discs for the profile

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.

Splice, alignment and pre-tensioning

The timing belt pulleys must be parallel and in the same plane. Even minor misalignments can cause the belt to move towards a flange and cause edge or cord damage. The belt should be installed without being twisted, sharply bent or pressed over a flange with a tool. The center distance is adjusted to achieve the calculated preload. Too high a tension increases the bearing and cord load, while too low a tension can cause tooth jumps at load peaks.

Signs of improper operation

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.

Compare with the existing belt

When replacing a spare part, the marking on the existing belt should be compared with the product name. Check the profile designation, pitch length, number of teeth, design and width. If the text on the belt has worn away, the number of teeth can be counted and the pitch can be assessed by measuring over several teeth. A single external length measurement is less reliable because the nominal length of the timing belt is indicated in the pitch line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conti Synchroflex T5 900: can T5 be used on a different tooth profile with the same pitch?

No, not without documented compatibility. The 5 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 for the T5 profile. Visual similarity is not sufficient documentation.

Conti Synchroflex T5 900: 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 900: 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 900: are the standard widths the only possible widths?

The documented supplier widths for this size include 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 32 and 50 mm. The product page may also show intermediate sizes as cut widths when they are within the allowed range. This does not change the tooth profile or length, but the price is calculated based on the base width.

Conti Synchroflex T5 900: when should the timing belt pulleys be replaced?

Pulleys should be evaluated if the tooth grooves are worn, sharp, crooked or damaged. A new belt on worn pulleys may have poor load distribution and short life. Also check flanges for bars and side contact and the grooves for foreign objects.

Conti Synchroflex T5 900: how to check if the length is correct?

Count the teeth and check the pitch. 180 teeth times 5 mm gives 900 mm pitch length. Then compare the profile and design with the marking or the machine's spare parts list. A measurement around the outside of the belt alone is not accurate enough.

Conti Synchroflex T5 900: why can a timing belt make noise?

Noise can be caused by incorrect pretension, skewed pulleys, poor tooth profile compatibility, excessive speed, resonance or worn tooth grooves. Lubrication is not the solution. First check alignment, tension, pulley condition and whether the belt runs without abnormal side contact.

Is the Conti Synchroflex T5 900 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.

The product in brief

The product brings together the specified T5 profile and length on one side, so that the appropriate width can be selected without creating a separate item for each cut. The main technical data is 900 mm pitch length and 180 teeth. If in doubt about load or pulley compatibility, the drive should be calculated before ordering the belt.