Hi,

Is there any tool or script that can simply the creation of a 2GT belt (or similar) connecting two pulleys?

Right now I construct the sweep path section by section, then a profile, then sweep it - but it is a bit tedious.

Thanks.

Frederick

Hi Frederick, can you please post a picture or example file of what you're doing currently? That will then make it easier to try to make a recommendation.

- Michael

Hi Frederick,
The belt is called GT2, in various sizes.
sdp-si.com has CAD in multiple formats.
It is simple to register to get access to the CAD drawings.

One STEP import to MoI3 shows two teeth on a belt.

I think I had these belts on my CNC router...

- Brian

https://sdp-si.com/products/timing-belts/gt2.php#

Hi,

Attached is a brief step-by-step of the process I have been using.

Keep in mind that being new to MOI I may be going about it all wrong and don't mind being educated.

Thanks.

Frederick

The belt and teeth are kind of like a chain. (Chain script exists.)
I suppose flow would make very minor flexibility changes to a tooth directions.
- Brian

Or array a tooth on a path.

Hi Frederick,
I don't have a suggestion on a script, but we can certainly simplify your process. (Someone may be able to make a simple script up fast also.

So, the regular "Rectangle tool" has an option to select for "Round edges". this will allow you to get that shape with 1 tool.

You can use construction lines, or the "Boundingbox" command on just 2d curves, to generate the initial rectangle, then drag the ends to a round.

For the sweep command, you don't really have to place the sweep shape on the path either. Moi has an autoplace mechanism, so just draw your belt profile out to the side.

I'll look at making a quick video to explain.

Not educative but if you are pressed... :)

You have a lot of models here to load (STEP, SAT, IGES) for Moi ;) (i don't know the best format ?
https://www.mcmaster.com/timing-belts

for example this one.. https://www.mcmaster.com/6484k104 (i don't researched your exact model :)
(scroll choose format and click Save (no need to be registered)


I had loaded another thing - that is terrific! :)

Inside Moi


Rendered with the free SimLab Composer Lite

Hi Frederick, Construct > Offset can be good for shapes that have a constant thickness to them.

I'd probably go like this - circles:



Rectangle:




Boolean union those together:



Construct > Offset to generate an offset curve:



These can now be extruded:



Or another possibility is to extrude the outside only to start with and then select the top and bottom faces and use Construct > Offset > Shell:





- Michael

Hi,

Thanks very much for making that video.

You have saved several steps for me.

Frederick

Hi,

That looks like a good approach.

Some of my belt paths are a bit more complicated than a simple loop.

One I am working on now has five "pulleys" in a "T" shape. Another has eight in a "H" shape.

I will have to take what I have learned today and see how best to apply it.

Frederick

I also like the method Michael just showed. Nice and simple.

Hi,

Very nice models.

Thanks.

Frederick

Hi Fredrick,
Yeah, "2 pulleys" is a fairly basic belt. "H" shaped five pully belts would be a "little more work", but shouldn't be too much, using Michaels offset methed.

Basically would have to identify "inside pulleys and outside pulleys" then offset one or the other first... connecting quads and trimming wont be able to be avoided at that point, but shouldbt really take much time.

If you feel like you are struggling, post back and get some more direction. It can really make it so much nicer to see others methods!!!!

Later!

Hi,

This is a screen shot of what I am working on the prompted the question about belts.

There are five simple belt loops and the single "T" shaped one.

Frederick