High Performance Belt Drives in Demand

End users in the aerospace, medical, computer and machine tooling industries are demanding more efficient and accurate belt drives for their applications. In several other industries, end users are requiring belts with longer life cycles, greater load capacity and higher torque. Belt drive component manufacturers are responding with innovative designs and products that employ new materials.

According to new research by Frost & Sullivan, U.S. Industrial Belt Drive Components Market, the total market for belt drive components climbed from $1.04 billion in 1998 to $1.08 billion in 1999. The growth rate is expected to accelerate through 2006 as manufacturers improve their products' performance.

Despite growth projections, challenges ahead

Despite the promise for gains following technological advances, U.S. vendors have several challenges ahead. U.S. markets are being flooded with low-priced products from overseas vendors. The ill effects of this trend are magnified by the fact that there are fewer and fewer customers in the U.S. to serve.

"As more companies move their manufacturing to locations outside the U.S., belt and pulley manufacturers will be forced to participate in global markets," says Frost & Sullivan analyst Michael Rasche. "U.S. companies must target new applications within the U.S. and explore opportunities in foreign markets all while attempting to maintain adequate profit margins."

Electric drives enter the competition

Meanwhile, competition from electric drives continues to loom over the industry. Some users of belt-driven drives have been transitioning to the more precise and energy efficient electric drives since the 1980s. In the past, belt drives were more economical, but the price of electric drives is steadily decreasing.

"Electric drives are now being selected for new equipment purchases as well as for system upgrades," says Rasche. Electric drives are not likely to replace most belt drives in the short term. Many belt drive users are satisfied with the performance of their drives and do not perceive a need for the advanced functions available with electric drives."

This Frost & Sullivan report examines the several product segments within the belt and pulley markets, including flat belt, v-belt, synchronous/timing belt, and variable-speed belt segments. It evaluates market drivers and restraints, analyzes pricing strategies and trends, and presents expert forecasts for each segment.

For more information on this report, Motors, Motor Protection and Drives Custom Subscription, please contact Shantel Wilkins by telephone at 210- 348-1015, by fax at 210-348-1003, or via e-mail at swilkins@frost.com.

Edited by Bob Arguero