High Tensile Strength Glass (HTS)

High tensile strength glass is manufactured from either K or U glass filament as opposed to the traditional E glass.

The difference in formulation produces glass fibre with improved physical properties.

The use of high tensile strength glass gives the belt designer two directions to improve the performance of a belt in comparison with E glass:

If the cord is required to have the same tensile strength properties as E glass then the cord diameter can be reduced. By using less glass, there are fewer filaments to abrade, and less hysterisis energy generated within the glass. These reduce the level of heat build up within the belt. Thus, a high strength glass belt will run at a lower temperature, and give a longer life.

If the cord is required to keep the same diameter, then the high strength glass increases the load bearing capability of the belt, allowing the belt to cope with high shock loads.

The following table quantifies the benefits high strength glass brings to two belts of similar tensile properties, one by using cords of reduced diameter and one by using narrower belt width:

The introduction of high tensile strength glass cords as a development option provides modern belt designers greater opportunities to overcome the ever-increasing demands of future engines, and to progress the technology of synchronous belts in a cost effective manner.