Mark Labancz inquires about a toothed drive belt for the Universal
player piano roll motor [230930 MMDigest]. 3D printing to the rescue!

These type belts are used extensively in many 3D printers but are
usually available only as open-end lengths (not closed loops) or
in specific sizes, widths and tooth count or pitch. There are many
sources for these belts, but finding one with the exact specs needed
will be a chore. A large stock source will likely be a wholesale
to-the-trade situation, with minimum quantity orders or an outrageous
price for a one-off custom belt.

I have had success 3D printing flat (non-toothed) belts out of
flexible material for the capstan drives in old reel-to-reel tape and
video recorders (remember those?). The belt in the attached picture is
3 inches in diameter, 1/4" wide and 0.035" thick. It originally printed
as a perfect circle but, (as a spare) laying in a box with some other
heavy items, it got a bit deformed.

Rendering this in a toothed configuration would be a relatively easy
task but I would need the original item in-hand to construct an accurate
model. Also I need it to judge the item's durometer and flexibility, as
a range of different durometers and flexibilities is available.

Currently, flexible filaments demonstrate good recovery from stretching
and good longevity in 3D printers; this application could be less, or
more or as demanding as the printer application. It's a little hard to
predict but hey! -- if it lasts for, say, 5 years before it breaks or
stretches too much to work, I'll print you another one for free!

The second attached picture is a digital rendering of a "generic"
toothed belt as an example. All dimensions can be readily specified and
production should take no more than a week. Prices are not established
as of yet, but _will_ be a lot less than that outrageous one-off quote!

John Grant
Baltimore, Maryland

 [ Flat, 3D printed drive belt, 3" x 1/4" x 0.035" (Not toothed)
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/23/10/01/231001_192522_20231001_213032.jpg 

 [ "Generic" 3D printed toothed drive belt (Digital rendering)
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/23/10/01/231001_192522_Toothed%20Drive%20Belt.jpg