Is tooling required for a non-standard timing belt size or profile?
Direct answer: It depends on the build, not on the word custom. Open-end belt supplied by the metre and cut to length needs no tooling. A closed belt whose circumference matches an existing mould also needs none. Tooling becomes necessary when the tooth profile or pitch is new, when the width exceeds the mould, or when the circumference cannot be matched by any existing mould.
What needs tooling and what does not
| Build | New tooling | Normal route |
|---|---|---|
| Open-end belt, existing profile | No | Cut from stock to the length you need |
| Closed belt, standard mould circumference | No | Existing mould, tooth count fixed by the mould |
| Closed belt, non-standard circumference | Sometimes | Nearest mould length plus centre-distance adjustment |
| New tooth profile or new pitch | Yes | New mould, with a sample for approval first |
| Width beyond the existing mould | Sometimes | Wider mould, or slit from a wider build |
| Machined features: ground teeth, holes, cleats | Fixture only | Machining set-up on a standard base belt |
Four ways to avoid paying for tooling you do not need
Use the adjustment
Most drives have a tension slot or an idler that absorbs a few millimetres of length difference. If yours does, the nearest standard length is usually the cheapest answer.
Consider open-end
When length is critical and volume is low, open-end belt with a joined end avoids a mould entirely and is easy to replace later.
Slit from a wider build
A wide mould can often be slit to your width. Ask before accepting a tooling charge for a narrow belt.
Ask for the tooling line
Tooling is one-time, not per piece. A separate line on the quotation keeps suppliers comparable and tells you what you are buying.
Timing, cost and ownership
- New mould lead time is normally measured in weeks, while a standard build ships from stock or in days. Plan the tooling decision before the maintenance window, not during it.
- Tooling cost scales with profile complexity and belt width. Ask for it as a fixed one-time figure, separate from the piece price.
- Ask in writing who owns the mould and whether it is kept for repeat orders. In most cases it stays with the maker, and the piece price reflects that.
- For a first order, a sample from the new mould is worth the extra days. Approving a drawing alone leaves tolerance questions open.
Send the drawing and we will say if tooling is needed
Email sales@goodlybelts.com with the profile, pitch length, width and quantity, or use the enquiry form. We will reply with the build route, whether tooling applies, the one-time cost and the lead time.
Ask about tooling
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