BRECOflex SM5 User manual

B110
SM5
Universal Belt Tension Meter
The World Leader In Polyurethane Timing Belts

2 SM5 Tension Meter
SM5 Tension Meter
Overview
The SM5 Tension Meter is designed to measure the static tension of all belt types
and materials and off ers the following benefi ts:
• Simple one-button operation
• Accurate measurement results for optimal belt performance and life
• Save production and downtime with quick readings
• Satisfy quality system requirements with traceable certifi cation
• Integrates with our online calculation program - www.breco ex.com/engineering-support/
• Download the SM5 Pretension Calculator Phone App free for iOS and Android
The purpose of pre-tensioning a belt is to maintain tension at all times during operation. The amount
of pre-tension depends on the belt drive type and peak loading. Minimizing pretension reduces
bearing and shaft loading and preserves belt tensile safety factors. Minimum pretension is achieved
when the belt does not sag or  ap under peak running load. Maximum pretension is limited by the
belt strength and machine design (shafts, bearings and frame).
Characteristics:
• Measuring range: from 7 to 450 Hz
• Measurement tolerance: ±5 Hz
• Weight: 148g
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 117 x 78 x 24mm
• Battery: 9Volts
• Conforms to EC standard

3
SM5 Tension Meter
Operation Instructions
1. PRESS button (1) one second to activate meter
2. AIM light beam at belt back with a sensor distance of 0.4
to 1.2 inches
3. TAP belt to generate a vibration and SM5 will display a
frequency
4. WAIT for “Ready” display and repeat measurement to
confi rm reading
5. PRESS button (1) one second to turn off meter or meter will
auto power off after one minute
Tips and Notes:
• Turn off the machine as well as nearby machinery that could cause vibration interference while measuring.
• For best results take readings on the belt back rather than tooth side or edge.
• Take a few readings to confi rm consistency.
• For long belt spans better reading and resolution can be achieved by temporarily shortening the vibrating
free span Lto around 1 meter.
• Frequency recommendations from calculations or our belt sizing program are initial theoretical settings and
should be confi rmed as optimal by observation for no signs of sag or  apping during operation. Once
optimal tension is found then a new reading should be taken and recorded for future use.
• New belts conform to the geometry of a system and lose up to 10% pre-tension within the fi rst few hours of
run-in. Machine manufacturers often recommend diff erent frequency settings for new and used belts for this
reason.
• We off er a certifi cation service for traceability. Calibration interval depends on use/environment and is up to
the customer. Please contact customer service for pricing, turn around time and a return authorization
number.
Types of Belt Drives:
Select the type of belt drive below to determine required pretension (Fv) as a function of peripheral force.
These values are a starting point and tension should be increased as necessary to eliminate sag or  apping
during peak peripheral belt loading.
Linear Drive
Belt Span Pre-tension Fv
Multiple Pulley Drive
Belt Span Pre-tension Fv
Two Pulley Drive
< 60 teeth Fv = 1/3 peripheral force
60 to 150 teeth
> 150 teeth
Fv = 1/2 peripheral force
Fv = 2/3 peripheral forceAny Fv = peripheral force
Taut Length < slack length Fv = peripheral force
Fv > peripheral force
Pre-tension Fv# of belt teeth
Taut Length > slack length

4 SM5 Tension Meter
SM5 Tension Meter
Check and Set Pre-tension
Use the SM5 to check belt pre-tension
Use the SM5 to set belt pre-tension
Calculate the pre-tension Fv using the frequency fread from the meter
Calculate the frequency frequired to achieve a target frequency Fv.Alternately use our online calculation
program recommendation.
Note: These values are built in to the BRECOex SM5 Pretension Calculator App. Download the App for
free for iOS on The App Store or Android on Google Play.
For videos on how to use the SM5 Tension Meter, calculate pre-tension, use the SM5 Pretension
Calculator App and more, visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/brecoexcollc.
F
v = f2
•L2 •4• m• b
Fv [N] current pre-tension in Newtons (1lbf = 4.45N)
f [Hz] frequency read from the meter
L [m] free vibrating span length in meters
m [Kg/m/cm] belt mass in kilograms per meter of length per centimeter belt width
b [cm] belt width in cm (1” = 2.54cm) (1cm = 10mm)
Fv [N] target pre-tension in Newtons (1lbf = 4.45N)
f [Hz] frequency reading
L [m] free vibrating span length in meters
m [Kg/m/cm] belt mass in kilograms per meter of length per centimeter belt width
b [cm] belt width in cm (1” = 2.54cm) (1cm = 10mm)
f=F
v
L2
•4• m• b
Belt Mass - Steel Cord [kilograms per meter of belt length per centimeter of belt width]
Belt Pitch Single Sided Double Sided
AT3
AT5
ATL5
ATK5K6
AT10
ATL10
ATL 20
ATK10K6
ATK10K13
BAT10/BATK10
ATP10
SFAT10
ATS15
BAT15/BA
ATP15
SFAT15
AT20
ATK20K13
AT8 MOV
AT10 MOV
AT15 MOV
TK15
ATP15
SFAT15
AT20
ATL20
ATK20K13
SFAT20
Belt Pitch Single Sided Double Sided
0.022
0.033
0.068
0.070
0.100
0.037
0.034
0.058
0.068
0.111
0.059
0.066
0.059
0.060
0.058
0.100
0.084
0.080
0.088
0.096
0.110
-
0.041
-
-
-
-
-
0.076
-
-
0.077
-
-
0.064
-
0.118
-
0.088
-
0.125
-
T2
T2.5
T5
TK5K6
T10
TK10K6
TK10K13
T20
MXL
T1/5” = XL
T3/8” = L
T1/2” = H
T7/8” = XH
HTD 3M HP
HTD 5M HP
HTD 5M HF
HTD 8M HP
HTD 8M HF
HTD 14M HP
0.096
0.012
0.017
0.021
0.024
0.045
0.046
0.057
0.074
0.012
0.024
0.035
0.043
0.104
0.031
0.041
0.034
0.063
0.054
0.113
-
-
-
0.028
-
0.058
-
-
0.100
-
-
-
0.052
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

5
SM5 Tension Meter
SM5 Pretension Calculator App
BRECO e x CO., L.L.C. off ers the free “SM5 Pretension Calculator” which is a companion App to
the SM5 Tension Meter. The two work together to make setting and calculating belt pretension
simple and right at your fi ngertips. Scan the QR codes below with your smart phone to download
it free directly from The App Store or Google Play.
Advantages:
• Our app doesn’t require math and yields an instant, accurate result making it simple to use
• The user can translate it into English, Spanish, French or German with the touch of a button
• It eliminates the need to reference external charts to fi nd the proper belt mass because they are
built into the functionality
• BRECO e x keeps the App updated with the most recent belt pitch and belt mass data to
ensure the most accurate pre-tension calculations for your belt
BFX
SM5

flex CO., L.L.C. • BRECO®, BRECOFLEX® & ATN® are registered trademarks of BRECO Antriebstechnik GmbH • ARC-POWER® is a registered trademark of BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. • Kevlar® is a registered
trademark of DuPont Patents Pending • ESBAND® is a registered trademark of Max Schlatterer GmbH & Co. KG Patents Pending. Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
All recommendations f or the use of the p roducts described herein and all other data or information set forth i n this publication, w hether concerning such products or otherwise, a re furnished without any guarantee, warranty
representations or inducement of any kind whether expressed or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. expressly disclaims liability under any
theory, including without limitation, contract negligence, misrepresentation or breach of any obligation relating to the recommendation, data or information set forth herein. Readers and customers are encouraged to conduct their own
test before using any product. Read its label and all related instructions. BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. reserves the right to make changes in the technical and dimensional specifications of its products without prior notice. Responsibility for
expenses incurred as a result of product changes or discontinuance of a product lies solely with the purchaser.
Printed: 12/19
Copyright 2019 BRECO
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