What kind of GT2 belts?

Hey, I am searching for some GT2 belts to replace my Overlord Pro MXL setup and I have just notice that there are some different types of GT2 reinforcement and materials used. I was wondering which one should I look for and what is the difference between them. I am shopping on aliexpress and I see steel reinforced GT2 belts, fiberglass reinforced but most of them specify only "Rubber" as the material.

Should I look for something specific and maybe inquire the seller about the inner structure of the belt they are selling?

Thanks.

---

RepRap Lander concept on Concept Forge
RepRap Lander concept on RepRap Forums
My Things, mostly experimental stuff

the rubber is the base material, my belts are steel reinforced and they work great

Quote
alkempster
the rubber is the base material, my belts are steel reinforced and they work great

Yes, I know. Actually my question was directed towards a "default" way that GT2 belts are made. Most of sellers specify only the word "rubber" for the material, so i am guessing rubber or PU or some other base material falls under this generic "rubber" umbrella. The ones that specify "steel reinforced" are white on aliexpress.

But even the generic GT2 belts for sure have some sort of reinforcement, be it steel or fiberglass or copper or whatever. And I can't know that without asking the seller. And I am sure they don't know either, I have asked a couple but didn't receive any reply so far.

Have any of you guys bought a chineese GT2 belt that didn't have specified a reinforcement material and maybe you can tell what reinforcement does it use or if it still performs ok? I guess most of the GT2 belts in china come from a few large manufacturers but the sellers are unaware or don't care too much for details.

---

RepRap Lander concept on Concept Forge
RepRap Lander concept on RepRap Forums
My Things, mostly experimental stuff

I bought some GT2 belts from Folger Tech and they appear to be glass reinforced. I can tell because some fibers stick out along the edges of the belt. Of course, it could be kevlar which looks pretty much the same at microscopic diameter, but kevlar probably costs more than glass, so I'm pretty sure it's glass.

---

Ultra MegaMax Dominator 3D printer: [drmrehorst.blogspot.com]

Go to Stock Drive Products (sdp/si.com) and read the stats for the different types of reinforcement materials. They also have closed end belts if you know your lengths.

Quote
elwood127
Go to Stock Drive Products (sdp/si.com) and read the stats for the different types of reinforcement materials. They also have closed end belts if you know your lengths.

Hmm, they show all GT2 belts with Neoprene base material and Fiberglass tension members. Must be a very common combo.

---

RepRap Lander concept on Concept Forge
RepRap Lander concept on RepRap Forums
My Things, mostly experimental stuff

Mine appear to be some sort of rubber with either fiberglass or polymer (nylon, kevlar?) reinforcement. The rubber feels something like a car tire, probably natural.

I doubt there is anything natural in the belts and I am not sure of a way to tell what reinforcement strings are used ... at least not without a microscope or some potent magnification glass. I have received my GT2 belts but I haven't checked them so far because I am still waiting for some other parts to arrive.

They are most likely Neoprene Rubber With Fiberglass Core but I am yet to inspect a cut at least for the reinforcement fibers. I am sure though that 95% of the timing belts you can find at cheap prices on aliexpress are the same. I got mine for about Eur1/m.

---

RepRap Lander concept on Concept Forge
RepRap Lander concept on RepRap Forums
My Things, mostly experimental stuff

realthor: Yeah, you're probably right. It feels more like natural rubber than synthetic rubber, but I don't have much experience with neoprene, could be that.