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A round torsional spring, by its very nature,

is stronger than a flat spring. Its designed to

provide constant belt tension through rotation,

rather than creating tension through coiling.

Round torsional spring engineering makes it the

OEM choice on a wide variety of automotive

and industrial applications. Heres why:

Round Torsional Spring1. Applies an even rotational load that offers resistance

to a compressive force.

2. Coil spring materials and manufacturing processprovide tighter dimensional tolerances for betteroutput control.

Flat Spring1. Applies resistance through an unevenly

distributed concentric coil.

2. Manufacturing of flat spring wire provides lessdimensional tolerance control. As a result, flatspring dimensions may vary significantly.

3. Applies constant tension across a wider range ofmotion because coil diameter remains constant.

3. Tension varies because coiled design operates withina narrower range rather than operating across all

areas of the spring.

The Technical Truth About Belt TensionersRound torsional spring versus flat spring technology which has greater technical advantages?

May 2001Form No. 433-0790

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4. The spring creates no heat build up. The dampingmechanism is a separate unit located between the the

spring and the aluminum casting. Less heat meanslonger tensioner life.

4. Builds up heat from friction caused by greater surfacecontact of the spring coils. Heat increases tensioner

component wear and failure.

5. Has fewer stress points to weaken tensioner. 5. Has more stress points along the spring edges thatcan weaken tensioner resulting in spring fatigue.

Why Choose Gates?Gates builds onlyround spring automatic belt tensioners.Each with the OE look, fit and long-lasting performance

demanded by OEMs. Unlike so-called universal tensioners,Gates tensioners require no retrofitting to make them

work. Gates tensioners bolt on just like the tensioneryou took off. Choosing the right tensioners is

easier when you choose Gates.

Round torsional spring versus flat spring technology which has greater technical advantages?(continued)

The Worlds Most Trusted Name in Belts, Hose and Hydraulics.The Gates Rubber Company 900 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80217-5887

www.gates.com

Friction occursonly at the topand bottom

ends of coils

No frictionbetween

coils

Constantand even

tensionthroughout

springUneven tension.

Movement infirst two

springs only

Constantfriction

betweensprings

Constantfriction atthe base

Heatandnoise

Frictioncaused byup and domovement

Pulleyand beltmovement

Pulleyand beltmovement