METHOD AND APPARATUS OF MANUFACTURING SYNCHRONOUS DRIVE BELTWITH TEETH WHICH ARE AXIALLY INTERLOCKED WITH A MOLD SURFACE

摘要

An apparatus and method for manufacturing a synchronous drive belt or timing belt is disclosed. The method allows a belt with axially interlocked teeth to be manufactured. The method utilizes transfer molding as opposed to compression molding, and involves an inflatable diaphragm (40) which pushes rubber (3B) radially outwardly from a mandrel (60) into a mold having teeth on an inner surface. The method includes the provision of a barrier layer which can be advantageously built into the belt to improve the transfer molding process.< /SDOAB>