A Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling a Guide Wheel Pulley with Molybdenum Wire
The guide wheel pulley assembly features molybdenum wire to ensure the long-lasting and reliable performance that your textile machine requires. Molybdenum wire will not rust, oxidize, or corrode when in contact with oils, fats, or other corrosive substances that may be used to produce textiles. It is strong, but also flexible enough to move with the shaft as it rotates, making it an ideal material for this application. The following steps outline how to assemble a guide wheel pulley with molybdenum wire…
Tools, Materials, and Design
The molybdenum wire guide wheel pulley assembly is, as its name suggests, a pulley (for moving material over an axis) that uses molybdenum wire instead of rope or chain. In fact, we’ve also seen it used in some experimental elevators that try to reduce friction and increase efficiency by using superconductors. The wire can get really cold though, so we don’t recommend using it for an elevator unless you’re okay with people freezing on their way up and down your shafts. For all other applications though, it’s been shown to work well for many years at temperatures of -270 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Prepare the Chain Links
If you’re using a chain, prepare it by threading it through all of your guide wheel pulleys. Once you have completed that step, position your last guide wheel pulley so that its center is directly over one end of your molybdenum wire price (the long straight piece). Use your pliers to grab each side of that last guide wheel pulley and bend it down, securing both sides of the wire together. Make sure you hold onto those pliers while they’re still in place because we’ll need them again in just a second.
Attach the chain links to the rim
Using pliers, bend one end of each chain link around its corresponding guide wheel and crimp it into place. Repeat with all of your links so that they fit snugly around their respective guide wheels. Once you’ve attached all of your chain links, tighten down any loose wires and cut off any excess wire. And there you have it—you now know how to assemble a guide wheel pulley. Your next step is up to you—you can either try your hand at making something entirely new or apply what you’ve learned here by working on an advanced project!
Finalize Tension
The proper tension for your guide wheel pulley assembly will vary depending on how much friction you are trying to cut out. Start at 50 pounds of tension and see if that is strong enough. You can adjust your load up or down in small increments of 10, but be careful! It’s very easy to overtighten your belt, making it weak and easily broken. Make sure you tighten evenly around the belt; any spots of extra or loose tension will take away from its strength and could result in an accident. When you have determined that your pulley is properly attached, tug lightly on both ends of your wire rope.
Mount the chain wheels on both sides of the wheel pulley
Place your steel rule on top of one of your chain wheels, and make sure it’s centered. Place two screws on top of your steel rule where you want them, and then place three additional screws in a triangular pattern around those two (also at equal distances apart). This will help keep your wheel in place while you complete step 6. Repeat step 5 for other side of wheel pulley.
Testing and Troubleshooting
Making sure that your guide wheel assembly is working properly can take some time. Be patient, and be meticulous when conducting each test. If you encounter difficulties, read all of these instructions again, step by step. If you’re still having problems after all that, reach out to your TTPT instructor for help. Below are some tests that will help ensure your project is functioning as it should
Tips, Tricks, and Resources
Before beginning your wire wrapping, be sure you’ve prepared your guide wheel pulley correctly. Follow these steps: 1. Make sure there are no burrs on any of the slots or notches of your pulley assembly; 2. Cover all exposed metal surfaces (except for those that will come in contact with molybdenum wire) in epoxy or clear nail polish; 3. Screw or glue (your choice!) in place any extra weights you may want to add to your assembly; 4.