V-belt product attributes

V-belt part numbers look self-explanatory, since the section and length are built into codes such as 5VX1180. The catch is that different belt families measure length differently. Classical, narrow and metric belts use inside, effective or datum lengths, so the number in the code is only comparable within its own family. Supplier files rarely say which basis they used.

Construction adds another layer. Wrapped and raw-edge belts, cogged and plain belts, single belts and banded belts can share a section and length but differ in flexibility, minimum sheave size and power capacity. These choices affect whether a belt suits an existing drive, and suppliers often describe them only in the product name, which makes filtering unreliable.

Industrial buyers also care about properties that do not show on the belt. Static conductivity matters in dusty or hazardous areas, matched sets matter on multi-groove drives, and temperature limits depend on the compound. A record that keeps these as structured fields, backed by the manufacturer's documentation, lets a buyer replace a belt with confidence rather than by eye.

The v-belts attribute template

18 candidate fields in 5 groups, ordered the way a record gets built: identify the item, capture its specifications, then record fit and the evidence behind any claim. 9 are marked Core: without them the item cannot be identified or filtered. Example values show the expected format only; they do not describe a real SKU.

Identity

Which exact item, variant and pack this record describes.

Check before use: Preserve leading zeros and punctuation, validate against the manufacturer record, and check the GTIN check digit and packaging level before linking.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Belt Designation (Section + Length Code) industry_number_belt_trade_size	Identifier	Core	5VX1180
Manufacturer Part Number manufacturer_part_number	Identifier	Core	VB-5VX1180
GTIN / UPC gtin_14_upc_a	Identifier	Channel / evidence	081234511807

Technical specifications

Measured or rated values that must travel with their unit and test conditions.

Check before use: Store the number and unit separately. Convert only when the source unit and test conditions are known.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Length Measurement Basis length_designation_basis	Controlled list	Core	Effective (outside) length
Rated Length effective_datum_length	Number · in	Core	118.0 in
Top Width top_width	Number · in	Core	0.625 in
Thickness thickness	Number · in	Core	0.53 in
Operating Temperature Range operating_temperature_range	Text · °C	Buyer decision	-30 °C to +60 °C

Selection attributes

The type, material and option choices buyers filter and compare on.

Check before use: Map supplier wording to a governed vocabulary only after checking the source text and which variant it applies to.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Belt Section belt_section	Controlled list	Core	5VX
Belt Construction belt_construction	Controlled list	Core	Raw edge, molded cog
Number of Bands number_of_bands_strands	Number	Core	1
Matched Set Requirement matched_set_requirement	Controlled list	Buyer decision	Match-free within manufacturer tolerance
Tensile Cord Material tensile_cord_material	Controlled list	Buyer decision	Polyester
Body / Cover Compound body_cover_compound	Controlled list	Buyer decision	EPDM

Fit & compatibility

What the item mounts to, mates with, replaces or works alongside.

Check before use: Keep model and series qualifiers. A similar-looking part is not a verified fit until a source says so.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Min. Recommended Sheave Diameter min_recommended_sheave_datum_diameter	Number · in	Buyer decision	4.4 in

Evidence & compliance

Listings, standards, classifications and origin claims that need a document behind them.

Check before use: Link the manufacturer document or label with its edition or date. Never copy a certification from a neighboring SKU.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Static Conductive static_conductive_arpm_rma_ip_3_3	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	Yes (per ARPM IP-3-3)
Belt Standard arpm_standard_conformance	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	ARPM IP-22 (narrow multiple V-belts)
Country of Origin country_of_origin	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	Mexico

Normalize supplier values

The same value arrives in many spellings. Map each raw string to one governed value, and keep the raw text beside it so a reviewer can see what the supplier actually wrote.

Often missing from supplier files

These fields are commonly absent from price lists and basic feeds, even though the information usually exists in a datasheet, label or installation manual. Treat an empty value as a request for evidence, not as permission to fill it from a similar model.

• Length measurement basis
• Min. recommended sheave diameter
• Interchange / cross-reference numbers
• Static conductive
• Matched set requirement

Questions the record must answer

Buyers and counter-sales reps choosing v-belts ask questions like these. Each one needs a specific field, sourced for the exact variant.

• Is a 5VX1180 the same length as the 5V1180 on my drive, just cogged?
• Will a cogged belt work on my smallest sheave?
• Do I need a matched set for my three-groove drive, or will single belts from stock work?
• Is this belt static conductive for a dusty area?

From supplier file to record

1. Resolve identity first. Link the supplier SKU, manufacturer part number and packaging identifiers without merging distinct variants or pack sizes.
2. Extract with the source attached. Pull values from rows, tables and datasheets, keeping the raw text, unit and page or row reference.
3. Map to your classification. Assign the ETIM, ECLASS, UNSPSC or internal class your company licenses, and keep the supplier's original terms.
4. Review, sync and watch. Hold conflicts and safety-related values for a category expert, write approved values to ERP or PIM, and recheck when the supplier sends a new file.

For the full method, see how to build a category attribute template and the category catalog gap audit.

FAQ