Eco-Friendly Belt Drive Systems Using 3D Printing Technology

Abstract: This paper presents the development of eco-friendly belt drive systems using 3D-printed Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU 95A), a biodegradable alternative to conventional rubber belts. Belt profiles were designed using CAD software and fabricated via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with optimized parameters (210°C nozzle, 100% infill). Tensile and shear tests, conducted per ASTM D638 and D5369 standards, revealed a tensile strength of 21.39 MPa (34.99% elongation) and shear strength of 5.0 MPa, indicating suitability for light-to-medium duty applications. Compared to rubber belts (25–30 MPa tensile strength), TPU 95A offers comparable elasticity with superior environmental benefits, decomposing within ~5 years. Challenges, including print failures and temperature limitations (~90°C), were addressed through iterative design and parameter tuning. The results demonstrate TPU 95A’s potential as a sustainable, customizable solution for power transmission, with implications for green manufacturing. Future work includes hybrid material exploration and dynamic testing.