Because the timing belt mainly relies on the positive pressure transmission force of the tooth surface, the size and center distance of the pulley are smaller than those of the V-belt and the flat belt, and the maximum reduction ratio is only 1:10. Its transmission efficiency can reach 99.5%, belt speed can reach 50 m/s, transmission power can reach hundreds of kilowatts, positioning accuracy can reach 0.05 mm/300 mm, and has the characteristics of oil resistance, moisture resistance, and no lubrication.
Therefore, the timing belt can not only be used to transmit motion and power, but also can be used for motion control system and positioning of the mechanism. The early timing belt teeth were trapezoidal. After the 80s of the 20th century, the arc tooth synchronous belt has been developed, which is more reasonable than the trapezoidal tooth synchronous belt stress distribution and bears a larger load.