MXL 23-180T Timing Belt Pulley Pitch 2.032mm BF-type CNC Drive Pulley Width 11mm

The tooth count determines the pitch diameter of the pulley, which directly sets your drive ratio when paired with a second pulley. Divide the driven pulley teeth by the driving pulley teeth to get the ratio. For example, a 40 T driver paired with a 20 T driven pulley gives a 2:1 speed reduction. Smaller tooth counts produce a smaller pulley diameter, which is useful in compact builds; larger counts give smoother belt engagement at higher RPM.

Measure your motor shaft diameter with a caliper before ordering. Common stepper motor shaft diameters are 5 mm and 6.35 mm (1/4 in); servo motors often use 6 mm, 8 mm, or larger. Select the bore that matches your shaft exactly — a loose fit causes backlash and vibration, while an oversized bore cannot be corrected without a bushing. If your shaft has a flat (D-cut), confirm the pulley's set-screw position will engage the flat.

Yes. These pulleys conform to the MXL tooth profile with a 2.032 mm (0.080 in) pitch, which is the industry-standard specification for MXL belts. They are designed to work with MXL open-end or closed-loop timing belts up to 10–11 mm wide. Do not use with GT2, HTD, or other belt profiles — the tooth geometry is not interchangeable.

The aluminum alloy body provides adequate strength for typical CNC routing, 3D printing, and light automation loads. MXL-profile drives are generally suited to low-to-medium torque applications. For heavy-duty industrial drives with high belt tension, consider a larger pitch profile such as GT2 5 mm or HTD 5 mm. Always verify that the belt's rated tension does not exceed the pulley's bore and set-screw clamping capacity for your specific shaft diameter.

Yes. The BF designation means both flanges are present on the pulley. These raised edges on each side of the belt groove act as lateral guides that keep the belt centered during operation. This is especially important in vertical or angled drive orientations where gravity or side loads would otherwise cause the belt to walk off an unflanged pulley.

Aluminum alloy naturally forms a thin oxide layer that provides moderate corrosion resistance in typical indoor workshop and lab environments. For applications exposed to moisture, cutting fluids, or outdoor conditions, consider applying a light coat of dry lubricant or corrosion inhibitor to the bore and set-screw area. The tooth profile itself does not require lubrication when used with standard MXL rubber or polyurethane belts.

These pulleys are designed as drive pulleys with a bore for shaft mounting. They can function as toothed idlers if mounted on a suitable shaft or bearing, but they are not supplied with bearings. If you need a smooth idler (no teeth), a different pulley type is required. Using a toothed idler on the back of the belt is generally not recommended as it can cause premature belt wear.