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Synchromesh Drive Systems

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Synchromesh Drive Systems for Precise Reciprocating Motion

Synchromesh Drive Systems are ideal for reciprocating linear motion applications that demand high flexibility, low inertia, and precise synchronous movement. Unlike traditional timing belts, synchromesh drives are not endless and are specifically engineered for systems requiring back-and-forth linear travel.

A synchromesh drive system utilizes a spiral-wound drive cable instead of a conventional toothed timing belt. The drive cable is built around a stranded stainless steel wire core, which is encapsulated in a durable nylon jacket. A second stainless steel cable is spirally wound around the nylon outer layer and bonded to the core. This spiral wrap is manufactured with precise pitch control, ensuring synchronous engagement with matching helical pulleys.

This unique cable construction offers exceptional flexibility in all directions, enabling tighter routing, compact installation, and improved design versatility across many linear and reciprocating motion applications.

Synchromesh Drive Systems

The Synchromesh Drive System is an advanced cable-based solution designed to replace conventional timing belts in applications that require precise reciprocating or linear motion. Unlike traditional belt drives, the Synchromesh system uses a helically wound drive cable that offers superior flexibility, durability, and accuracy—making it ideal for automation, robotics, packaging, and industrial machinery.

At the core of the Synchromesh system is a stranded stainless steel cable that provides high tensile strength and resistance to stretching, ensuring consistent, long-term performance. This core is protected by a durable nylon jacket, which enhances wear resistance and shields the internal wire bundle from harsh environmental conditions. Wrapped around the nylon-coated core is a spiral winding, constructed from a similar steel cable and bonded to the jacket. This helical outer layer defines the pitch and enables the drive cable to engage precisely with specially designed pulleys. Synchromesh pulleys feature matching helical grooves that mesh with the spiral cable winding, ensuring smooth, backlash-free transmission of motion.

Synchromesh Drive System A 6J 9MAS0605 Metric
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A 6J 9MAS0805 Metric
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A 6J 9MAS1005 Metric
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A 6J 9MAS1209 Metric
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Pitch 3.048 mm 3.81 mm 5.08 mm 6.35 mm
Pitch Lenth per meter
Type Cable
Material 304 Stainless Steel Core with Nylon Casing 305 Stainless Steel Core with Nylon Casing 306 Stainless Steel Core with Nylon Casing 307 Stainless Steel Core with Nylon Casing

One of the standout benefits of the Synchromesh Drive System is its high flexibility and precision. It supports cable lengths of up to 200 feet, making it ideal for long-distance linear motion or complex layouts where traditional belts would be impractical. The accurate pitch of the spiral winding and matched pulley design ensures synchronous, backlash-free movement, essential in applications that demand reliable timing and repeatable positioning. Additionally, the materials used—stainless steel and nylon—offer excellent wear resistance and reduce the need for frequent maintenance, contributing to lower operating costs over time.

The Synchromesh system is perfect for reciprocating motion in automated assembly lines, linear motion in precision positioning equipment, conveyor systems in industrial environments, and robotics where space, accuracy, and durability are critical. A wide range of mounting attachments and end fittings are available, allowing easy integration into existing machines or custom designs. Whether for short strokes or long travel paths, the Synchromesh Drive System provides an efficient, low-maintenance alternative to traditional timing belts—delivering high-performance motion control across a wide range of industries.

Synchromesh Cables

Synchromesh Cables

Available In:

Materials: Stainless Steel, Nylon

The Synchromesh Drive System is an entirely unique approach to synchronous drives. A drive cable, takes the place of traditional timing belt and other synchronous motion transmission methods and is the central component of the system. The cable is made up of a core bundle of stainless steel wires that have been stranded and is covered in a nylon jacket. Another cable is wound around the nylon jacket in a spiral pattern.


Synchromesh Pulleys

Synchromesh Pulleys

Available In:

Materials: Acetal with Brass Insert
Pitches: .120 - .250
* Aluminum inserts used on .250 pitch pulleys.

Synchromesh pulleys feature helical grooves designed to precisely engage with the spiral configuration of synchromesh drive cables, ensuring smooth, slip-free motion in positioning and linear drive systems. These pulleys are available in .120", .150", .200", and .250" pitch options to match various application needs. SDP/SI offers a range of synchromesh pulleys ideal for use in compact, low-backlash systems requiring accurate motion control.


Synchromesh Attachments

Synchromesh Attachments

Available In:

Materials: Copper, Stainless Steel, Nylon

A wide selection of attachments for synchromesh cable systems is available to support a variety of mounting and motion requirements. Options include loop sleeves, plugs, eyes for screw mounting, and stainless steel thimbles. Thimbles are especially useful for high-load applications, providing loop reinforcement and protecting the cable from wear in dynamic systems. These components ensure secure terminations and extended cable life in precision motion control setups.


Synchromesh Crimping Tools

Synchromesh Crimping Tool

Available In:

Materials: Alloy Steel, Chrome Alloy Steel

Synchromesh Crimping Tools are designed for reliable swaging of steel cable assemblies, offering strength and precision for a wide range of applications. The 4-Nested Precision Crimping Tool features a compact, plier-style design with 15:1 compound leverage, chrome alloy steel jaws, and nonslip grips—ideal for up to 1/16" diameter core cable (nylon should be stripped for best bond). For larger sizes, the 6-Cavity Multiple-Sleeve Crimping Tool accommodates 3/64" to 3/16" cables and handles cable strengths from 270 to 3700 lbf, with heat-treated high-carbon steel construction and centerless ground shoulder bolts for smooth operation.