A flat belt pulley is used in transmission systems that are driven by flat belts, typically in high speed, low power applications in textiles, paper making, and office machinery such as computer printers. Flat belts are also used for conveyors.
Flat belts are also less expensive than the belts used in snake belt pulleys. One safety factor is that in high torque situations, the belt may slip, causing damage to equipment other than the belt. Flat belts require flat pulleys and flat pulley idlers.