A Complete Guide On The Anatomy of Sprocket And Chain

Sprocket Basics

Sprockets are toothed in such a way that they can be attached to a chain. Mostly, a sprocket is connected to another by a chain to allow the conduction of torque.

With the help of the chain, the sprocket can effectively change torque, speed, or original direction of a motor. The compatibility of a sprocket and chain depends on similarity in thickness and pitch.

When sprockets and chains are aligned properly; that is, sprockets having a very good accuracy of shafts and teeth, for example, can be rated as standard sprockets. Affirmatively, they work with the utmost efficiency. Additionally, other more efficient types of sprockets are the customized sprockets.

However, getting the best value for your money when hitting the market for a sprocket and chain, you need an experienced sprocket and chain supplier.

Anatomy of a Sprocket

Number of Teeth

The number of teeth around the circular part can be of few or much in number. Fewer teeth are countable with ease while more teeth tend to be stressful during counting.

Pitch Diameter (PD)

It is a circular path which is followed by chain pins when the sprocket rotates and in contact with the chain. The gear ratio can be estimated through the pitch diameter ratio. Commonly, the ratio of the teeth number is used in such estimation with ease.

Pitch

It is usually represented in inch per tooth and it is the rate of diameter pitch. Large pitch gears will have larger teeth. Common pitches are 0.375”, known as (#35), and 0.25” known as #25.

Outside Diameter (OD)

Outside diameter is mostly smaller than the chain clearance diameter and larger than the pitch diameter. It does not put into consideration any chain additional diameter. Therefore, it cannot be used for assembly interference checks.  

Chain Clearance Diameter

The chain clearance diameter has a bigger diameter than the pitch and outside diameter and it is practically the outside diameter of a sprocket with a wrapped chain. When positioning sprockets with other structures, chain clearance diameter is the best to use in checking for any interfered structure.

Anatomy of Chain

The Roller chain is made of numbers of both inner and outer links connected to create a flexible strand. It is used in the connection of two sprockets for transmission of torque.

Outside Links

Outside links are made up of two outside plates in connection with two pins that are pressed into each plate. During assembling of the links (inner an outside), the pins in the outside link pass through the inside of a hollow bushings and pins spin on the inside of the bushings freely.

Inside Link

Inside links are made up of two inside plates in connection with two pins that are pressed into each plate. When the sprocket is wrapped by the chain, the sprocket teeth come in contact with the surface of the bushings.

Pitch

It is the center distance of two adjacent pins. Common pitches are 0.375”, known as (#35), and 0.25” known as #25.

Conclusion

Sprockets are toothed in such a way that they can be attached to a chain. Mostly, a sprocket is connected to another by a chain to allow the conduction of torque.  

When sprockets and chains are aligned properly; that is, sprockets having a very good accuracy of shafts and teeth are examples of standard sprockets.

In order to get the best value for your money when hitting the market for a sprocket and chain, you need an experienced sprocket and chain supplier.