ISO Roller Chain Sprockets

Sprockets, roller chain, metric engage chains in many different power transmission and conveyor systems. Chain drives are often used as economic, reliable drive systems for long running, continuous drive applications with limited shock and torque loads. Metric sprockets are classified according to ISO number designations. Sprockets engage chains in many different power transmission and conveyor systems. Chain drives are often used as economic, reliable drive systems for long running, continuous drive applications with limited shock and torque loads. English sprockets are classified according to ANSI number designations.

Pitch is the distance between adjacent tooth centers.  Metric roller chain and sprockets are categorized according to ISO Standard 606. The number correlates to pitch in 1/16" increments, expressed in millimeter units. AN ISO 12 sprocket therefore mates with a chain with 3/4", or 19.05mm, pitch. Important dimensions to consider when searching for sprockets, roller chain, metric include number of teeth, bore diameter, hub diameter, outside diameter, length through bore, and weight.  Number of teeth for a specified pitch will determine sprocket size and drive ratio.  The bore diameter is the diameter of center bore for shaft mounting.  The hub diameter is the outside diameter of desired hub.  The outside diameter is the diameter of the sprocket including teeth. It is primarily of concern if clearance is an issue.  The length through bore is the total width of the sprocket, including hub(s).

Material selection is dependent on factors such as required power transmission and speed, environmental factors such as temperature and exposure to corrosive elements, and other factors such as noise generation. Consult with a sprocket manufacturer on a specific application to optimize material selection.  Common material choices for sprockets, roller chain, metric include all plastic, plastic teeth with a metal insert, standard steel, hardened steel, and stainless steel.  The sprocket style can be single, double, triple, quadruple, and quintuple or higher.  A single style sprocket has one sprocket on one hub.  A double style sprocket has two sprockets on one hub, and so on.  Some sprockets are idler sprockets.  Idler sprockets rotate freely while taking up slack and providing tension to a chain drive system. They are used as tensioners and occasionally to provide chain clearance around a machine component.  The idler style can be bronze bushing or ball bearing.

The hub style on sprockets, roller chain, metric can be Type A (hubless), Type B (hub on one side), Type C (hub on both sides), and Type D (detachable bolt-on hub).  Specialty hubs include tapered bushing, and shear pin hub.  Tapered bushings are tightened down onto the shaft like a collet to minimize shaft marring.  Shear pin provides protection against drive system jamming or overload. Torque is carried by shear pin, which is necked to shear when safe load is exceeded.  Shaft mounting choices for sprockets, roller chain, metric include set screws, keyway, and simple bore.  An important environmental parameter to consider is the operating temperature.

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