Types of Sprockets

What is Sprocket?
A Sprocket is commonly a wheel with teeth that lock onto a chain. When the sprocket
rotates, the teeth hold the chain and move the other parts attached to the chain. This
operation provides simple and controlled rotational movement of large equipment and
machinery.

A sprocket is usually manufactured with metal or reinforced plastic to handle the force
of the moving chain. These components are compared to gears, which serve the same
wheel-shaped design with teeth.

Sprockets make direct contact with a variety of chainrings, unlike gears, which interlock
together to transfer rotational movement. Instead of gear systems, most sprockets
operate similarly in bicycle chain assemblies.

Sprockets are parts that are made with specific chainrings to correctly fit and handle
specific loads. Choosing incorrect sprockets can provide you heavy loss and also teeth
will chip and break down. On the other hand, the sprockets in their chains can move
without breaking, also in heavy-duty conveyor system applications.

Classification of Sprockets
Sprockets are classified according to type A, type B, type C, and type D, which are
described below:

1. Type A

This sprocket is flat and has no hub on it. These are typically mounted on the flanges or
hubs of the equipment. They drive through a series of holes that are plain or thin.

2. Type B

This sprocket made with hub on its one side. This allows the sprocket to fit closely to
the machinery on which it is mounted. Due to this, it reduces a large overhang load on
the bearings of the equipment.

3. Type C

Type C sprockets are made with hub on its both side of the plate. It is typically used in
such applications where the pitch diameter is large and there is more weight to support
on the shaft. Larger loads require bigger hubs.

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4. Type D

These sprockets use a Type A sprocket mounted on a solid or split hub. The sprocket is
easily splinted for removal and bolted to the hub. No need to remove bearings and
other equipment because without it the speed ratio can be changed.

Types of Sprockets
Following are the main types of sprockets:

1. Chain sprockets
2. Duplex sprockets
3. Industrial sprockets
4. Drive sprockets
5. Triplex sprockets
6. Shaft sprockets
7. Simplex sprockets
8. Single pitch and double pitch sprocket
9. Drum sprockets
10. Steel split sprockets
11. Idler sprocket
12. Bushed sprocket
13. Multi-strand sprocket
14. Quick disconnect sprocket
15. Taper-lock sprocket
16. Double plus sprocket

1. Chain Sprockets

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These are the most common types of sprockets used. They work only with chains
designed by rollers interconnected by pins.

Roller chains provide a gap that fits the teeth of the sprocket to transfer rotary motion.
These are used in transmission equipment applications.

2. Duplex Sprockets

The duplex sprockets are usually made of mild steel and sometimes of stainless steel in
many different sizes. It mainly consists of double-strand sprockets from the outer
diameter of 2" to 120" in the plate.

It is maybe of a single hub or double hub as per the required specifications. And
Induction/Flame hardened teeth Duplex Sprockets are also available.

3. Industrial Sprockets

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The industrial sprockets are commonly made of graded stainless steel, mild steel, and
cast iron because they give high tensile strength and efficiency.

Different types of sprockets can be manufactured by their originator to achieve greater

efficiency. They are usually used with timing belts, have flanges to keep the timing belt
centered.

4. Drive Sprockets

The drive sprockets are a common type of sprockets. These are usually provided with
shaft import power. They are available with a smaller diameter.

5. Triple Sprockets

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The triple sprocket is a triple 18 tooth taper bushed type sprocket that uses bushing. It is
constructed using high-quality mild steel and fabricated with high precision tolerances
for optimum long-term performance. These sprockets are consist of heat-treated
hardened teeth that further improve the working and durability.

6. Shaft Sprockets

It is a type of sprocket, typically made of welded steel, either in one piece or with
replaceable tooth segments for the drive and tail sections.

They are commonly used for ash handling applications. These types of sprockets are
available with any number of teeth or hub designs.

7. Simplex Sprockets

It is divided by a gear in which the sprocket is not directly joined together, and in that,
it is separated by a pulley. They are commonly made of teeth and smooth pulleys. The
simplex sprockets usually do not have a flange.

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8. Single Pitch and Double Pitch Sprockets

Pitch sprockets are available with single pitch and double pitch sprockets. The single-
pitch sprockets have teeth that enable the chain's roller pin to fall into each tooth.

Whereas the double pitch sprocket has teeth that allow the pin to fall into each gap. This
type of sprocket is used in conveyor systems because they require precise product
placement.

9. Drum Sprockets

These sprockets are stronger and thicker sprockets that focus on reducing contact
pressure through the increased surface area. Teeth, plates, and hubs are used very wide
to reduce wear. Drum sprockets are used for heavy-duty and industrial applications.

10. Steel Split Sprockets

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Several sprockets are required by loosening the chain, putting the sprocket, and
tightening the chain again. Because, a steel-split sprocket consists of two parts that are
split through the center and bolted back together, helping easy fitting into a system.

11. Idler Sprockets

It is used where long lengths may cause chain slack, there is a non-adjustable drive
shaft, or the chain is guided around an obstacle. The use of an idler sprocket stops chain
whipping and uneven load distribution.

12. Bushed Sprockets

These sprockets provide support, such as anchor bolts, to assure that the flange holds to
the sprocket. Heavy lifting industry systems often require bushing sprockets.

13. Multi Strand Sprockets

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Multi-strand sprockets are used where high torque and power are required, or two or
more items are being driven by a drive shaft. These are available with 40 to 160 chain
pitches with plain, finished, taper-locked, or QD style hubs.

12. Quick Disconnect Sprockets

These sprockets are used in high working load and high clamp loading on shaft. QD
sprockets are flanged with anchor bolts around the perimeter.

15. Taper Lock Sprocket

This sprocket uses a split through the taper and flange to give a clamp on the shaft. The
taper-lock bushing is held in place with the set screw on the sprocket.

Read Also: Types of Dies in Manufacturing, Components, Uses (PDF)

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16. Double Plus Sprocket

The Double Plus sprocket is specifically designed with the Double Plus chain. They are
used in conveyor applications where the product is moving at high speed to power the
conveyor.

Applications of Sprockets
There are several types of sprocket available, each applied on different types of
machinery to run on movement in various applications. Following are the common
applications of sprockets:

1. The sprockets are used in agricultural and farming equipment applications.

2. These are also employed in automotive equipment
3. It is used in chain-driven machineries, such as conveyor belts and other factory systems.
4. Sprockets are very useful in pulleys, shafts, and other power transmission equipment.
5. Are also used in-vehicle systems, such as bicycles and motorcycles.

Conclusion
Almost all industries use sprockets because they do not have a slip and creep issues and
are even more efficient than belt drives. They are capable of working effectively at high
temperatures.

Now, I hope that I have covered everything about crankshafts. If you have any doubts
about this article on “Types of Sprockets” you can ask in the comments. If you liked
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