Leading Sprocket Manufacturers

However, additional industries include automotive, for power transmission applications; agriculture and forestry, in various types of equipment; film and paper, for film transport mechanisms found in move projectors and cameras; and electronics, for computer printers and electric motors.

Sprockets are made from a wide range of materials: stainless steel, which works best for high temperature and food processing applications; cast iron, most often used with flat wire conveyor belts; and plastics such as nylon, polyethylene and polyurethane, which allow for continuous use at high temperatures.

Sprockets are formed in much the same way as gears, through cutting techniques such as hobbing, so that they are able withstand harsh and repetitive use. Sprocket hobbing is the process of using a broaching machine to cut the grooves, known as teeth, into a component. Capable of cutting sprockets with different numbers and varying sizes of teeth, sprocket hobbing is used to make teeth for many different kinds of sprockets. Additional machining processes are used, such as drilling, in order to ensure the best teeth and closest tolerances. Secondary service including heat treating and hand finishing can be used in order to provide additional strength and quality. Often cut in both English and metric dimensions, there are many different types of sprockets available including idler, roller chain, split, timing belt and film.

Idler sprockets are used to prevent whipping action and to help obtain optimum chain tension in power transmissions. Also useful in power transmission, roller chain sprockets are light-weight, durable and often used for precision equipment components. Split sprockets, on the other hand, are useful in applications requiring detachment without having to dismantle machinery. Timing belt sprockets are also referred to as synchronous sprockets and provide timed, non-slip power transmission. Film sprockets refer to the type of sprocket used to move film through various machines by engaging with holes located along the two sides of the film strip.