Like some power transmission parts such as pulleys, shafts, and couplings, sprocket is also a useful part for power transmission. It is a very popular and common gear or wheel that comes with metal teeth which meshes perfectly with a chain or track. The term pitch is used to refer to the distance between two sprockets. They do not allow gears to slip away and are specifically applied in cases where chains get engaged by gears or wheels. Besides, they are also used in cases of motors producing rotational motions. Industrial sprockets are essentially part of the chain drives. It is important in a chain drive that the sprocket should match with the type of chain used.
This kind of power transmission part is available in a variety of styles and types. Some manufactures adopt some specific sprocket making styles. For example, one type is a sprocket that has a hub extension on one side. One type is a sprocket that comes with a detachable bolt on a hub connected to a plate. There are still other types which are different from each other.
Based on the number of strands, sprockets can be classified into various types. Firstly, the split type sprocket is a good alternative for solid type which allows quick installation without in any way hampering the shaft and alignment. Secondly, taper bushed sprocket (TB) is an interchangeable bushed sprocket which gives a positive grip on the driven shaft. Thirdly, there is a type of quick detachable (QD) sprocket. In this type a tapered bushing is typically bolted into the bore that is machined in the sprocket. A tight grip is provided as the bushing is inserted into the sprocket, which compresses onto the shaft.
Sprockets have a wide use of applications. They are used as farm implements in a seed-cum-fertilizer drill. They have a very popular application in the bicycle sector. There are typically two sets of sprockets in a bicycle, i.e. the front sprocket and the rear sprocket. Often they are also known as the driving sprocket and the driven sprocket. It is common that the sprocket has automobile applications. In two wheeler scooters, sprocket is typically a wheel that has metal teeth. The chain rides upon it. They are imperative for a smooth mobility of two wheelers. In addition, they are even used in the film transport mechanisms of movie projectors and movie cameras. In this case, the sprocket wheels engage film perforations in the film stock.
All in all, sprocket plays an important role in many places. Like some widely used power transmission parts such as gearboxes and universal joints, they also attract people’s attention.