A sprocket is a wheel-like piece of machinery that is used in bicycles, cars, and other large equipment. Its teeth interlock with a chain to transmit rotary motion between two shafts. The sprocket's teeth also impart linear motion to the track. Often, sprockets are made of metal, while pulleys are made of plastic. Regardless of the material used, a sprocket can be interchangeable between brands.
In addition, a sprocket can slip or skid. The sprocket's pitch radius determines the angular speed of the sprocket. The angular speed is positive for a slip while negative for a skid. The angular speed of a sprocket is a reflection of the driving or braking torque acting on it. A sprocket can slide or skid along a track by up to 0.2 inches.
To select the correct sprocket, you should first determine the chain's pitch. Pitch is the distance between the center of each tooth and the center of the chain. Pitch is used to select sprockets that are suitable for a given application. In bicycle applications, a pitch of two is suitable. It is recommended to select a Type A sprocket for bicycles with low chain friction, while a pitch of two is suited for mountain biking.
In other cases, a sprocket is double-pitch, and engages the chain every other pin. A skip-tooth sprocket places more wear on the chain than a gap-tooth sprocket. The latter is generally a specialty design for vehicles that use roller chains with attachments. Both of these designs require special fabrication. The selection of a sprocket is influenced by several factors, but the main factor is its performance characteristics. Among these criteria are transmission shock control, speed, and weight.
When choosing a sprocket, make sure to select the one that matches the chain. Otherwise, a chain may break or develop teeth due to improper sprocket selection. Make sure to choose a sprocket that fits the chain correctly, and your bicycle will last a long time. When buying a sprocket, you must know the specifications of the system and what kind of assembly you need.
The material of a sprocket can be milled, forged, or flame-cut. Smaller sprockets may have a plate or split body. A plate body is typically used for sprockets of a smaller circumference. Another type is called bushed. This type is used for heavy-duty loads. And as you can see, there are many types of sprockets available.
The size of a sprocket is largely determined by how many teeth it has. A good drive sprocket should have at least 17 teeth. Larger sprockets with a higher number of teeth will extend a chain's life. A sprocket that has more teeth will accommodate a larger chain shaft. Hardened teeth will also extend a sprocket's life.