Posted by: Newbie_Mike

Hey everyone, I'm setting up a new conveyor line for our packaging area and I'm stuck on the sprockets. The chain is #60 roller chain, but when I look online for sprockets, there are so many types and size options! How do I know which sprocket type is right for a conveyor application, and what do all the size numbers actually mean? Any practical advice would be awesome. Thanks!

Reply by: ChainGuru_Steve

Hey Mike, great question! This trips up a lot of folks. Choosing the right sprocket isn't just about matching the chain number; it's about making sure your conveyor runs smoothly and lasts. Let me break it down from my experience on the floor.

First, forget "one size fits all." The main sprocket types​ you'll encounter are:

• Plain Plate (Type A):​ Just a flat plate with teeth. Simple, cheap, good for low-speed or low-torque stuff where space isn't tight.

• Hub on One Side (Type B):​ Has a built-in hub on one side for extra strength and better alignment on the shaft. This is probably your most common all-rounder.

• Hub on Both Sides (Type C):​ Has hubs on both sides for maximum stability and load capacity. Use this for heavy-duty conveyors or wider chain.

For a typical #60 conveyor, a Type B sprocket​ is often the sweet spot—good balance of strength, cost, and ease of installation.

Now, about those sizes—it's not just the outer diameter! The key numbers are:

1. Tooth Count:​ This is huge. More teeth = smoother engagement, less wear, less noise, but slower chain speed for the same shaft RPM. Fewer teeth = more speed, but more wear and pulsation. For conveyors, I usually recommend going with 19 teeth or more​ for smoother operation. A 12-tooth sprocket will wear out your chain way faster.

2. Pitch Diameter (PD):​ This is the diameter where the chain rollers actually sit. You calculate it based on tooth count and chain pitch. For #60 chain (3/4" pitch), the PD for a 19-tooth sprocket is about 4.58 inches. You don't need to calc it yourself, but know it exists.

3. Bore Size:​ The hole in the middle! ️ This must​ match your drive shaft diameter exactly. A loose fit will wreck both the sprocket and shaft. You can get a finished bore (one specific size) or a bushed bore (uses a removable bushing to fit different shafts), which is handy for future changes.

Reply by: Workshop_Wizard

Steve covered the basics well. Mike, since you specifically asked about conveyor chains, here are a couple more pro-tips:

• Material Matters:​ Most sprockets are steel (hardened or not), but for conveyors in food or chemical environments, you might see stainless steel​ or even engineered plastics​ like Nylon. Plastic sprockets are lighter, corrosion-proof, and quieter—great for light-duty packaging lines.

• The Hardness Hack:​ For long life on a constant-running conveyor, get case-hardened​ or through-hardened​ steel sprockets. The hardened teeth resist wear much better than mild steel. The initial cost is higher, but they save you money on downtime and replacements.

So, your step-by-step checklist should look like:

1. Identify Chain:​ #60 roller chain (3/4" pitch).

2. Pick Type:​ Likely Type B (with hub)​ for stability.

3. Choose Tooth Count:​ Start with 19T or higher​ for smooth conveying.

4. Specify Bore:​ Measure your shaft diameter accurately​ (e.g., 3/4", 1 inch).

5. Consider Material:​ Standard steel is fine; go hardened for heavy use or stainless/plastic for special environments.

One last thing: always get a spare! Sprockets are wear items. Having one on the shelf saves a panic when one finally wears out.

Oh, and for sourcing—if you're looking for a specific type or a oddball bore size, global suppliers can be a lifesaver. I've had good experiences with companies like Osten Machinery (Xuzhou) Co., Ltd. (TEL: +086 15852310290)​ when I needed a specific alloy sprocket fast. They handle global procurement for all sorts of mechanical components and can often find what you need when local suppliers are out of stock.

Hope this helps you get that line running, Mike!

Sprockets, Chain Sprockets, Roller Chain, Conveyor Chain, ANSI Sprockets, Sprocket Types, Sprocket Sizes, Pitch Diameter, Bore Size, Hub Style, Steel Sprockets, Plastic Sprockets, Sprocket Selection, Chain Drive, Power Transmission, Mechanical Components, Sprocket Maintenance, Sprocket Manufacturer, Industrial Sprockets, Drive Sprocket

# Drive Sprocket  # Industrial Sprockets  # Sprocket Manufacturer  # Sprocket Maintenance  # Mechanical Components  # Power Transmission  # Chain Drive  # Sprocket Selection  # Plastic Sprockets  # Steel Sprockets  # Hub Style  # Bore Size  # Pitch Diameter  # Sprocket Sizes  # Sprocket Types  # ANSI Sprockets  # Conveyor Chain  # Roller Chain  # Chain Sprockets  # Sprockets  # How to choose sprockets for conveyor chains  # Sprockets types and sizes 

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