Chain & Sprockets
Chain drives move serious torque over long centre distances and rough conditions — the muscle of conveyors and heavy machine drives.
What are chain & sprockets?
A roller chain drive pairs a standardised chain (metric BS 08B/10B/12B or ANSI 40/50/60 classes) with toothed sprockets. It tolerates shock loads, dirt and imprecise centre distances better than belts, at the cost of lubrication and periodic tension adjustment — the standard for conveyors and heavy drives.
Types of chain & sprockets
Simplex roller chain
Single-strand standard pitches.
Duplex / triplex chain
Multi-strand for higher power in the same pitch.
Attachment chain
Bent-lug and extended-pin links to carry conveyor attachments.
Sprockets
Pilot-bore or finished-bore with key and set screws; hardened teeth for long life.
How to select chain & sprockets
- Chain pitch and strand count from power and speed.
- Sprocket tooth counts for ratio and chain wrap.
- Bore, keyway and mounting details for the shafts.
- Lubrication and tensioning provision in the design.
Not sure? Send what you have — a part number, drawing or photo — and our engineering team will confirm the selection.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I identify my existing chain?
- Measure the pitch (pin-to-pin), roller diameter and inner width — these map to a standard designation such as 08B or ANSI 40. A photo with a rule in shot is usually enough; send it via our Find an Alternative form.
- Do you supply matching sprockets with machined bores?
- Yes — sprockets are available pilot-bore for your machining, or finished to your bore/keyway specification on enquiry.
Related components
Timing Belts & Pulleys
Timing belts transmit torque tooth-by-tooth — no slip, no lubrication — making them the default for positioning drives and clean power transmission.
Aluminium Profile
T-slot aluminium profile turns frame building into assembly — cut, bolt, reconfigure — no welding, no painting.
Linear Shafts
The shaft is half of every linear bushing system — its hardness, roundness and surface finish set the accuracy and life of the motion.
Need chain & sprockets?
Tell us the specification, quantity and application — or just send the drawing.