SPROCKET ESSENTIALS BASIC TERMINOLOGY
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British Standard Sprockets: This style of sprocket is similar to an ANSI style sprocket with the exception of the fact that it is designed to propel British Standard Chain. British Standard Chain has slightly different dimensions with regard to chain pitch and roller diameter. ANSI Standard chain pitch is measured in 1/8" increments (pin to pin), whereas British Standard follows a 1/16" pin to pin spacing. Please see Figure 13 for an illustration of how to measure British Standard chain pitch. Double Single Sprockets: This type of sprocket is commonly used in applications where two or more items are powered by a common drive shaft. The space between the sprocket plates is wider than a multi-strand sprocket, and allows two separate strands of chain to engage without contacting each other. With this type of sprocket, one strand of chain may exit in a different direction than the other. For example, one strand exiting towards the ceiling and the other running parallel to the floor. Please refer to Figure 14 for an illustration of a Double Single sprocket. Idler Sprockets: This type of sprocket is used in applications where the drive chain may experience slack due to long lengths, non-adjustability of the driven shaft, or where the chain has to be guided around an obstruction. Use of Idler Sprockets prevents chain whipping and uneven distribution of load. This type of sprocket can also be used in applications where the drive chain may experience direction reversal, or in applications where the chain may experience whipping. Having idler sprockets touching the outside of the chain would be beneficial. Please refer to Figure 15 for an illustration of an Idler Sprocket.
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Figure 13 - Measuring British Standard Chain
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Figure 14 - Double Single Sprocket
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Figure 15 - Idler Sprocket
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