Idler Sprockets
The stationary components of conveyor belts must be top quality if you care about the efficiency and longevity of your drive systems. Especially those in power transmission machinery — where efficient and frictionless performance — are a must.
Idler sprockets are without rotating parts but have sealed-off ball bearings that ensure frictionless and quiet movement. If there is a mismatch in the grade of roller chains and idler sprockets, the whole set-up may become overworked because power distribution between and within these parts becomes unequal.
The difference in quality can be due, but is not restricted, to any one of these reasons:
- Size
- Number of teeth
- Type of material
- Weight
Each factor serves and contributes to different measures. PEER Chain, backed by half a century of research and expertise, stocks only the best idler sprockets specific to the requirements of every ANSI/ASME-certified roller chain.
| PEER Idler No. | ANSI Size Chain No. | No. of Teeth | Bore Diameter | Outside Diameter | Length Through Bore (LTB) | Tooth Width (w) | Weight (lbs) |
| 35BB20H X 5/8” | 35 | 20 | 0.638 | 2.59 | 0.72 | 0.169 | 0.38 |
| 40BB17H X 5/8” | 40 | 17 | 0.638 | 2.98 | 0.72 | 0.283 | 0.52 |
| 40BB18H X 5/8” | 40 | 18 | 0.638 | 3.14 | 0.72 | 0.283 | 0.53 |
| 50BB15H X 5/8” | 50 | 15 | 0.638 | 3.32 | 0.72 | 0.343 | 0.75 |
| 50BB17H X 5/8” | 50 | 17 | 0.638 | 3.72 | 0.72 | 0.343 | 0.78 |
| 60BB13H X 1/2” | 60 | 13 | 0.510 | 3.49 | 0.72 | 0.461 | 0.76 |
| 60BB13H X 5/8” | 60 | 13 | 0.638 | 3.49 | 0.72 | 0.461 | 0.76 |
| 60BB15H X 1/2” | 60 | 15 | 0.510 | 3.98 | 0.72 | 0.461 | 1.06 |
| 60BB15H X 5/8” | 60 | 15 | 0.638 | 3.98 | 0.72 | 0.461 | 1.06 |
| 80BB12H X 3/4” | 80 | 12 | 0.750 | 4.33 | 0.61 | 0.575 | 1.50 |
Uses and Applications of Idler Sprockets
Idler sprockets are essential to the smooth running of roller chains and conveyor systems. They may be relatively stationary, but they contribute to how efficiently roller chains work.
The industrial application of idlers is versatile because they are used in chain drives and power transmission systems. Common industries where you can find idler sprockets are:
- Automotive
- Food
- Packaging
- Mining
- Forestry and lumber
- Manufacturing
In practice, the use of idler sprockets in these industries because of their varying needs. Some industries prioritize specific conditions, while others focus more on the materials used. These differences contribute to their adaptability. Here are several ways you can use idler sprockets.
1. Creates Uniform Chain Tension
Putting together conveyor and power transmission chain drives requires near perfection in coupling the individual roller chain and sprocket components. However, you cannot always guarantee how the chain tension of these systems will turn out because of the human error factor. Sometimes, chain wear causes slack. Idler sprockets make tension readjustment possible when the driven and driving shaft cannot be recalibrated.
2. Improves Slackspan and Reduces Wear
Roller chains wear and slack faster when power and rotation transmission between shafts is inefficient. Slacks are often caused by repeated whipping action, increased vibration and loud transmission noise. With the creation of uniform tension by idlers into chain drives, there is a lesser noise and vibration output, thereby increasing the service life.
3. Provides Reverse Rotational Direction
Forward motion in conveyor drives or gear systems occurs due to the synchronous and complimentary rotational motion between two gears. Manipulating such a system to carry out reverse motion can be complicated if too many components exist. When you are faced with such a scenario, placing an idler sprocket on the outside of the chain reverses the direction of rotation without compromising or taking apart the power transmission system.
Other uses of idler sprockets include:
- Guiding roller chains around bends and tough courses
- Providing sufficient chain wrap smaller sprockets
Quality and Integrity
Every piece that makes up a power transmission machinery must be size, tooth, material and quality compatible. Specific industry standards have been set to reduce the accidents that occur in the workplace as a result of the poor quality of equipment.
Previously, the ISO was the industry standard, particularly across member countries. The spread of American and Asian machinery worldwide led to the gradual adoption of these standards by ISO-member countries.
Idler sprockets made according to parameters set by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) follow specific designs, like having the required tooth size to go with other ANSI standard machine parts. This standard is not peculiar to the U.S alone. Some parts of Asia have also adopted the standard.
The types of ANSI sprockets refer to mounting configurations made possible by the hub style (styles A, B, C and D). ANSI sprockets are also assigned numbers and, in some cases, additional letter and number combo suffixes. These abbreviations include, but are not limited to:
- H: heat-treated plates
- N: nickel-plated
- NM: non-metallic
- BR: brass
- CH:chrome-plated
To untrained personnel, the differences in standard parameters may not matter. ANSI standard sprockets are different from their European-standard cousins and roller chains. Their sizes are different.
For roller chains and idler sprockets in the U.S, we advise you to purchase ASNI/ASME standard idler sprockets only, as it guarantees you high-quality maintenance and easier identification.
Expert Assistance
The applications and uses of idler sprockets are specific. Only qualified personnel should fix and maintain your power transmission and conveyor chain drives for better functioning and improved service life. Inferior technical ability undermines the efficiency of your workforce and poses safety hazards.
PEER Chain Technical Center is dedicated to ensuring you get the best after-sales services possible. In-house technical staff can help with a few repairs and tweaks, but massive overhaul and maintenance of your machinery can be too much for one man. The cost of maintaining a team of technical experts can be too much for small-scale businesses.
There are also times when some mechanical issues require costume solutions. Your team may lack the expertise and equipment to come up with one. The scarcity of qualified technical labor and technology endangers your profit margins.
For a fraction of the costs, time and inconvenience, you are essentially looking at your ticket out of mechanical mishaps at the workshop: PEER Chain.
Contact PEER Chain for Your Idler Sprocket and Custom Solution Needs
Sprockets are utilized in conditions where intense vibrations, heat and pressure are routine. For optimum function and safety, using high-quality sprockets is a must — and PEER Chain is where to look. We are one of the largest importers of top-quality chains and gear systems in the United States. With over five decades of service, we at PEER Chain have become one and the same with premium service delivery. Call us during regular business hours at 800-523-4567 or contact us via email at [email protected] to place an order and inquire about our custom solutions.