An idler sprocket maintains chain tension in a chain drive system, preventing premature bearing and chain failure. It can be made of various materials and should be installed on the opposite side of the chain between the drive and driven sprockets. Maintenance is minimal.
An idler sprocket is a device used to maintain tension in a chain or chain drive system. Often consisting of nothing more than a sprocket mounted on a spring-loaded arm, the tensioner sprocket pulls against the chain steadily to keep the chain taut at all times. The size of sprocket used in an idler sprocket assembly has no effect on the performance of the chain drive; However; a larger sprocket will often last longer due to the slower speed of the sprocket, which prevents wear on the sprocket bearings. Maintenance for the transfer case is generally no more than an occasional greasing of the sprocket bearings.
When driving a chain driven machine, the chain tension must be kept constant to prevent the chain from slipping off the drive sprockets. By installing an idler sprocket into the drive system, the chain is kept taut without being overstretched. Running a chain under overtightened conditions can cause premature bearing and chain failure, while an idler sprocket fitted into the system is often a way to greatly extend the life of the chain, sprockets and bearings on the drive shafts. machine cogwheels.
The ideal idler sprocket installation is on the opposite side of the chain between the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. The application should place the idler sprocket in a position where the sprocket pushes or pulls the chain towards itself while winding the two primary sprockets in a shape similar to the letter B. This design will allow the pulleys to pull the chain with force without obstructing the tensioner in any way as the drive chain passes over the sprocket. If a condition arises that requires the drive to put excessive pressure on the drive chain, the tensioner will deflect against the chain, allowing it to expand while remaining in contact with the drive sprockets.
While the vast majority of idler sprockets are fabricated from steel, many materials are used to manufacture a idler sprocket. Many poly or composite sprockets have been used with great success and some wood sprockets have also been used on some machinery with no problems. Many machines, in an effort to reduce drive chain wear, use an aluminum, cast iron, or steel sprocket coated with a nylon material. The metal hub allows the sprocket to remain very strong while the nylon coating is gentle on the chain links.
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