Mechanical transmission: Roller chains and sprockets

Roller chains differ according to the plate (curved or straight) and the material (steel or stainless steel). Roller chains are manufactured according to DIN ISO 606. Steel or stainless steel connecting links are also available. Among steel link chains, roller chains have become the most important in the market over the years. This is basically because roller chains are often able to perform various kinematic tasks best. Apart from drive tasks, roller chains can also serve as traction elements. In practice, they are also used as transport, handling and/or lifting chains. Roller chains provide smooth mechanical power transmission. Thus, constant transmission ratios are possible. The roller chains work without pre-tensioning, thus limiting the loads on the bearing. The direction of rotation always remains the same in the case of a chain drive with two sprockets. In the case of a chain drive with more than two sprockets, it is possible to activate identical or different directions of rotation easily and inexpensively. Chain speeds of up to 20 m/s, or even more in some cases, are possible. With correct lubrication, normal operating conditions and full load, the efficiency of a chain drive reaches approx. 98%. The chains can be shortened or lengthened relatively easily, they are also very resistant to impurities and the effects of the outside temperature. In automotive technology, for example, roller chains are used to drive a camshaft. Also for bicycles, chains are mainly used as gears.

Drive sprockets in combination with roller chains are frequently used components in machine building. This is essentially due to the fact that they allow very high powers to be transmitted efficiently and effortlessly. The gear wheels differ according to the number of strands. norelem exclusively offers commonly used Simplex chains.
The toothing of the gear wheels is standardized. norelem only markets sprockets manufactured in accordance with the current DIN ISO 606 standard. This standard guarantees the manufacturer the invariability of certain dimensions and a determined resistance to wear. The drive unit formed by the chain and the sprocket thus has the advantage for the customer of meshing optimally.