Idler Sprocket

Idler sprocket is a passive, non-driven toothed wheel used in chain-driven systems to guide, tension, or support a roller chain without transmitting power. Unlike drive sprockets, it rotates freely to maintain chain alignment, reduce slack, and prevent disengagement.

 

Type:

• Idler Sprocket: Spin freely on built-in bearings to guide and control slack in your chain. Idler sprockets are self lubricating andquiet, will extend the lifetime of a roller chain and sprocket.

 

Materials:

• Steel: Through proper heat treatment and surface treatment with its high strength, hardness, good workability and certain wear resistance.
• Stainless steel: Highly resistant to rust,suitable for applications where exposure to moisture or chemicals is a concern. But have lower tensile strength than steel material.
• POM: Made of durable polymer materials has the advantages of wear resistance and noise reduction compared with similar metal products. Lighter and more cost-effective.

 

Heat Treatment:

• Quenching & Tempering: Heats sprocket, quenches to harden surface (martensite), then tempers to reduce brittleness.
• Induction Hardening: Core remains tough; ideal for medium-carbon steels (e.g., 45 steel) to boost wear resistance.
• Carburizing Quenching: Surface hardness reaches HRC 58–62, while core stays ductile.
• Nitriding: Minimizes distortion; suits alloy steels (e.g., 38CrMoAl) for high wear/corrosion resistance.

 

Surface Treatment:

• Black Oxide:Forms a black oxide layer on the surface of the sprocket, which provides some corrosion resistance and a certain degree of lubricity.
• Galvanization (Zinc Coating):A layer of zinc is deposited on the surface of the sprocket through electroplating. Provides corrosion resistance and extends the sprocket’s lifespan.
• Chrome Plating:Has a hard and shiny surface. Offers a hard, wearresistant surface that can also enhance the appearance of sprockets, often used for decorative or functional.
• Nickel Plating:Used to improve the hardness and corrosion resistance of sprockets, as well as to provide a smooth, shiny surface finish. Suitable for environments where zinc or copper cannot be used, such as in the lithium battery industry.
• Hard Anodizing: Primarily used for aluminum alloy sprockets, this process forms a thick oxide film on the surface, enhancing hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.

 

Key Features:

• No Power Transmission:Serves a purely mechanical role (unlike drive sprockets).
• Tension Maintenance: Ensures the chain remains taut to prevent slipping or sagging, thereby improving transmission stability.
• Tooth Profile Compatibility: Designed with specific tooth profiles (e.g., involute, trapezoidal) to match chain types and ensure reliable meshing.
• Noise Reduction:Helps dampen chain vibrations and chatter in high-speed systems.
• Low Friction:Often includes bearings/bushings for smooth rotation under load.

 

Simple Structure:

Easy to install, features a bore design for quick mounting on shafts, often with bearings for reduced friction and improved rotational efficiency.

 

Application Scope:

Idler sprockets are used in chain drive systems to tension and guide chains, maintain proper meshing, redirect chain paths, and extend chain life in conveyors, vehicle timing mechanisms, industrial machinery, and material handling equipment.

 

Logistics service advantages:

• Fast Delivery.
• Precise delivery:Cooperating with multiple well-known logistics companies, we have rich delivery experience and can achieve precise delivery across the country, even in remote areas.
• Safe transportation:Professional shockproof packaging materials, such as high-strength cartons and shockproof foam, are used to ensure that the synchronous wheels are not damaged during transportation.