Common category and selection of sprocket materials

What are the common categories of sprocket materials and how to choose them?

As the transmission part, the sprocket is used in conjunction with the chain, which is similar as using a gear with a rack. The common material of the sprocket is 45# (ordinary 45# steel), which can already meet the use conditions of the sprocket.

There are certainly some people who choose 40Mn (40 manganese steel) and 45Mn (45 manganese steel) to make the sprockets, which have a qualitative difference with the 45# sprockets.

The choice of sprocket material should be based on the requirements of usage. For example, the more cost-effective 45# can be selected for the sprockets with the requirement of low speed and small pulling force.

Stainless Steel Sprockets:

The commonly used stainless steel materials for sprockets are 201 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel, among which the 304 stainless steel is the most prominent one and can basically meet the needs of sprocket materials in terms of corrosion resistance.

The corrosion resistance of the sprockets made of 304SS is better than 201SS.

With a strong corrosion resistance to salt-containing substances, the sprockets made of 316SS are mostly used in coastal cities.

The choice of sprocket material depends primarily on the application, such as the factors of speed, tension, environment, etc.