What we do for distributors and MRO partners in sprockets
Are you looking for a reliable industrial sprocket for your drive system? At Donghua, you will find one of the widest ranges on the market. We supply high-quality industrial sprockets and plate wheels in simplex, duplex and triplex designs. Suitable for virtually any industrial application. Thanks to our large stock, technical know-how and in-house production, we offer you not only a quick response, but also a solution that works.
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Sprockets are indispensable components within countless drive systems. They are often standardised products that must be available quickly. But at least as often, an application requires a customer-specific sprocket that perfectly matches unique requirements. At Donghua, we understand both worlds.
Whether you are looking for a standard simplex plate sprocket from stock, or a fully customised duplex sprocket with special bore, clamping bush and hardened teeth: we supply it. With one of the widest ranges on the market, in-house production and machining facilities as well as in-depth technical knowledge, we ensure that you will always receive the right sprocket. Quickly, accurately and reliably.
Sprockets are a commonly used solution in industrial drives. They have a sprocket that engages the links of the chain and thus ensure efficient power transmission. These wheels are mounted on a hub or provided with a bore for direct mounting on the shaft. Their sturdy construction makes them suitable for high-load applications, such as in conveyor lines and heavy-duty drives.
Plate wheels, on the other hand, are more compact, lighter and simpler in construction. They have no hub and are attached directly to a flange or axle. Their reduced dimensions make them ideal for lighter applications or installations with little available space, such as light conveyors or packaging machines. Despite their simplicity, they deliver reliable performance.
At Donghua, we supply sprockets in simplex, duplex and triplex versions. The difference is in the number of chain rows: one, two or three side by side.
A simplex wheel is suitable for standard loads and compact applications. Duplex and triplex castors offer extra tractive force without having to increase the diameter of the wheel – ideal for limited installation space where high forces still need to be transferred.
Whatever version you need, Donghua supplies them accurately produced, directly from stock or fully customised.
Depending on your current chain, choose an ANSI or British Standard (BS) sprocket. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) sprockets are based on inch sizes. British Standard (BS) sprockets use the metric system and are the standard within Europe.
An important technical detail: the pitch (distance between links) is the same in both standards, but the roller diameter differs. And that very size determines the geometry of the sprocket. A wrong combination can lead to accelerated wear or a poorly running drive.
Donghua supplies both ANSI and BS sprockets and the corresponding chains directly from stock. This ensures a perfect fit, quiet running and a long lifetime of your drive system.
The bore (also known as the shaft hole) determines how the sprocket is mounted on the drive shaft. At Donghua, we offer several options depending on your application, load and mounting method:
– Standard bore with keyway and set screw : This classic mounting method is fast and reliable. We supply wheels with single or double keyways, depending on the torque required and the shape of the shaft. The bore is made to common tolerances such as H7 or H8, ensuring a perfect fit.
– Pre-machined (pilot bore): Ideal when you want to take care of post-processing yourself or want to match the wheel exactly to your machine design.
– Taper bushes: A smart, interchangeable solution that allows you to assemble and disassemble sprockets easily, without dismantling other components. Perfect for low-maintenance installations.
– Weld hubs: For applications requiring a permanent, rigid connection. For example, in heavy drives or installations where dismantling is not desirable.
At Donghua, we provide not only supply, but also machining. Our in-house machining department will make any bore you require,
Double pitch chain applications, which are often used in conveyor systems, require special sprockets. These chains have a larger pitch than standard roller chain.
The corresponding double-pitch sprockets are designed with adapted tooth geometry and a larger profile. They are a cost-effective solution, as you can still cover greater distances with a lighter chain. This is often used in materials handling.
When choosing the right sprocket, it is crucial that the number of teeth is correctly matched to the chain and the corresponding load, so that several rollers engage the sprocket simultaneously. The wrong combination can lead to increased wear. Donghua will be happy to advise you on this and provide customised wheels, with or without machining.
In applications such as conveyor systems, guide systems or chain guides, a sprocket with bearing can be the ideal solution.
Donghua supplies sprockets with one or two integrated bearings, depending on construction and load. These bearings ensure stable, quiet and low-maintenance operation. Optionally, we supply sprockets with seals or grease chambers, providing better protection against dirt and moisture. Ideal for the food industry or dusty environments.
Cast iron sprockets are a smart and cost-effective choice when the sprocket has a large number of teeth. Instead of opting for solid steel versions, cast iron offers a cost-effective solution while maintaining sufficient strength for lighter and medium-duty applications.
These wheels are often cast in spoke form, saving weight and maintaining material efficiency. They are ideally suited to applications with a large wheel diameter and lower to medium load, such as in conveyor systems. Their shape makes them less suitable for very heavy or shock-sensitive applications.
Donghua supplies cast iron sprockets on request, with various tooth distributions and drilling options. Fully custom-made to your specifications.
When sprockets are large, heavy or difficult to access, split sprockets offer a solution. These sprockets consist of two carefully machined halves that can be easily fitted around a shaft – without the need to dismantle the entire drive train.
Donghua supplies split sprockets in both standard and customised versions. This solution not only saves valuable assembly time, but also minimises downtime. Especially in critical processes, this is a smart and cost-effective choice.
We believe in cooperation. That is why we sell our industrial sprockets exclusively through a network of stockholding partners (MROs) and to machine builders (OEMs). This way, we guarantee fast delivery, local availability and technical support where needed. Our engineering team offers customised advice and guidance to ensure that your drive systems always perform optimally. Together with our partners, we build sustainable solutions and long-term relationships.