Keystone Manufacturing, Inc. | Technical Information: Sprocket Selection

To calculate the minimum number of drive sprockets for a conveyor system:

1. Divide the drive tension (Td) by the maximum load per sprocket (see table below).
2. Divide belt width (B), in inches, by 6 and add 1.

The larger of the two numbers is the minimum number of sprockets needed. Spacing of tail or idler sprockets should be between 6 and 9 inches.

Never exceed a drive sprocket spacing of 6 inches, even for light loads.

SPROCKET STYLE MAXIMUM LOAD
(per sprocket)
S-Series and T-Series Metal Sprockets 70 lbs.
S-Series and T-Series Plastic Sprockets 50 lbs.
H-Series and FL-Series Metal Sprockets 190 lbs.
H-Series Plastic Sprockets 140 lbs.

SPROCKET TYPE MAXIMUM BELT SPEED
Cast Sprockets 120 fpm
Machined Tooth Sprockets 250 fpm

P.O. Box 270 - 668 Cleveland Street - Rochester, Pennsylvania 15074-0270
800-446-7205 - (724) 775-2227 - Fax: (724) 775-2739 - sales@keystonemfg.com

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