Sprocket 16B-3 z=38 with hub, Cast iron

Product Description

Sprocket 16B-3 z=38, with cast iron hub

The sprocket 16B-3 shown is a triplex (three-strand) sprocket with 38 teeth, made with a hub, for chain with a pitch of 1" / 25.4 mm. The sprocket is made of grey cast iron - a traditional material for sprockets in applications with moderate loads and lower rotational speeds; the bore in the hub is a pilot bore intended to be machined to the shaft size.

Technical data

Frequently asked questions

How can you check that the sprocket meshes correctly with the chain when the machine is started for the first time?

At low speed (e.g. turning the shaft by hand), it is worth observing whether the chain enters and leaves the teeth smoothly around the entire circumference of the sprocket, without catching or jumping. Any irregularities in operation at this stage usually indicate an alignment error rather than a defect in the sprocket itself.

Can the hub of a sprocket have a different hardness from the toothed rim?

Yes, and in practice this is usually the case - in the version with induction-hardened teeth, only the toothed rim is hardened, while the hub remains soft so that it can be freely turned and a keyway can be cut in it. This solution combines tooth wear resistance with ease of machining the hub.

Can a sprocket be reconditioned, e.g. by hardfacing worn teeth?

Technically, hardfacing and re-milling the teeth is possible, but in practice it is rarely cost-effective - the cost of reconditioning is often close to the price of a new sprocket, and restoring the full precision of the tooth profile requires specialist machining. In most cases, replacing it with a new sprocket is the quicker and safer solution.

How can you check whether the chain in an existing drive is already excessively elongated (stretched)?

Stretch out a section of a dozen or so chain links and compare its length with the catalogue dimension - an elongation of more than approx. 2-3% means the chain is due for replacement. A stretched chain no longer seats properly on the sprocket teeth, which accelerates the wear of both components, so it is better to replace it before it damages the sprocket as well.

Does a cast iron sprocket require a different chain than a steel sprocket of the same pitch?

No - the tooth geometry and pitch are identical to those of the steel version of the same size, so the cast iron sprocket works with the same chain. The difference lies in the material of the hub and rim: cast iron dampens vibrations better and is cheaper, but withstands impacts and operation at high rotational speeds less well than steel.

Where is this product used?

16B-3 sprockets operate in drives of construction machinery, goods lifts, aggregate conveyors and woodworking machines - wherever tooth durability under load matters.

When placing your order, please check the current stock level of this gear - the lead time depends on it and is clearly stated according to the quantity available in the given warehouse.

Product photos are for illustrative purposes only.