Plain Bore Sprocket vs. Finish Bore Sprocket
When it comes to machinery, ensuring you have the right parts on hand is important. One often overlooked yet easily customizable component is the plain bore sprocket. In this post, we will explore the differences between a plain bore sprocket and a finish bore sprocket.
Plain bore sprockets are quite simple with an uncomplicated design, lacking pre-drilled holes or keyways. The absence of pre-drilled holes provides the flexibility to modify and adjust the sprocket to fit various shaft sizes and configurations. They offer a blank canvas, allowing for on-the-spot modifications and customization to meet specific application requirements if you have the right tools to do so. Also, plain bore sprockets are often more cost-effective, making them a practical choice for projects with budget constraints.
While plain bore sprockets offer customization, finish bore sprockets come with pre-machined holes and keyways offering a precise fit, reducing the need for on-site modifications. The set screws and keyways allow for a more secure fit around the shaft. Finish bore sprockets are more standardized, making them suitable for applications with less variation. Because they are ready for installation without additional machining, finish bore sprockets save time during the setup phase.
Which One Should You Choose?
At MDS of Michigan, we believe you should get the exact part you are looking for. Finish bore sprockets offer a precise fit and should always be your number one option. If you are unsure of the size you need, you do not need a keyway, or cannot afford to have extras of every sprocket in inventory, plain bore sprockets might be the best option for you. Machine down time can be costly. If you have the tools to bore them out, it might be worth having a few plain bore sprockets laying around just in case.
