Fabricating Aluminum Sprockets

[Qbranch]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

We're interested in possibly producing ANSI #25 pitch sprockets from aluminum. We have a plasma cutter, so cutting the tooth profile ought not to be too difficult.

I have vague notions of processes like heat treating, but no real experience with the craft; nor have I ever heard that sort of thing discussed with respect to aluminum.

Does anyone have any experience with the process of making your own sprockets from aluminum that might also have some tips to share?

Thanks.

I have done this several times on a CNC mill using an 1/8" end mill... should be able to be done on a Live Tooling equipped CNC Lathe too...

if the sprocket's big enough, heat treating now necessary.

the thing i suggest is after completeing the sprocket profile, chunk it in a manual lathe put the slight bevel on both sides, but very very slight. also takes care of most the deburring.

PM me if you have any more questions.

-Q