Chain and Sprocket Systems

First Quality ~ First Time

Apparatus Repair & Engineering, Inc.

A.R.&E. is the Premier Electric Motor Sales, Service, and Repair facility in the quad-state region of Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia. This business began in 1927, and we are proud to continue the efforts of the founding partners who have served the local Commercial and Industrial markets over these many years. Times have changed in the many years since the inception of this business, and A.R.&E. is growing and changing with the times. Today the use of AI, computers, and factory automation is necessary for businesses to remain competitive in the global market, and A.R.&E. is here to assist with those challenges. And we promise our work will be... First Quality ~ First Time.

Open for Business

A.R.&E is Open For Business! Monday through Friday, 8:00AM until 5:00PM, and 24/7 for emergencies. Call us at (301) 739-8285

NEW Location

We're OPEN for business but at a DIFFERENT location. Come to 17500 York Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740 (the Halfway Area) for the same excellent service you've been used to receiving.

Did I Mention We're Open?

Apparatus Repair & Engineering is Open for Business... 8 to 5, Monday through Friday and 'round the clock service for emergencies. (301) 739-8285 gets you all the help you need.

Coronavirus - Covid-19

What the virus looks like under atomic magnification. (Photo courtesy CDC.gov)

Turning the Corner in Asia

Looks like China and South Korea have turned the corner on NEW cases of the virus. That's what Social Distancing will do for us, too. Let's all get with the program.

Latest Worldwide Stats

This chart is the top 10, of 204, countries listed in the world by ranking of total infections. You can click this slide photo to be taken to the full list on the web. While it's not appealing to be #1 on this list, other columns show that our stats are certainly not as bad as some, when you consider our population compared to others.

Did You Hear? We're Open For Business!

Social distancing and use of hand sanitizer is key to protection. (Photo courtesy CDC.gov / Amanda Mills

Social Distancing

This is not some "pie in the sky" theory! This really works! Look at the results in China and South Korea. But EVERYONE has to participate. Beach goers bring the virus BACK to the folks that are fighting in the trenches and ruin everything we're trying to do. Get with the program, folks!

Social Distancing

This is not some "pie in the sky" theory! This really works! Look at the results in China and South Korea. But EVERYONE has to participate. Beach goers bring the virus BACK to the folks that are fighting in the trenches and ruin everything we're trying to do. Get with the program, folks!

There's Hope!

We're in this together isn't just a slogan... it's a fact! We'll get through it but we've all got to do our part. Have Faith, and remember that "We're in this Together".

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Chains and Sprockets

Chains and Sprockets

Chains and sprockets are the equivalents of belts and sheaves except made of metal and having "teeth" to drive them rather than the friction on the sides. A chain and sprocket are used primarily when one needs the driver and driven shafts to turn in true synchronism without worrying about any "slippage".

A chain is an assembly of "links", connected in a long, single, piece. They are usually made of steel but depending on application and environment, may be made of other material such as Nylon or Teflon, used in the food processing industry. There are two types of chains, based on their use and application.

The first type has links that are fabricated of "round bar stock" formed into an "oval" shape ad welded together, which allows the chain to have movement in two directions. This type of chain is commonly used for "lifting" (such as hoists), towing heavy loads, or securing loads on a truck for hauling. It is also the type of chain used on the "anchor" of a ship. If your interested in the details of this type of chain, you can open this link to the specs for "Welded Steel Chain" as published by the NACM (National Association of Chain Manufacturers). This type of chain has been traced back to the Second Century BC.

 The second type is the "roller chain", which is what we are going to discuss in our topic. Chains of this type are flexible in only one direction and are designed to intermesh with the teeth of a "sprocket" to transfer power from one shaft to another. Typically, the roller chain used in power transmission operates at "low speeds", i.e. from approximately 30 to 500 FPM (feet per minute) linear speed. There are some "high speed" chains that are used for specific purposes, such as timing chains on automobiles, and high-performance motorcycle drive chains. The roller chain may be configured in "multiple" strands. A roller chain can be purchased in single, double, triple, quadruple, and higher. A single chain has one strand, a double has two strands, a triple has three strands, and so on.

Click the links below to open the associated topic detail page.

And when you're ready, give us a call to discuss your needs. We're here to help!

Roller Chains

Description: Roller chain is available in multi-strand designs as well as different materials, depending on the application. Click the picture to be taken to the main Roller Chain page for additional details.

Sprockets

Sprockets

Description: Sprockets are available for a multi-strand chain and in various materials, depending on the application. Click the picture to be taken to the main Sprocket page for additional details.