Double Pitch Sprockets | C2040 C2050 C2060 C2080 Standard & Carrier Roller Types

Double Pitch Sprockets 1

Korea Ever-Power double pitch sprockets are manufactured in SAE 1045 case-hardened steel with black oxide coating, covering C2040 through C2160H chain series in standard roller and carrier roller profiles. Using a single-pitch sprocket with double pitch chain is one of the most common field errors in conveyor drive setup — it causes chain jumping within hours of startup.

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Why Double Pitch Chain Requires a Dedicated Sprocket Profile

Double pitch roller chain — designated with a "C" prefix (C2040, C2050, C2060, etc.) — has exactly twice the pitch of the equivalent ANSI single-pitch chain but uses the same roller diameter and inner width. A C2040 chain has a pitch of 1.000 inch (25.4 mm), which is double the #40 chain pitch of 0.500 inch, yet shares identical rollers and sideplates with #40 standard chain. This means it runs on a larger pitch circle for the same tooth count — or equivalently, fits a much smaller sprocket for the same pitch circle.

Double Pitch Sprockets 1

The critical consequence: standard single-pitch sprocket teeth are too shallow to correctly seat double pitch chain rollers. On a standard #40 tooth profile, the gap between adjacent teeth is sized for a roller every 0.500 inch. Double pitch chain rollers arrive every 1.000 inch — on even tooth counts, every alternate tooth gets a roller, and on odd tooth counts, alternate teeth are loaded on every other sprocket revolution. The tooth geometry must be cut deeper and at a different seating angle to fully capture the roller at this wider engagement spacing. A standard sprocket tooth does not achieve this — the roller perches on the tooth tip rather than seating in the root, generating the chain jumping and accelerated tooth wear that workshops typically diagnose as "wrong chain size" when the actual fault is the wrong sprocket tooth form.

Rule of thumb: For chain sizes C2040, C2050, C2060, C2060H, C2080H, C2100H, C2120H, and C2160H — always specify a double pitch sprocket when tooth count is 30 or fewer. At 31 teeth and above, the pitch circle is large enough that a standard single-pitch sprocket of the equivalent ANSI size can be used, because the seating angle error becomes geometrically negligible. This exception does not apply to carrier roller type chains (C2042, C2052, C2062, etc.) — carrier roller chains require matched carrier roller sprockets at all tooth counts.

Double Pitch Chain Reference — Pitch and Roller Dimensions

When ordering a double pitch sprocket, the first step is to identify your chain's ANSI designation from the markings on the connecting link or outer plate. The table below maps chain designations to their base ANSI equivalent, pitch, and roller type to confirm which sprocket profile you need.

Chain Designation Base ANSI Pitch (inches) Roller Type Sprocket Profile
C2040 #40 1.000″ Standard Standard Roller (SR)
C2042 #40 1.000″ Carrier (oversized) Carrier Roller (CR)
C2050 #50 1.250″ Standard Standard Roller (SR)
C2052 #50 1.250″ Carrier (oversized) Carrier Roller (CR)
C2060 / C2060H #60 1.500″ Standard Standard Roller (SR)
C2062 / C2062H #60 1.500″ Carrier (oversized) Carrier Roller (CR)
C2080H #80 2.000″ Standard Standard Roller (SR)
C2082H #80 2.000″ Carrier (oversized) Carrier Roller (CR)
C2100H / C2120H / C2160H #100–#160 2.500″–4.000″ Standard Standard Roller (SR)

 

The Three Double Pitch Sprocket Tooth Profiles — Which One Do You Need?

Double pitch sprockets come in three distinct tooth profiles that correspond to three different chain configurations. Mixing profiles and chain types is the second-most common specification error after using single-pitch sprockets entirely. Here is exactly what separates them:

① Standard Roller Type (SR) — For C2040, C2050, C2060, C2080, C2100, C2120, C2160

Standard roller type double pitch sprockets are cut with the same outside diameter and face width as the equivalent ANSI single-pitch sprocket, but with a deeper tooth root profile that correctly seats the double pitch roller at the correct seating angle. On even tooth counts, only every other tooth is loaded on each pass — the alternate teeth act as spacers that guide chain alignment without bearing roller load. On odd tooth counts, loading alternates tooth-by-tooth over successive sprocket revolutions, which is why odd tooth counts extend sprocket life: each tooth carries load only on every other revolution rather than every revolution.

Chain compatibility: C2040, C2050, C2060, C2060H, C2080H, C2100H, C2120H, C2160H — all standard (non-carrier) roller double pitch chains.

② Carrier Roller Type (CR) — For C2042, C2052, C2062, C2082, C2102, C2122, C2162

Carrier roller chain (the "2" suffix variant — C2042, C2052 etc.) uses an oversize "carrier" roller with a diameter that exceeds the sidebar height of the chain. This extended roller is designed to bear directly against conveyor guide rails, conveyor wear strips, or sliding surfaces — the chain effectively rolls on its own rollers as it moves along the support structure. The sprocket must accommodate this larger roller diameter in the tooth root, which is why carrier roller sprockets are cut with space cutters that produce a wider, shallower tooth gap than standard roller type. Attempting to run carrier roller chain on a standard roller sprocket causes the oversized roller to ride up on the tooth face, generating immediate tooth battering and chain derailment.

Chain compatibility: C2042, C2052, C2062, C2062H, C2082H, C2102H, C2122H, C2162H — carrier roller type only. This rule applies at ALL tooth counts — no 31-tooth exception for carrier roller chains.

③ Single Duty Type (SD) — Mostly Obsolete, Limited Availability

Single duty sprockets are cut so that every tooth engages on each revolution — achieved by halving the effective tooth pitch relative to the chain pitch. This means the sprocket has twice as many teeth as a standard roller type for the same pitch circle. In theory this distributes load more uniformly; in practice, the extra teeth in the gap positions add weight and manufacturing cost without proportional benefit over odd-tooth-count standard roller sprockets. Single duty type has become obsolete in most applications and is not routinely stocked — if your application genuinely requires it, contact us for lead time.

 

Why Engineers Choose Double Pitch Chain Drives for Conveyor Systems

Double pitch chain is not simply a heavier version of standard roller chain. It solves a specific design problem: low-speed conveyor drives where the chain carries load on its top run rather than transmitting power between two shafts. The advantages of double pitch in these applications compared to single-pitch chain of the equivalent base size are:

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Fewer links for the same conveyor length. Double pitch means half as many links carry the same linear chain length — less mass, fewer articulation points to lubricate and wear, and fewer connecting links that are typically the weakest point in the chain.
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Lower cost per metre. Fewer rollers and pins per unit length means material cost is lower than equivalent single-pitch heavy-duty chain. For long conveyor runs of 10–50 metres, this is significant.
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Compatible with product carriers and attachments. Every other link can be fitted with extended sideplates, carrier flights, or attachment brackets at standard double pitch spacing — exactly the 1-inch, 1.25-inch, or 1.5-inch spacing that matches common carrier attachment designs.
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Carrier roller variant supports chain on conveyor frame rails. The oversized carrier roller of C2042/C2052 series bears directly on the conveyor frame trough or guide rail, eliminating chain sag between sprockets on long horizontal runs without separate support rollers.

Where Double Pitch Sprockets Are Used in Korean Industry

📦 Parts Assembly and Accumulation Conveyors

Korean electronics assembly plants and automotive parts manufacturers use C2040 and C2050 double pitch chain on tray conveyor systems that transport components through sequential assembly stations. The standardised 1-inch or 1.25-inch link spacing aligns with tray carrier attachment bolt patterns. Standard roller SR-type sprockets at drive ends and take-up ends; A-plate idler sprockets at direction-change positions.

🍱 Food and Beverage Processing Lines

Korean food packaging lines transporting bottled beverages, canned products, or vacuum-packed foods use C2042 or C2052 carrier roller chain running directly on UHMW guide rail strips. Carrier roller CR-type sprockets at head and tail shaft positions; the chain self-supports on the guide rails between sprockets, eliminating the need for separate chain support rollers. In wash-down environments, stainless steel carrier roller chain variants pair with stainless sprockets.

🏬 Warehousing Sortation Systems

Distribution centres at Coupang, Lotte, and similar Korean logistics operations use C2060 double pitch chain on unit load conveyors carrying cartons and totes at 0.5–1.5 m/s. The longer pitch spacing is well-matched to conveyor frame construction tolerances in this speed range. Odd tooth counts (17T, 19T, 21T) are specified on drive sprockets to maximise tooth engagement life in high-cycle 24-hour operation environments.

Selection Guide — Four Things to Confirm Before Ordering

Unlike standard roller chain sprockets where chain size and tooth count are the only variables, double pitch sprockets add the tooth profile type as a mandatory specification. Getting any one of these four wrong results in a non-functioning drive:

double pitch chain and sprocket engagement conveyor drive

  1. Identify the exact chain designation — read the marking on the outer plate. C2040 and C2042 look identical in a parts bin but require different sprockets. The "2" suffix means carrier roller. If the chain is not marked, measure roller diameter and compare against the tables above — carrier roller chains have rollers that stand above the sidebar height.
  2. Determine tooth count and sprocket type (SR vs CR) — confirm whether your chain is standard roller or carrier roller type, then select SR or CR profile accordingly. Remember: the 31+ tooth exception for using standard single-pitch sprockets applies only to SR-type chains, never to CR-type.
  3. Specify hub style and bore — drive end sprockets typically use B-hub with keyway; take-up end sprockets may be A-plate. Provide shaft diameter, keyway dimensions, and set screw requirements when ordering custom bores.
  4. Choose an odd tooth count where possible — on drive sprockets, odd tooth counts (13, 15, 17, 19, 21T) distribute wear across all teeth over time rather than loading the same tooth on every revolution. In 24-hour conveyor operation this extends sprocket service life measurably.

Matching Double Pitch Conveyor Chain

Korea Ever-Power stocks the full range of double pitch conveyor chain — C2040, C2042, C2050, C2052, C2060, C2060H, C2062H, C2080H, C2082H — in standard lengths with attachment plates and extended-pin variants for carrier bracket installation. Ordering matched chain and sprockets from the same source eliminates tooth profile guesswork and ensures the sprocket profile code is correct for your specific chain variant before delivery.

For complete conveyor chain and sprocket system layout design — centre distance calculation, slack run tension, and attachment pitch matching to your carrier spacing — our technical team provides pre-order consultation at no charge. Bring your conveyor length, speed requirement, and product weight and we will specify the correct chain and sprocket combination from first principles.

double pitch chain sprocket engagement tooth seating correct profile

Why Korea Ever-Power Chain and Sprocket

Korea Ever-Power double pitch sprocket conveyor chain manufacturing

Korea Ever-Power Chain and Sprocket Co., Ltd. stocks double pitch sprockets with correct tooth profiles for both standard roller and carrier roller chain:

✦SR and CR profiles both stocked — standard roller and carrier roller tooth profiles for C2040 through C2160H; no need to source profiles from different suppliers
✦SAE 1045 case-hardened steel with black oxide finish — extra-hardened teeth for extended wear life in continuous conveyor duty
✦Chain designation cross-check before dispatch — we verify the chain code against the sprocket profile before shipping; no profile mismatches reach the customer
✦Matched double pitch chain in stock — C2040 through C2082H chain supplied alongside sprockets for complete conveyor drive sourcing
✦Conveyor design consultation — odd-tooth count optimisation, carrier spacing matching, and centre distance calculation provided before order placement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a standard #40 sprocket with C2040 double pitch chain?
Only if the tooth count is 31 or above, and only for standard roller (non-carrier) C2040 chain. Below 31 teeth, a standard #40 sprocket tooth profile will not correctly seat the C2040 roller — the tooth is too shallow, causing the roller to perch on the tooth tip instead of seating in the root. This produces chain jumping under load, rapid tooth wear, and noise. For all carrier roller variants (C2042), a matched carrier roller sprocket is required at all tooth counts without exception.
How do I identify whether my chain is standard roller or carrier roller type?
Look at the chain in cross-section view from the end. In standard double pitch chain (C2040, C2050 etc.), the roller diameter is smaller than the sidebar height — the roller fits within the chain profile. In carrier roller chain (C2042, C2052 etc.), the larger carrier roller diameter visibly extends above and below the sideplate edges. You can also check the chain marking stamped on the outer plate — the digit "2" as the third character (C2042, C2062 etc.) always indicates carrier roller type.
Why is chain jumping the typical symptom of a mismatched double pitch sprocket?
When the tooth root is too shallow for the chain roller, the roller contacts the tooth tip rather than seating in the curved root. As chain tension increases under load, the shallow-seated roller has insufficient mechanical stop to prevent it riding up over the tooth tip. At the moment of disengagement as the chain leaves the sprocket, the poorly-seated roller releases abruptly — producing the characteristic "jumping" sound and sensation. In severe cases the chain derails entirely off the sprocket. This failure mode can appear within the first few hours of operation and is easily mistaken for a tension problem.
Why do odd tooth counts extend double pitch sprocket life?
On a standard roller double pitch sprocket with an even tooth count (say 18T), the same rollers always land on the same teeth — every alternate tooth is loaded on each pass, and the loaded teeth are always the same ones. With an odd tooth count (17T), the loading pattern shifts by one tooth on each revolution, so after 17 revolutions every tooth has been loaded once. Over the sprocket's service life, wear is distributed uniformly across all teeth rather than concentrated on half of them. This can extend service life by 30–50% compared to equivalent even-tooth-count sprockets in high-cycle conveyor duty.
What attachment options are available for double pitch chain used with product carriers?
Double pitch chain attachment variants include: A1 and A2 extended plates (one or both sides) for bolted carrier brackets; K1 and K2 bent-plate attachments for hooked carrier designs; and extended-pin versions where the pin protrudes beyond the outer plate for clevis or lug attachment. Attachment pitch is always a multiple of the chain pitch (1 pitch, 2 pitch, 4 pitch spacing). When specifying a conveyor with product carriers, the drive and take-up sprockets must be timed so a tooth-to-attachment-link relationship is maintained — contact our technical team if you need help with attachment timing calculations.
Can double pitch chain be run at the same speed as single pitch chain of the same base size?
Double pitch chain has the same articulation speed limit per link as single pitch, but because each link is twice as long, the chain velocity for the same shaft speed is twice as high for the same tooth count sprocket. In practice double pitch is typically run at 0.3–1.5 m/s — much lower than single pitch chains which are used up to 5–8 m/s. Above about 1.5 m/s, the longer link pitch generates larger polygon effect velocity fluctuation than a single pitch chain at the same speed, increasing vibration and noise. Double pitch is optimised for low-speed high-load conveyor duty, not power transmission drives.

Customer Reviews

Verified feedback from customers in Korea.

Jung Min-jae, Conveyor Systems Engineer, Electronics Assembly Plant, Suwon (early 2025)

"We were having chain jumping problems on a new tray conveyor line using C2050 chain. The previous sprockets were standard #50 — nobody had flagged they needed to be double pitch type. Korea Ever-Power identified the issue immediately when we described the symptoms, confirmed it was a tooth profile mismatch, and supplied the correct SR-type C2050 double pitch sprockets. Problem resolved on first restart. The profile explanation they gave us was clear and we have now updated our standard specification."

Park Soo-yeon, Production Engineering Manager, Food Packaging Company, Incheon (2024)

"Our bottling line uses C2042 carrier roller chain on UHMW guide rails. We needed CR-type sprockets in an odd tooth count (17T) to extend service life in our 20-hour per day operation. Korea Ever-Power had the carrier roller profile in 17T in stock — I was concerned this specific configuration would need to be special ordered but it arrived in 10 days. Chain is running smoothly without jumping at our normal 0.8 m/s line speed."

Kim Hyun-jun, Maintenance Supervisor, Logistics Distribution Centre, Gyeonggi-do (Q3 2024)

"We maintain C2060 chain conveyors across a 45,000 sqm distribution facility. Annual sprocket replacement across 12 conveyor lines. Korea Ever-Power provides our standard SR-type C2060 sprockets in 17T and 21T. Consistent quality, correct profile, on-schedule delivery. We have not had a chain jumping incident since switching to matched double pitch sprockets two years ago."

Lee Sang-hoon, Mechanical Engineer, Automotive Parts Manufacturer, Ulsan (2025)

"We use C2040 chain for parts carrier conveyors between press lines. Specified 19T odd-count drive sprockets on Korea Ever-Power's recommendation after discussing wear patterns with their team. Previous even-count sprockets showed visible localised tooth wear on half the teeth at the 8-month inspection. The 19T replacements are at 10 months now and wear is visibly more uniform — looks like we will get well past 12 months before next replacement."

Choi Byung-hoon, Equipment Procurement, Cold Chain Logistics Company, Busan (early 2025)

"We operate refrigerated conveyor systems where chain jumping would contaminate product. Korea Ever-Power supplied matched C2052 carrier roller chain and CR-type sprockets as a complete set. Having both components from the same supplier with confirmed profile compatibility gave our food safety team the documentation they needed for HACCP compliance on the conveyor specification."

 

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