Introduction:
Pulleys and sprockets achieve the same tasks as gears by transferring power through rotary motion. Depending on how pulleys and sprockets are applied, speed, direction, and torque can be modified within the system. Pulleys and sprockets are both used in everyday machines ranging from industrial applications to moving printer heads within a desktop printer. Typically, belts and pulleys are easier to manufacture, lighter weight, and less expensive to purchase than sprockets and chains. Although chains and sprockets are more difficult to manufacture and often noisier, they have the advantage of not slipping as easily and tend to be more durable then a belt and pulley system.