Sprocket gcode/cad file creator

[mgreene]

I'm a computer geek who hangs around the machine shop too much and I wrote a small program in response to our need for creating gcode for milling sprockets. In order to visually confirm the results from the desktop I also made it generate a CAD file (dxf). Anyway, I thought it was too neat / useful not to share so I've posted it on my website at http://www.idleamusements.com/sprocketeer.htm. You basically choose the standard chain size ( or enter a custom pitch and roller diameter) and the number of teeth and it generates the gcode and CAD file.

Download it and give it a spin. If you find any problems or have any suggestions for improvement please let me know via the email address on the page.

Thanks,
Mike

[Alan Ing]

Hi Mike,

This is just what I need for our High School Robotics competition this January. Unfortunately, the downloaded program doesn't want to work, I keep getting an error about some file thats missing.

[mgreene]

I've created an installation package which should include all of the files that you'll need. It is now available for download at http://www.idleamusements.com/sprocketeer.htm . If you have any problems or have any suggestions let me know.

I also wouldn't mind some pictures of the final result for my webpage if you find this little program handy.

Enjoy,
Mike

[Alan Ing]

Mike, I successfully downloaded and installed the program. Pretty neat. The computer at school where our shop is had some trouble installing the program, but I had no problem at home. I'm going to take the g code file to the school tomorrow and see if I can't cut a sprocket.

I've been wanting to cut sprockets for about 5 years now. I even made a servo driven gear/sprocket hobbing attachment for our manual mill this year. This should be a lot faster and easier!

Thanks!
Alan

[Alan Ing]

Hi Mike,

I ran your program and generated code for a 18 tooth 35 pitch sprocket. We haven't actually cut it yet, but I loaded it into our Tormach Mill stuck a pen in it and it traced the outline of the sprocket. We will probably cut the sprocket this weekend when I get the coolant pump going. One thing I noticed is that the tooth profile is a bit taller and sharper than an ansi standard sprocket. I don't think this is a problem, but it is a bit different.

[mgreene]

I left the teeth as pointed as they could be. It seems that the final point cut of the sprocket teeth is something of a personal preference so I left it up to the machinist to make that final cut. Basically add a final circle event with a center of 0,0 and the diameter of your desired final profile.

If anyone can find a good standard or rule of thumb for that final trim then I'll make it cut that path from the start, or add that final event at the end.

Thanks,
Mike

[dertsap]

thats a neat lil program ,
the program is great as it is bud
it would be easy for a guy to throw in a circular pass to knock off the excess ,if desired

[rippersoft]

Very nice routine. Fills a niche. Thats' what software is all about.

[0die]

Thanks Mike, it's small programs like this one that made the Internet a geat place. It was exactly what I was looking for.

[tulsaturbo]

Sprocketeer is an awesome program. I made a custom sprocket last week for a guy who does trick riding on a sports bike and needed a different ratio.

plasmacut from .025 steel and then powdercoated