Poly Chain GT Carbon Sprockets
Profile: Gates Poly Chain GT modified curvilinear
Pitches: 8M (8mm) and 14M (14mm)
Power Range: Up to 800+ HP per belt (replaces roller chain)
Mounting: QD bushing or Taper Lock bushing
Materials: Steel, cast iron
Brand: Gates
In Stock: Same-day shipping from Houston
Poly Chain GT Carbon sprockets are the drive wheels for Gates Poly Chain GT Carbon belts, the highest-capacity synchronous belt system available. Poly Chain drives are engineered as a direct replacement for roller chain in heavy industrial applications, delivering the same or higher power capacity without the lubrication, noise, stretch, and maintenance that chain drives require.
The sprockets use a modified curvilinear tooth profile specific to the Poly Chain system. They are not interchangeable with standard HTD or PowerGrip GT2 sprockets, even at the same 8M or 14M pitch. Poly Chain sprockets have a unique tooth geometry optimized for the carbon fiber tensile cord and polyurethane construction of Poly Chain belts. Texas Belting stocks Gates Poly Chain sprockets and matching belts for complete drive system sourcing.
Poly Chain Sprockets by Pitch
| Pitch | Details |
|---|---|
| 8M | Pitch: 8mm. Tooth counts: 18 to 112+. Belt widths: 21mm, 36mm, 62mm. Power: Up to approximately 200 HP per belt. Mount: QD or Taper Lock. Use: Medium to heavy industrial drives replacing #60 to #120 roller chain. Conveyors, pumps, fans, compressors, mixers. |
| 14M | Pitch: 14mm. Tooth counts: 28 to 216+. Belt widths: 40mm, 55mm, 85mm, 115mm, 170mm. Power: Up to 800+ HP per belt. Mount: QD or Taper Lock. Use: The heaviest synchronous belt drive available. Mining, aggregate, large conveyors, crushers, kilns, heavy process equipment. |
Poly Chain vs. Roller Chain
Poly Chain GT Carbon drives are designed as a drop-in replacement for roller chain in applications up to 800+ HP. The switch from chain to Poly Chain eliminates several common maintenance problems.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Lubrication | Roller chain requires regular lubrication. Poly Chain runs dry. No oil, no grease, no contamination risk. Critical advantage in food processing, clean rooms, and environments where lubricant is a problem. |
| Stretch | Roller chain stretches as pins and bushings wear, requiring periodic re-tensioning and eventual chain replacement. Poly Chain belts use carbon fiber tensile cords that do not stretch, so tension stays consistent throughout the belt's life. |
| Noise | Roller chain is inherently noisy due to metal-on-metal engagement. Poly Chain drives run significantly quieter, often reducing drive noise by 10 to 15 dB. |
| Weight | Poly Chain belts and sprockets are lighter than equivalent chain and sprocket sets. This reduces bearing loads and allows smaller, lighter drive enclosures. |
| Maintenance | Roller chain drives require regular inspection, lubrication, tension adjustment, and chain replacement. Poly Chain drives require virtually no maintenance beyond periodic visual inspection. |
| Cost | Poly Chain components have a higher upfront cost than roller chain. The payback comes from reduced maintenance labor, no lubrication costs, longer service life, and less unplanned downtime. |
Poly Chain vs. HTD vs. PowerGrip GT2 Sprockets
Poly Chain, HTD, and PowerGrip GT2 sprockets all exist at the 8M pitch, which is the most common source of confusion. All three have different tooth profiles and are not interchangeable.
| Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Poly Chain 8M | Modified curvilinear optimized for Poly Chain GT Carbon belts. Highest load capacity of any 8mm pitch system. Replaces roller chain. Only works with Poly Chain belts. |
| HTD 8M | Standard curvilinear (semicircular). General industrial timing belt applications. Open standard, multiple manufacturers. Only works with HTD belts. |
| GT3 8M | Gates modified curvilinear. Higher capacity than HTD. Precision and servo applications. Only works with GT belts. |
Part Number Decoder
| Example | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 8MPC-36-21 | 8M Poly Chain, 36 teeth, 21mm belt width. |
| 8MPC-48-36 | 8M Poly Chain, 48 teeth, 36mm belt width. |
| 8MPC-60-62 | 8M Poly Chain, 60 teeth, 62mm belt width. |
| 14MPC-34-55 | 14M Poly Chain, 34 teeth, 55mm belt width. |
| 14MPC-56-85 | 14M Poly Chain, 56 teeth, 85mm belt width. |
| 14MPC-90-170 | 14M Poly Chain, 90 teeth, 170mm belt width. Largest standard Poly Chain sprocket. |
The "MPC" designation identifies Poly Chain sprockets. This distinguishes them from standard HTD (no suffix) and GT3 ("MX" suffix) sprockets at the same pitch. Send us any part number and we will confirm availability.
Mounting Options
| Mount Type | Details |
|---|---|
| QD Bushing | Removable tapered bushing. Standard on most Poly Chain sprockets. Fast install/removal. One sprocket fits many shaft sizes. Most common in North America. |
| Taper Lock | Split tapered bushing. High concentricity and torque capacity. Preferred on European-standard equipment and large-bore applications. Stainless option available. |
Poly Chain sprockets are heavy-duty components designed for high-torque drives. Pilot bore and set screw mounting is not used because the torque levels exceed what set screw retention can handle safely. Always use a proper bushing mount.
Common Applications
| Application | Details |
|---|---|
| Heavy conveyors | 8M or 14M. Replacing roller chain on bulk material, mining, and aggregate conveyors. Eliminates lubrication and stretch. |
| Crushers and screens | 14M. High-torque, high-HP drives. Reduced noise and maintenance vs. chain. |
| Mixers and agitators | 8M or 14M. Chemical, food, and industrial mixing where chain lubrication is problematic. |
| Pumps and compressors | 8M. Replacing chain on large positive displacement pumps and industrial compressors. |
| Food processing | 8M. No lubricant required. Eliminates chain oil contamination risk. Pair with food-grade belts. |
| Kiln and dryer drives | 14M. High-temperature environments where chain lubrication breaks down rapidly. |
| Cooling tower fans | 8M or 14M. Wet environment where chain rusts. No lubrication needed. Quieter operation. |
Brand
| Brand | Products |
|---|---|
| Gates | Poly Chain GT Carbon sprockets in 8M and 14M. QD and Taper Lock mount. Full tooth count and belt width range. Poly Chain is a Gates proprietary system. |
Since Poly Chain is a Gates proprietary system, sprockets are sourced exclusively through Gates and authorized distributors. Texas Belting is an authorized source. Contact us for pricing and availability.
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Poly Chain GT Carbon sprocket?
A Poly Chain GT Carbon sprocket is a heavy-duty toothed drive wheel designed specifically for use with Gates Poly Chain GT Carbon timing belts. The sprocket has a modified curvilinear tooth profile optimized for the carbon fiber reinforced polyurethane Poly Chain belt. Together, the belt and sprocket system provides a synchronous, no-slip drive capable of replacing roller chain in applications up to 800+ HP.
Can I use a Poly Chain sprocket with a standard HTD or GT belt?
No. Poly Chain sprockets have a unique tooth profile that is not compatible with standard HTD or GT3 belts, even at the same 8M or 14M pitch. Using the wrong belt on a Poly Chain sprocket will cause drive failure. Always use Poly Chain belts with Poly Chain sprockets. See our Tooth Profiles guide for a visual comparison of the three 8mm-pitch profiles.
What roller chain sizes can Poly Chain replace?
Poly Chain 8M drives can replace ANSI #60 through #120 single-strand roller chain in many applications. Poly Chain 14M drives can replace larger chain sizes and multi-strand configurations up to 800+ HP. The actual replacement depends on the specific application, speed, load, and environment. Contact us with your chain drive details for a conversion assessment.
Why switch from roller chain to Poly Chain?
The main reasons are: no lubrication required (critical for food, clean, or hard-to-access environments), no chain stretch (belt tension stays constant), significantly lower noise (10 to 15 dB reduction), lighter weight (reduces bearing loads), and dramatically less maintenance. The upfront cost is higher, but total cost of ownership is typically lower due to reduced labor and downtime.
What is the difference between 8M and 14M Poly Chain?
8M Poly Chain has an 8mm tooth pitch and handles drives up to approximately 200 HP per belt. 14M has a 14mm pitch and handles drives up to 800+ HP per belt. 14M is used on the heaviest applications: mining conveyors, crushers, kilns, and large process equipment. 8M covers the mid-range: industrial conveyors, pumps, fans, and food processing drives.
Do Poly Chain sprockets use bushings?
Yes. Poly Chain sprockets use either QD bushings or Taper Lock bushings, sold separately. Pilot bore with set screw is not used because the torque levels in Poly Chain drives exceed set screw retention capacity. Always use a proper bushing mount on Poly Chain sprockets.
Can Texas Belting quote a complete chain-to-belt conversion?
Yes. Send us the existing chain size (ANSI number), chain sprocket tooth counts, shaft diameters, center distance, and HP/speed requirements. We will confirm whether Poly Chain is a fit and quote the complete drive package including belt, sprockets, and bushings. Request a conversion quote or call 888-203-2358.
Is Poly Chain available from other manufacturers?
No. Poly Chain GT Carbon is a Gates proprietary system. The belts and sprockets are designed, manufactured, and sold exclusively by Gates and authorized distributors. Texas Belting is an authorized source for Poly Chain products.
