Deciding to make a purchase can leave you in a dilemma: Which brand is best? What are the options available? Which one truly fits your needs?
Overwhelmed by the different types of roller chains? No worries! We’ll simplify things for you and make your decision much easier. Let’s dive right in.
Roller Chains
Roller chains, otherwise known as bush roller chains, are chain drives used in most machines. They help to pass mechanical power from one point to another in many domestic and industrial machines. Conveyors, cars, bicycles, printing presses, and so on, make use of roller chains. Short cylindrical rollers are joined together with connecting links to form a chain. This chain is placed over a toothed wheel. As the wheel moves, the chain moves as well. This toothed wheel is called a sprocket. Roller Chains have two types of connecting links: the inner links, which hold the rollers together and the outer links, which are held together by pins and enable movement. The pitch is the distance between rollers. The more the distance, the larger the chain is, and vice versa.
The roller chain design is structured to reduce friction, thereby making it more efficient and effective. With the right and sufficient lubrication, roller chains can last a long time without wearing out.
Types Of Roller Chains
There are different types of roller chain sizes and designs, each one serving a special purpose.
1. Self Lube
Another name for a self-lube roller chain is Lube-Free. This type of roller chain is designed to need no external lubrication. It comes with its own lube supply, and its mechanism allows it to self-lubricate as it heats up. Once the machine is turned off, the lubricant absorbs back into the bushing. The self-lube is designed to be used where lubrication can lead to contamination.
2.Heavy Series and Super Series
The heavy series roller chains are made with very thick roller chains connecting link dimensions. This type of chain is used where it is impossible to use a large-size chain. The heavy series then comes in handy. Their potential to carry 60 percent more load and 40 percent stronger makes them stand out. They are marked with the letter “H.”
3.Double Pitch
This roller chain has double the pitch of a standard chain, making it lighter, less expensive and longer.
4.Hollow Pin
As the name implies, the chain pins of a hollow pin chain have a hole that allows for attachments. Cross rods or pins can be fitted into the holes without having to remove the chain.
5.Leaf Chain
The leaf chain does not use sprockets, rollers or bushings. It is made with side links or connecting links held together with pins. It is used with a sheave and requires proper lubrication. Leaf chain is perfect for forklifts and elevators.
6.Silent Chain
They are marked with the letters “SC.” Silent chains have many close-to-each-other links. They are quite flexible and come in 3/16-inch and 2-inch pitch sizes.
7. Plastic Chain
This type of chain adapts to different temperatures, low friction and chemical exposure. It’s made with easily adaptable materials. Plastic chains are very suitable for the food industry.
8.Corrosion Resistant
Before they’re assembled, these chains have their parts coated in stainless steel, nickel, plastic and zinc alloy.
9.Side Bow
Side bow chains, otherwise called curve chains, have extra space between pins, bushings and side links, which enables them to go around curves and make 90-degree turns. They come in sizes 40 to 80.
10. High-Tech Coated Chain
High-tech coated chains are triple-coated with corrosion-resistant carbon steel. This chain is suitable for a wet environment.
Roller Chains come in different sizes and types that serve different purposes. Whichever one you decide to purchase should fit the needs of the machine or industry. At NSAR Bearings, we have all kinds of roller chain designs available and ready to be delivered as promptly as you place the order. No matter the quantity, we’ve got you. NSAR Bearings is notable for its quality and quick response.
