Whether you run an agricultural operation or a large-scale high speed manufacturing plant, you may need roller chains for a variety of equipment. These components are generally paired with a sprocket that drives them, with each chain consisting of cylindrical rollers connected by links. Selecting the right one for your needs can be challenging, so below is more information about the different models available and various impacts.

What Is the Function of a Roller Chain?

The primary purpose of a roller chain is to transmit mechanical power from one device to another. It is a simple, reliable and cost effective means of transmission that is utilized in vehicles, conveying, and heavy machines. These chains also maintain synchronization for applications like high speed packaging, or simply, ensuring a device has consistent movement. This is often critical for conveyors, as it ensures they aren't going too fast or slow. Chains can even change the direction of linear motion to rotary motion, depending on your needs.

What Are the Types of Roller Chains & Their Uses?

Roller chains come in different forms and sizes, but they’re generally classified according to types. For example, single-strand industrial chain models feature one layer of connected rollers. They are commonly used in light-load applications, such as conveyors in the food and beverage industry.

Double-strand chains are more robust than single-strand models, consisting of two linked rollers. Since they can handle higher loads, they are used in intensive commercial applications, such as moving steel across an area.

Triple-strand roller chains comprise three layers of connected rollers, each made to improve chain life due to heavy loads or shock loading. This roller chain minimizes impact loads on the rotating sprockets, improving operating efficiency and the useful life of the chain. Since they can withstand significant pressure, they are suitable for agricultural, sewage, and heavy machinery applications. Finally, quad-strand models have four linked layers of rollers, allowing them to handle higher amounts of weight and pressure. They are ideal for the most intense applications, such as construction, mining, and processing. For more information on 5 strand chain or greater industrial chains, conveying or wastewater chain products, go to Maxco Chain and Sprockets LTD.

How Does the Impact Resistance Affect the Choice?

When selecting a roller chain, the primary consideration is the pitch size of the links. Pitch is measured from the center of one pin to the next on a single link of chain. When the pitch is larger, the chain is longer and can handle more powerful impacts. This makes larger pitches more suited to intensive work. On the other hand, chains with a smaller pitch are often smoother and can be found on machines with lighter load fluctuations but higher RPM. As load fluctuations and impacts increase, the pitch should also increase.  There are many other important options in selecting the right chain for your drive application. When you need help, we are at your service.

When you need high-quality roller chains for your business, contact Industrial Component Sales Inc. With offices in Madison and Hudson, WI, as well as Bemidji, MN,  they offer a range of material handling and conveying solutions. Whether you need new sprockets, power transmission products, or mounted ball bearings, they can solve your machinery problems to keep you running. Call (651) 270-0151 to speak with a team member, and visit the website to learn more about their products.