Top Roller Chains for Your Business: Durability, Efficiency & Performance
Everything You Need to Know About Roller Chains: The Essential Guide
A roller chain is more than just a piece of equipment — it’s the backbone of efficient power transmission systems in industries worldwide. Whether you’re looking for durability, smooth operation, or reduced maintenance, roller chains offer numerous advantages. This guide dives into the key features, benefits, and technical specifications of roller chains, helping you make informed decisions for your mechanical needs.
What is a Roller Chain?
A roller chain is a type of chain used for transmitting mechanical power, designed with alternating inner and outer links. This versatile component reduces friction, increases efficiency, and ensures long-lasting operation for a wide variety of machinery and vehicles. By incorporating bushings and rollers, roller chains offer superior resistance to wear and tear compared to simpler chain designs.
| ISO Chain No. | ANSI Chain No. | Pitch | Inner Width | Roller Diameter | Pin Diameter | Pin Length | Pin Length | Plate Width | Plate Thickness | Minimum Tensile Load | Average Tensile Load | Working Load |
| (P) | W( min) | (d₁ max) | (d₂ max) | (L max) | (Lc max) | (H max) | (T) | (min) | (max) | |||
| (millimeter) | (millimeter) | (millimeter) | (millimeter) | (millimeter) | (millimeter) | (millimeter) | (millimeter) | (kilogram-force) | (kilogram-force) | (kilogram-force) | ||
| 04C | 25 | 6.35 | 3.1 | 3.3 | 2.31 | 8 | 8.8 | 6.02 | 0.75 | 360 | 400 | 65 |
| 06C | 35 | 9.525 | 4.68 | 5.08 | 3.6 | 12.15 | 13.4 | 9.05 | 1.15 | 810 | 1100 | 220 |
| 85 | 41 | 12.7 | 6.25 | 7.77 | 3.6 | 14 | 16 | 9.91 | 1.2 | 690 | 1250 | 230 |
| 08A | 40 | 12.7 | 7.85 | 7.92 | 3.98 | 17.8 | 21 | 12.07 | 1.5 | 1420 | 1950 | 370 |
| 10A | 50 | 15.875 | 9.4 | 10.16 | 5.09 | 21.8 | 25 | 15.09 | 2 | 2230 | 3000 | 650 |
| 12A | 60 | 19.05 | 12.57 | 11.91 | 5.96 | 26.9 | 31 | 18.1 | 2.35 | 4000 | 4100 | 920 |
| 16A | 80 | 25.4 | 15.75 | 15.88 | 7.94 | 33.5 | 38 | 24.13 | 3.2 | 5680 | 7500 | 1500 |
| 20A | 100 | 31.75 | 18.9 | 19.05 | 9.54 | 41.1 | 47 | 30.17 | 4 | 8880 | 12100 | 2300 |
| 24A | 120 | 38.1 | 25.22 | 22.23 | 11.11 | 50.8 | 57 | 36.2 | 4.7 | 12770 | 16000 | 3100 |
| 28A | 140 | 44.45 | 25.22 | 25.4 | 12.71 | 54.9 | 62 | 42.23 | 5.5 | 17380 | 21000 | 4100 |
| 32A | 160 | 50.8 | 31.55 | 28.58 | 14.29 | 65.5 | 73 | 48.26 | 6.4 | 22800 | 30000 | 5400 |
| 40A | 200 | 63.5 | 37.85 | 39.68 | 19.85 | 80.4 | 90 | 60.33 | 8 | 35460 | 46000 | 7300 |
| 48A | 240 | 76.2 | 47.35 | 47.63 | 23.81 | 95.5 | 106 | 72.39 | 9.5 | 53110 | 67500 | 10100 |
| ISO Chain No. | ANSI Chain No. | Pitch (mm) | Inner Link Width | Roller Outside Diameter | Pin Outside Diameter | Pin Length | Pin Length | Plate Width | Plate Thickness | Minimum Tensile Load | Average Tensile Load | Working Load | Pitch |
| P | W min | d₁ max | d₂ max | L max | Lc max | H max | T | min | max | Pt | |||
| (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (kgf) | (kgf) | (kgf) | (mm) | ||
| 04C – 2 | 25-2 | 6.35 | 3.1 | 3.3 | 2.31 | 14.5 | 15.2 | 6.02 | 0.75 | 720 | 860 | 110 | 6.4 |
| 06C – 2 | 32-2 | 9.525 | 4.68 | 5.08 | 3.6 | 22.8 | 23.7 | 9.05 | 1.15 | 1620 | 2200 | 370 | 10.13 |
| 08A – 2 | 40-2 | 12.7 | 7.85 | 7.92 | 3.98 | 32.3 | 36.2 | 12.07 | 1.5 | 2840 | 3900 | 630 | 14.38 |
| 10A – 2 | 50-2 | 15.875 | 9.4 | 10.16 | 5.09 | 39.9 | 44 | 15.09 | 2 | 4450 | 6200 | 1100 | 18.11 |
| 12A – 2 | 60-2 | 19.05 | 12.57 | 11.91 | 5.96 | 49.8 | 54.4 | 18.1 | 2.35 | 6400 | 8400 | 1530 | 22.78 |
| 16A – 2 | 80-2 | 25.4 | 15.75 | 15.88 | 7.94 | 62.7 | 68.1 | 24.13 | 3.2 | 11360 | 15000 | 2550 | 29.29 |
| 20A – 2 | 100-2 | 31.75 | 18.9 | 19.05 | 9.54 | 77 | 83.1 | 30.17 | 4 | 17760 | 24200 | 3900 | 35.76 |
| 24A – 2 | 120-2 | 38.1 | 25.22 | 22.23 | 11.11 | 96.3 | 102.9 | 36.2 | 4.7 | 25540 | 32000 | 5250 | 45.44 |
| 28A – 2 | 140-2 | 44.45 | 25.22 | 25.4 | 12.71 | 103.6 | 111 | 42.23 | 5.5 | 34760 | 42000 | 6970 | 48.87 |
| 32A – 2 | 160-2 | 50.8 | 31.55 | 28.58 | 14.29 | 124.2 | 132.1 | 48.26 | 6.4 | 45600 | 60000 | 9150 | 58.55 |
| 40A – 2 | 200-2 | 63.5 | 37.85 | 39.68 | 19.85 | 151.9 | 162.1 | 60.33 | 8 | 70920 | 92000 | 12400 | 71.55 |
| 48A – 2 | 240-2 | 76.2 | 47.35 | 47.63 | 23.81 | 183.4 | 193.9 | 72.39 | 9.5 | 106220 | 135000 | 17150 | 87.83 |
| ISO Chain No. | Pitch | Inner Width | Roller Diameter | Pin Diameter | Pin Length | Pin Length | Plate Width | Plate Thickness | Minimum Tensile Load | Average Tensile Load | Pitch |
| P | W min | d1 max | d2 max | L max | Lc max | H max | T/t | Min | Pt | ||
| (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (kgf) | (kgf) | (mm) | |
| 05B – 2 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 2.31 | 14.3 | 17.4 | 7.11 | 0.75 | 800 | 1050 | 5.64 |
| 06B – 2 | 9.525 | 5.72 | 6.35 | 3.28 | 23.8 | 27.1 | 8.26 | 1.4/1.1/1.6 | 1730 | 1900 | 10.24 |
| 08B – 2 | 12.7 | 7.75 | 8.51 | 4.45 | 31 | 34.9 | 11.81 | 1.5 | 3180 | 3850 | 13.92 |
| 10B – 2 | 15.875 | 9.65 | 10.16 | 5.08 | 36.2 | 40.3 | 14.73 | 1.7 | 4550 | 5600 | 16.59 |
| 12B – 2 | 19.05 | 11.68 | 12.07 | 5.72 | 42.2 | 46.8 | 16.13 | 1.8 | 5900 | 6500 | 19.46 |
| 16B – 2 | 25.4 | 17.02 | 15.88 | 8.28 | 68 | 73.4 | 21.08 | 4.0/3.0 | 10820 | 15000 | 31.88 |
| 20B – 2 | 31.75 | 19.56 | 19.05 | 10.19 | 79 | 85.1 | 26.42 | 4.5/3.5 | 17350 | 21700 | 36.45 |
| 24B – 2 | 38.1 | 25.4 | 25.4 | 14.63 | 101 | 107.6 | 33.4 | 6.0/5.0 | 28580 | 36400 | 48.36 |
| 28B – 2 | 44.45 | 30.99 | 27.94 | 15.9 | 124 | 131.4 | 37.08 | 7.4/6.4 | 36740 | 46000 | 59.56 |
| 32B – 2 | 50.8 | 30.99 | 29.21 | 17.81 | 126 | 133.9 | 42.29 | 7.0/6.0 | 45920 | 57000 | 58.55 |
| 40B – 2 | 63.5 | 38.1 | 39.37 | 22.89 | 154 | 164 | 52.96 | 8.5/8.0 | 64290 | 81000 | 72.29 |
| 48B – 2 | 76.2 | 45.72 | 48.26 | 29.24 | 190 | 200 | 63.88 | 12/9.5 | 102050 | 127000 | 91.21 |
Key Components of Roller Chains: Understanding the Design
The construction of a roller chain consists of several key elements, each playing a crucial role in its performance:
- Inner Links: Made of two inner plates, connected by bushings and rollers, which rotate to reduce friction.
- Outer Links: Comprising two outer plates, secured by pins that pass through the bushings of the inner links.
- Bushings & Rollers: Bushings connect the inner and outer plates, while rollers roll against sprockets, minimizing wear.
These components work together to provide smoother, more efficient power transmission with lower maintenance requirements.
Roller Chain Lubrication: Essential for Performance and Longevity
Proper lubrication is key to the longevity of a roller chain. While some chains operate in clean environments and can be maintained with an oil bath or factory lubrication, others, like those used in farm equipment or bicycles, require special attention. O-ring and X-ring designs offer advanced solutions by keeping lubricants inside the chain while preventing contaminants from entering. Regular lubrication helps maintain chain efficiency, reducing wear and extending service life.
Variants of Roller Chains: Choosing the Right Fit
Roller chains come in various designs and sizes to suit different applications. Key variations include:
- Standard Roller Chains: Basic two-row chains that handle typical transmission needs.
- Duplex & Triplex Chains: Chains with multiple rows of plates for enhanced strength, often used in heavy-duty applications.
- Bushed Roller Chains: Used where sprocket tooth wear is a concern, offering better wear distribution.
Roller chains are available in multiple sizes, including ANSI standards like #40, #50, #60, and #80, making it easy to select the ideal fit for your machinery.
How to Choose the Right Roller Chain: Specifications and Sizing
When selecting a roller chain for your application, consider the following:
- Pitch Size: The distance between links, typically measured in eighths or sixteenths of an inch. Choose based on the sprocket specifications.
- Chain Strength: Determine the load-bearing capacity, factoring in both tensile and fatigue strength.
- Material: Chains come in carbon steel, stainless steel, and sometimes nylon or brass. Choose based on the operating environment, particularly if lubrication is difficult.
Roller chains are generally available in #40, #50, #60, and #80 sizes, with variations like #160 sprockets for large-scale machinery.
Strength and Durability: How to Assess Roller Chain Quality
The strength of a roller chain is measured by its tensile strength, which indicates the maximum load a chain can withstand before breaking. However, fatigue strength is just as crucial, as it relates to how well the chain holds up under continuous use. Chains with higher-quality steel and precision components tend to have better fatigue strength, ensuring longer-lasting performance under challenging conditions.
Common Applications of Roller Chains: Where You'll Find Them
Roller chains are all over, from making equipment to bicycles and also vehicle engines. Their convenience makes them excellent for power transmission in systems that need long lasting and efficient efficiency. Some usual usages include:
- Factory Equipment: Driving devices in factories with very little upkeep.
- Automotive Engines: Timing chains that drive camshafts.
- Agricultural Machines: Chains made use of in tractors, harvesters, and a lot more.
Roller chains are crafted for integrity and effectiveness, making certain smooth procedure throughout a variety of applications.
Final thought: Why Roller Chains Are a Smart Investment
With their ability to lower friction, boost performance, and endure wear gradually, roller chains are a cornerstone of mechanical power transmission. Whether you’re upgrading existing tools or designing a brand-new system, recognizing the requirements and upkeep demands of roller chains will certainly assist you maximize their lifespan and efficiency. Pick the ideal roller chain for your requirements and make certain durable, reliable operation across your equipment.
Roller chains are all over, from making equipment to bicycles and also vehicle engines. Their convenience makes them excellent for power transmission in systems that need long lasting and efficient efficiency. Some usual usages include:
- Factory Equipment: Driving devices in factories with very little upkeep.
- Automotive Engines: Timing chains that drive camshafts.
- Agricultural Machines: Chains made use of in tractors, harvesters, and a lot more.
Roller chains are crafted for integrity and effectiveness, making certain smooth procedure throughout a variety of applications.
Frequently Asked Question
A roller chain is a mechanical power transmission part that makes use of rotating inner and outer web links, with bushings, rollers, and pins to transfer power in between gears. The rollers decrease friction, boosting effectiveness and minimizing wear compared to simpler chain layouts.
A roller chain consists of internal links (with bushings and rollers), outer links (with pins), and sprockets. The inner and outer links alternating to form the chain, and rollers aid minimize friction by rolling over the sprocket teeth.
A bushing roller chain uses different bushings or sleeves to hold the inner plates with each other, whereas a bushingless chain uses a tube marked right into the inner plates to offer the same function. The bushingless design simplifies assembly by getting rid of one step.
Lubrication is critical for the performance and durability of roller chains. Appropriate lubrication reduces friction, lessens wear, and stops contaminants from damaging the chain. Lots of roller chains are designed with O-rings or X-rings to maintain lube and secure the chain from dust and moisture.
When picking a roller chain, you ought to match the chain size with the pitch of the sprocket. Roller chains are available in various pitches and toughness, so it’s essential to select one that can handle the needed lots and make certain compatibility with your sprockets.
Tensile stamina describes the maximum lots a roller chain can endure prior to breaking. It is a vital factor in identifying the stamina of the chain and ensuring that it can handle the needed workload without failure. Roller chains need to run with loads not going beyond 1/6 to 1/9 of their tensile toughness to stop early wear or breakage.
