Advantages of chain application

Author : ROSIE

Update time : 2023-02-10 19:42:12

Chains are divided into roller chains, toothed chains, steel chains for engineering and flat top chains.

There is a good reason for classifying chains with so many functions into these categories. When we mention the various functions of chains, we find that chains have some general advantages over other devices with similar functions.

1) The chain can be controlled to move in one plane.

2) The chain has a deterministic effect on the sprocket and does not slip. 3) The chain has a very high load capacity and very little elongation.

4) The chain drive efficiency is close to 100% due to the great intrinsic mechanical advantage of the chain links during bending.

5) The chain has a longer wear life due to the high hardness of the hinge surfaces after special treatment.

6) The chain can work well in adverse environments such as high temperature, humidity or foreign debris. 7) The chain can be made of special steel to suit special environments.

8) Chains have an unlimited shelf life, they do not deteriorate due to time, sunlight, oil and grease.

Now let's look at the advantages of chains from a transmission point of view. Together with those mentioned earlier, chains have specific advantages over other power transmission devices.

Advantages of roller chain drives

1) Roller chains can be used to drive between two shafts with a large span.

2) Compared to gearing, roller chain drives are simple, inexpensive and more practical. 3) Compared to belt drives, roller chains are often more compact and close in compactness to gearing.

4) Roller chains require a smaller contact arc length than belt drives because they do not rely on friction like belt drives. 5) Roller chains are easier to install than gears or belts.

6) Roller chains do not require as much precision alignment as gears and belts. 7) Roller chains are easy and inexpensive to change the centre distance and transmission ratio.

8) Roller chains require less loose edge tension, thus reducing shaft and bearing loads.

9) The normal wear elongation of roller chains with moderate lubrication is a slow process and does not affect the good condition of the drive. Therefore, the frequency of adjustment required for roller chains is less than for belt drives.

Advantages of toothed chain drives

To achieve optimum performance and working life, toothed chains require near-precise alignment of the gearing. Apart from this, toothed chains have all the advantages of roller chains mentioned above. In addition:

1) Toothed chains are less affected by the polygon effect and have less friction than other chains in articulation; the engagement of a toothed chain with a sprocket reduces shocks, noise and friction losses.

2) The working load and speed of toothed chains can often exceed those of belt drives and other types of chains.

3) Toothed chain drives are less noisy and smoother than roller chain drives, and in some cases are less noisy than gear drives.

4) Toothed chain drives are more compact than gear drives in shaft systems that must rotate in the same direction.

Advantages of Engineered Steel Chain Drives

The engineered steel chain drive has all the aforementioned advantages of a roller chain, except that it is slightly noisier than a roller chain drive. This is due to the increased control clearance in the manufacture of engineered steel chains and the fact that the sprockets for engineered steel chains are also usually equipped with groove centre separation. However:

1) Engineered steel chains can be used for very large span two shaft drives.

2) The toughness and elasticity of engineered steel chains enable them to absorb very high shock loads.

3) Engineered steel chains can operate in very dirty environments without serious damage, due to the increased clearance of these chains which provides an outlet for debris and debris.

Advantages of chain conveyors

1) Chain conveyors are often simpler and cheaper to construct than belt conveyors for conveyors with medium or small centre (shaft) distances.

2) Chain conveyors are most easily adapted to assembly and machining line applications. 3) Chain conveyors are suitable for the transposition of parts or components.

4) Chain conveyors can be designed for use in warehouses and loading docks, allowing for intermittent transport of items to handling stations as required.

5) Chain conveyors can carry hotter and more abrasive materials than belt conveyors. 6) Chain conveyors can withstand higher impact and shock loads at the load than belt conveyors. 7) When equipment needs to be upgraded, chain conveyors are easy and inexpensive to change.

8) Chain conveyors elongate slowly under normal wear and tear, and wear elongation does not affect the good condition of the drive as it does with belt conveyors. Therefore, chain conveyors generally require less adjustment than belt conveyors.

Advantages of chain hoists for materials

The special advantages of a chain hoist are:

1) The chain hoist can carry many special materials, e.g. hot or bulky materials.

2) The chain hoist is not very sensitive to the problem of material filling between the hoisting hopper and the chain, which is more serious for belt hoists.

3) Large chain hoists can achieve very high operating speeds and can therefore be used to transport very perishable materials.

4) In many cases, the initial installation, replacement and maintenance costs for chain hoists are lower than for belt hoists.

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