Engineering Chain Basics THE BASICS OF ENGINEERING CLASS CHAIN STRUCTURE: THE THREE FUNDAMENTAL CHAIN DIMENSIONS The Three Fundamental Chain Dimensions are PITCH, ROLLER DIAMETER and INSIDE LINK WIDTH . When these dimensions are the same, the chain and the sprockets are compatible. (1 pitch = 1 link).
PIN The most important role of the pin is connecting the inside link to the outside link. The pin transmits chain tension along the direction of chain travel while also receiving vertical reaction forces from the conveyed items. The outside diameter of the pin is subject to wear from sliding against the bushing inside diameter as the chain articulates. The pin is an essential strength bearing component and requires high wear resistance. BUSHING The bushing is a strength bearing component that receives tension forces during sprocket engagement, but the main role of the bushing is to act as a bearing component. The outside diameter of the bushing is subject to wear from sliding against the inside diameter of the roller during roller rotation. The inside diameter of the bushing is subject to wear from sliding against the outside diameter of the pin as the chain articulates. Wear in the areas of the bushing inside diameter and pin’s outside diameter is expressed as chain elongation. ROLLER The roller forms a slip fit with the bushing. Roller rotation reduces sprocket tooth wear when engaging with the sprocket, while alleviating the shock and wear from the teeth. Roller rotation also lowers chain pull resistance by reducing the sliding friction of a chain. SIDEBAR The sidebar receives the tensile load along the chain’s direction of travel and receives vertical reactive forces while supporting the conveyed item.
ATTACHMENT SIDEBAR Sidebars sometimes have attachments integral to their design. A wide variety of sidebar attachments are available for the attachment of slats, aprons, fixtures and other customer equipment. T-HEAD COTTER After the outer plate is press-fitted to the pin, a T-head cotter pin is inserted and bent to assure that the pin remains fully engaged with the sidebar. PRESS FIT Engineering Class chains are normally built with press fit construction. This means that the pins and sidebars are put together with a tight forced fit. This assures that the pins and bushing rotate about fixed points and the press fits increase fatigue life of the chain. SLIP FIT Some chains are built with slip fit construction. This means that the pins and sidebars are put together with a loose fit. This is occasionally requested when a chain’s assembly needs to be made easier for a user.
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