Link Plate Life Reciprocal friction between the inner and outer link plates and contact between the side surface of the roller and the inside surface of the link plate causes wear such as (A) and (B) shown in Figure 15-3.
Figure 15-3: Link Plate Wear
Wear that exceeds one-third of the original plate thickness will reduce the tensile strength of the chain. Link plate wear that appears faster than wear on other component parts is usually caused by misalignment of the conveyor during installation. Misalignment can also develop during conveyor operation. Check
for the following to ensure maximum working life: 1. Correct alignment of driving and driven sprockets 2. Correct alignment of shafts in horizontal and vertical planes 3. Precision of level gauge and accurate leveling
The link plates on U.S. Tsubaki Flow Conveyor Chain move directly on the material to be conveyed or on a steel plate casing. The working life expires when the worn section equals A/2 or H/8, as shown in Figure 15-4.
A/2 or H/8
Figure 15-4: Maximum Allowable Link Plate Wear
Pitch Elongation When the chain engages with the sprocket or runs on a curved rail section, the chain flexes, which causes the chain to stretch. In most cases, this is caused by wear of the bearing parts, such as pins and bushings. As chain pitch elongation increases, the chain tends to climb the top of the sprocket and prevents smooth conveyor operation. The limit of pitch elongation is generally two percent of the chain pitch.
Figure 15-5: Places to Measure Chain Elongation
L IFE OF RF C ONVEYOR C HAIN AND S PROCKETS 27
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