High-Tensile Coupling Chains for Heavy-Duty Industrial Drives

Industrial Grade Steel Coupling Chains for Heavy Machinery

Structure and Principle

• Basic Structure: Usually composed of sprockets, chains, and other components. The sprockets are installed on the shafts to be connected, and the chains mesh with the sprockets to transmit torque. For example, KC-type chain couplings have a modular design with double-sprocket components and high-strength transmission chains. The sprocket teeth are precisely hobbed and the tooth surface is induction hardened, and the chain adopts a double-row roller chain structure.

• Transmission Principle: Utilize the meshing of the chain and sprocket teeth to transmit power. When one shaft rotates, it drives the sprocket to rotate, and then the chain drives the other sprocket and the shaft to rotate, achieving power transmission. At the same time, some chain couplings can also compensate for slight misalignments between the shafts, such as radial, angular, and axial displacements.

Types and Characteristics

• Multi-strand Chain Couplings: Usually have dual or quadruple chain strands. Their advantage is high torque transmission capacity, which can evenly distribute the load on multiple chains, has strong resistance to bending and fatigue, and is suitable for heavy-duty applications such as mining equipment, large conveyors, and industrial mixers. However, they also have the disadvantages of increased weight and size, high cost, and requiring precise alignment and stronger support structures.

• High-strength Alloy Steel Chain Couplings: Made of high-strength alloy steel, the chain has high tensile strength and wear resistance. For example, the chains of some engineering steel roller chains (such as C-grade chains) have a breaking load that can reach 2 to 3 times that of ordinary roller chains, which can withstand high 冲击 loads and are suitable for occasions such as the start and stop of cranes.

• Plastic Chain Couplings: Made of high-strength engineering plastics such as nylon or acetal. They are lightweight, easy to handle, install, and operate. They also have the characteristics of corrosion resistance, chemical compatibility, low noise and vibration, and low friction. They are suitable for some applications with special requirements, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.

Application Fields

• Mining Machinery: Used to connect the drive shafts of ball mills, crusher rotors, etc., which can withstand high-frequency impacts and dusty environments.

• Metallurgical Equipment: Such as the roller table drive of continuous casting machines and the alternative solution for the cardan shafts of hot-rolling production lines, which can ensure reliable power transmission under high-temperature and high-load conditions.

• Conveying Equipment: For the drive of large belt conveyor rollers and the connection of the low-speed shafts of bucket elevators, etc., it can adapt to the requirements of large center distance transmission.

• Fluid Machinery: Applicable to the medium and low-speed shaft system transmission of centrifugal fans and reciprocating compressors.

Selection Considerations

• Torque Requirements: According to the actual power and speed of the equipment, calculate the required torque and select a chain coupling that can withstand the corresponding torque.

• Shaft Diameter and Speed: Select the appropriate chain coupling model according to the diameter of the connected shaft and the operating speed to ensure a good fit and safe operation.

• Working Environment: Consider factors such as temperature, humidity, dust, and corrosion in the working environment. For example, in high-temperature environments, heat-resistant nickel-chromium alloy chains can be selected; in corrosive environments, stainless steel chains or plastic chain couplings can be used.

• Offset Compensation Ability: According to the possible misalignment of the shaft during the operation of the equipment, select a chain coupling with an appropriate offset compensation ability to reduce the additional stress caused by the misalignment.

Representative Products

• KC-type Chain Couplings: Produced by some domestic manufacturers, with the advantages of high reliability and economy, they are widely used in various industrial fields.

• Tsubaki HT Series Chains: The HT series chains provided by Tsubaki have a tensile strength 19% higher than that of ANSI G8 series chains, and their wear life is twice that of the previous series, which is suitable for low-speed operating conditions (up to 50 m/min).