How To Choose The Right Chain

How to Choose the Right Chain

I. Clarify the Application Scenario of the Chain

• Transmission chains: Used for mechanical power transmission (e.g., bicycles, motorcycles, industrial production lines).

• Conveyor chains: Used for material handling (e.g., assembly lines, conveyor belts).

• Lifting chains: Used for hoisting and towing (e.g., cranes, chain blocks).

• Traction chains: Used for lifting equipment such as elevators and escalators.

II. Determine the Type of Chain

III. Key Parameter Selection Points

1. Load and Power

• Calculate the load: Clearly define the static load (weight) and dynamic load (starting impact, vibration) borne by the chain.

• For example, industrial transmission chains need to calculate the required transmitted torque based on the motor power and speed, referring to the formula:P=9550T×n (where P is power, T is torque, and n is speed).

• Safety factor: The safety factor for lifting chains is usually not less than 5 times, and for transmission chains, it is 3–8 times depending on the working conditions (e.g., impact load).

2. Chain Specifications and Dimensions

• Pitch: The distance between the centers of two adjacent pins, which is the core specification of the chain.

• Larger pitch means stronger load-bearing capacity, but also greater weight and inertia, suitable for low-speed and heavy-load scenarios;

• Small-pitch chains are suitable for high-speed and light-load scenarios (e.g., bicycles).

• Link plate thickness and pin diameter: Need to match the load, and can refer to industry standards (such as ISO, ANSI, GB).

3. Transmission Ratio and Speed

• Transmission chains need to determine the chain length and the number of teeth on the sprockets according to the speed ratio between the driving and driven sprockets to avoid slipping or excessive tension.

• For high-speed transmission, roller chains or silent chains are recommended to reduce wear and noise.

4. Working Environment

• Temperature: In high-temperature environments (e.g., near furnaces), choose high-temperature-resistant materials (such as stainless steel chains); in low-temperature environments, consider the toughness of the material.

• Corrosion: In humid or acid-base environments, use galvanized, nickel-plated, or stainless steel chains to prevent rust.

• Dust/oil: In dusty scenarios, choose chains with good sealing performance (such as maintenance-free chains); in oily environments, consider the oil resistance of the chains.

IV. Material and Process Selection

• Steel types:

• Common carbon steel (e.g., 45# steel): Suitable for general working conditions, low cost;

• High-strength alloy steel (e.g., 20CrMnTi): Used for heavy-load and impact scenarios;

• Stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316): Corrosion-resistant, suitable for food, pharmaceutical industries, or humid environments.

• Surface treatment:

• Galvanizing, blackening: Rust prevention, suitable for ordinary environments;

• Carburizing, quenching: Improve hardness and wear resistance, suitable for high-load transmission.

V. Other Precautions

• Sprocket matching: The tooth shape and pitch of the chain must be consistent with those of the sprocket (e.g., roller chains match sprockets with corresponding tooth shapes), otherwise abnormal wear will occur.

• Tension and maintenance: The chain length should have a tension margin, and regularly check the tension and wear (e.g., replace the chain when the elongation of the chain links exceeds 3%).

• Brands and standards: Choose well-known brands (such as Tsubaki, Iwis, KMC, etc.) to ensure compliance with international or national standards (such as ANSI B29, ISO 606), and avoid safety hazards caused by inferior products.

• Cost balance: On the premise of meeting performance requirements, comprehensively consider the procurement cost and maintenance cost (e.g., maintenance-free chains have high initial costs but save worry in the long term).

VI. Selection Examples

• Bicycle chain: Choose a roller chain with a pitch of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm), matching the number of teeth on the freewheel and chainring, and select different strength grades according to the bicycle type (road bike, mountain bike).

• Factory conveyor belt chain: Choose a conveyor chain, determine the pitch according to the load (e.g., 100 mm), match with attachments (baffles), and the material can be carbon steel with galvanization.

• Crane chain: Choose a lifting endless chain, made of high-strength alloy steel, with a safety factor ≥5, and it needs to pass flaw detection.

By following the above steps and combining specific working condition requirements and parameter calculations, the appropriate chain can be selected. If you still have questions, please provide detailed usage scenarios (such as load, speed, environment, etc.) for further precise recommendations.

If you are not sure, you can contact us to help you select the right product