What Types of Chain Peripheral Products are There?

In a power transmission system, chains and sprockets are crucial for system stability and maintenance efficiency. However, chains and sprockets are not the only accessories needed. There’s a full set of chain peripheral products that ensure smooth and safe operation.

In this article, we’ll discuss a complete analysis of the functions and applications of the types of chain peripheral products.

What are Chain Peripheral Products?

Chain peripheral products are supporting components and surrounding accessories that work along with chains and sprockets for an efficient power transmission system. They include couplings, guides, connecting links, and others to ensure smooth operation and extended service life.

Chains, over time, experience wear and tear. Chain peripheral products help to achieve the following:

● Improved efficiency with minimal friction.

● Extended service life through proper tension and lubrication.

● Enhances safety and reliability by reducing mechanical failures.

● Enhance versatility, enabling chains to function in diverse applications.  

Types of Chain Peripheral Products

Chain Connectors and Links

Chain connectors and links are small; yet, they are essential components that allow you to assemble, extend, or repair chains. They serve as joints between two ends of a chain, making maintenance and installation easier and more efficient. There are different types of chain connectors. Each of these is suitable for specific chain designs and load requirements.

Their function are as follows:

● They enhance the flexibility and serviceability of chains in sprocket transmission systems.

● They ensure structural integrity while allowing chains to be removed and replaced easily.

Chain connectors are widely used in the following areas:

● Industrial conveyors where chains need to be frequently replaced.

● Agricultural machinery, like harvesters and tillers.

● The automotive industry, where chains need to be assembled and serviced easily.

● The construction industry, where heavy-duty chains need durable and secure connectors

Chain Couplings

Chain couplings are devices used to connect two shafts together. Their primary function is to transmit power through a chain and to compensate for slight deviations.

There are two core types of chain couplings. The double row roller chain coupling has two sprockets and a double row chain, providing large torque capacity and strong impact resistance. The universal chain coupling supports large-angle deviation for smooth power transmission. They are suitable for systems where flexibility and durability are crucial.

Their application are as follows:

● Pump machines where torque transfer is essential.  

● Conveyor belts in manufacturing plants.

● Injecting mold machines

● Shaft connection

● Heavy-duty machinery like mills and presses

Chain Cutters

Chain cutters are accessories used to cut, shorten, or resize roller chains. They apply mechanical force to push out the pin from the chain link, allowing the chain to be separated easily.  

There are two types of chain cutters. Manual chain cutters are lightweight and are suitable for light applications like bicycle and motorcycle chains. Hydraulic chain cutters are used for large chains, with pressure up to 10 tons.

Their function includes easy installation and modification of chain-driven systems. This is crucial for chain maintenance and length adjustment.

They are used in the following applications:

● Industrial workshops where chains are often resized.

● Agricultural equipment servicing where chain adjustment is required.

● Automotive repairs to ensure chains are perfectly aligned for optimal performance.

● Conveyor systems where various chain lengths are needed, depending on equipment design.

Guides and Rails

Chain guides and rails are essential components that support, direct, and stabilize chain movement, ensuring it remains aligned. They are specifically vital in high-speed or heavy-load applications, in confined spaces, or along complex paths. They help to reduce friction and vibration and prevent derailing.

Guides and rails function to guide the chain trajectory to prevent jumping, sagging, or swinging. They are constructed with different materials.  For example, the nylon guide plate is lightweight and offers low noise. They are often used in food processing machines.

Stainless steel guide rails provide high wear resistance and are able to withstand high temperatures, as in mining conveyor belts. Guided by rollers acts to reduce friction and is suitable for high-speed chains.

Their application includes conveyor systems, automotive equipment, food processing industries, and agricultural equipment.

Chain Sprockets

Chain sprockets are often considered one of the most essential parts of power transmission systems. This is because they determine how smoothly and efficiently a system runs. They are toothed wheels that engage with the chains to transmit motion and torque between shafts.

They are often designed in different types - simplex, duplex, or triplex. Each of these types suits chains of varying lengths and load capacities. They are made of different material types, such as stainless steel, standard steel, or cast iron. Each of these materials is made to enhance durability and resist corrosion.

Their application are as follows:

● Automotive, like motorcycles, where sprockets need to be aligned for smooth transmission.

● Industrial conveyors requiring synchronized movement

● Agricultural machinery requiring smooth power transmission for outdoor conditions.

● Heavy machinery where high torque speed is essential.

Chain Tensioners

Chain tensioners are used to maintain proper chain tension in a power transmission system. Without proper tension, a chain may become too tight or too loose. A chain that is too tight may cause stress, while a chain that is too loose may slip, jump, vibrate, or wear fast.

Different chain tensioners are designed to suit specific load requirements and operational environments. They could be spring-loaded, automatic, or manual-adjustable tensioners. They are often used in the following scenarios:

● Packaging and bottling industries where proper chain tension is required.

● The mining industry requiring proper tensioning system for shock loads.

● Conveyors ensuring smooth production flow

● Agricultural equipment used outdoors where robust and low-maintenance solutions are in demand.

Chain Lubrication Systems

Proper lubrication helps chain-driven systems achieve smooth performance, preventing corrosion and extending their lifespan. They help to deliver consistent lubrication to the chain sprockets, minimizing friction and wear.

Chain lubrication systems are often in place to make this possible. They could be either a manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic design. Each of these systems is used depending on the operating environment. For instance, while large industrial plants benefit from automatic lubrication systems, manual systems may benefit small-scale projects.

Their specific use cases are as follows:

● Food production lines require continuous operation and consistent lubrication

● Automotive lines require high-speed chains for optimal performance.

● Heavy-duty machinery requires consistent lubrication to reduce dust and moisture exposure.

● Agricultural equipment requiring lubrication to reduce downtime.

Covers and Guards

Covers and guards are accessories used to protect chains from external damage. They shield chains and sprockets from debris and dust while ensuring workers’ safety. They act as a protective barrier between the operating chain system and its environment.

The function of covers and guards basically entails preventing external contamination. They also help to minimize accident risks and reduce noise. They are made from steel, aluminum, or reinforced plastics, depending on the application. While plastics are used in lightweight applications, steel and aluminum are used in heavy-duty and high-load applications.  

For example, they are used in food and pharmaceutical industries, mining and construction equipment, automotive workshops, mining and construction equipment, and packaging machinery.

Specialty Accessories

Specialty accessories and other chain peripheral products that are designed to enhance your system performance. These accessories include idler sprockets, chain pullers, tensioning wheels, special coatings, or quick-release mechanisms.

The main function of these specialty accessories is to make the chain system adaptable to specialized environments and withstand challenges. For example, idler sprockets help to reroute chain paths, while quick-release mechanisms allow for easy maintenance.

Their application are as follows:

● Marine industries where chains need special coatings to resist saltwater corrosion.

● Extreme temperature furnaces requiring accessories that are resistant to heat.

● Pharmaceuticals where hygienic chain materials are required.

● Heavy mining equipment requires durability and load capacity.  

Industrial Application of Chain Peripheral Products

● Automotive manufacturing: In automotive manufacturing, chain peripheral products are used in motorcycles, bicycles, conveyors, and engine timing systems. They provide precision, stability, and high-speed performance in ongoing and finished production.

● Agricultural equipment: Chain peripheral products are used in tractors, harvesters, and tillers to protect chains from external damage due to dust or uneven loads. They enable reliable performance during intensive operations.

● Mining and construction: Chain peripheral products are used in construction projects under harsh environments to withstand heavy loads and reduce vibration and dust. They build maximum strength and minimal downtime.

● Food processing lines: Chain peripheral products are used in the food and beverage industry, where hygiene and safety matter. They keep conveyor chains running smoothly while maintaining healthy standards in bottling and packaging.  

● Heavy equipment and logistics: Chain peripherals are used in heavy equipment and logistics to enable fast and efficient movement of goods. They help to boost production and reduce downtime even in large-scale operations.

● Pharmaceutical & electronics industries: Chain peripherals are used in pharmaceuticals for safe and smooth operation. They are also used in electronic industries to transmit motion and torque for an efficient system.

● Power generation: In power generation, chain peripherals are used in turbines and pumps to maintain efficiency and consistent performance.

How to Choose the Right Chain Peripheral Products

● Load capacity: Each chain system has specific load capacity requirements. When choosing chain peripherals like sprockets or couplings, make sure they match the requirements to avoid premature failure. Special reinforced peripherals are needed in certain applications than others.

● Speed: Consider the speed of your conveyor system to determine which chain peripheral would work. For example, a high-speed conveyor system needs engineered sprockets to maintain alignment and minimize vibration. However, a low-speed, heavy-duty conveyor system needs durable chain peripherals for stability.

● Environment: Consider the operating environment where your equipment will be exposed to. If your equipment is frequently exposed to dust, moisture, and chemicals, sprockets with specialized coatings are ideal as they offer protective covering against external damage.

● Maintenance needs: Choose peripherals with simple and few maintenance needs. For example, automatic lubrication systems need little maintenance and replacements. This, in turn, will reduce downtime, save costs, and improve operational efficiency.

● Customization: Choose peripherals that can be customized to suit your unique design requirements.

● Reliable manufacturer: Partnering with a reliable manufacturer will provide you with premium chain peripherals and after-sales service to meet global standards. This is why Hangzhou Perpetual Machinery and Equipment Co., Ltd. is here for you. With our engineering support and customization, you can get what you need.

Conclusion

Chain peripheral products are supplementary accessories that are essential in keeping sprockets in good working condition, enhancing your overall system efficiency. Choosing the right one is the difference between increased and decreased performance.

If you’re looking for a trusted supplier to partner with, Hangzhou Perpetual Machinery and Equipment Co., Ltd. is always here to serve. Please, contact us right away.

FAQs

What are the different types of chains in power transmission?

The different types of power transmission chains include (1) roller chain, (2) conveyor chain, (3) leaf chain, (4) engineering chain, (5) silent chain, (6) attachment chain, (7) hoisting and hauling chain, (8) flat-top chain, (9) block or push chain, and (10) hollow pin chain.

What type of chain is used for transporting materials?

Specialized conveyor chains are often used to transport materials. The types of conveyor chains used depend on the product, load weight, and environment. These chains are durable, reliable, and resistant to harsh environmental conditions.

What are the types of gears used in power transmission systems?

The main types of gears used in power transmission systems are classified under shaft orientation. They include spur gears and helical gears if the shafts are aligned in a parallel position. Bevel gears are used for shafts in an intersecting position. Worn gears are used for non-intersecting shafts. Other types of gears, like herringbone and internal gears, are used for high-load applications.

Which chains are designed for power transmission or conveying service?

Roller chains and silent chains are often used for power transmission. Conveyor chains are used for conveying service, while leaf chains serve multiple functions.

How is a roller chain different from a silent chain?

A roller chain uses rotating rollers to minimize friction in the transmission system. However, it creates more noise while offering a durable solution. A silent chain, as the name implies, uses flat links that provide smooth operation with less vibration and noise.