Roller Chain Specifications and Models

Roller Chain Specifications and Models

I. Introduction to Roller Chains
Roller chains are mechanical components widely used in industrial transmission and conveying systems. They consist of inner and outer links, pins, bushings, and rollers. They work by transmitting power through the meshing of rollers and sprockets. They feature a compact structure, high transmission efficiency, and strong load-bearing capacity. Roller chains come in a variety of specifications and models, suitable for different applications and working conditions.

II. Classification of Roller Chains
(I) Classification by Application
Drive chains: Used for power transmission, such as in automotive engine timing systems and industrial machinery transmissions.
Conveyor chains: Used for material transport, such as in food processing and logistics.
Traction chains: Used for lifting and pulling equipment, such as forklifts and cranes.
(II) Classification by Structure
Single-strand chains: Consisting of a single row of links, suitable for light and medium load transmission.
Multi-strand chains: Consisting of multiple rows of links, suitable for heavy load and high-power transmission. (III) Classification by Standard
A Series: Conforms to US standards and is suitable for high-speed, heavy-load, and critical transmissions.
B Series: Conforms to European standards and is suitable for general transmissions.

III. Roller Chain Specifications and Models
(I) A Series Roller Chain Specifications and Models
Table
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Chain Number Pitch (mm) Roller Outside Diameter (mm) Inner Link Inner Width (mm) Pin Diameter (mm) Link Plate Height (mm) Ultimate Tensile Load (N) Mass per Meter (kg/m)
08A 12.70 7.95 7.85 3.96 12.07 13800 0.60
10A 15.875 10.16 9.40 5.08 15.09 21800 1.00
12A 19.05 11.91 12.57 5.95 18.08 31100 1.50
16A 25.40 15.88 15.75 7.94 24.13 55600 2.60
20A 31.75 19.05 18.90 9.54 30.18 86700 3.80
24A 38.10 22.23 25.22 11.10 36.20 124600 5.60
28A 44.45 25.40 25.22 12.70 42.24 169000 7.50
32A 50.80 28.53 31.55 14.29 48.26 222400 10.10
40A 63.50 39.68 37.85 19.34 60.33 347000 16.10
48A 76.20 47.63 47.35 23.30 72.39 500 400 22.60
(II) B Series Roller Chain Specifications and Models
Table
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Chain Number Pitch (mm) Roller Outside Diameter (mm) Inner Link Inner Width (mm) Pin Diameter (mm) Link Height (mm) Ultimate Tensile Load (N) Mass per Meter (kg/m)
08B 12.70 8.51 7.75 4.45 13.92 14300 0.60
10B 15.875 10.16 8.60 5.08 16.59 22200 1.00
12B 19.05 12.07 10.50 5.95 19.46 31800 1.50
16B 25.40 15.88 15.40 7.94 24.13 56700 2.60
20B 31.75 19.05 17.70 9.54 30.18 87000 3.80
24B 38.10 25.40 22.90 11.10 36.20 125000 5.60
28B 44.45 27.94 28.50 12.70 42.24 169000 7.50
32B 50.80 29.21 31.55 14.29 48.26 222400 10.10

IV. Roller Chain Model Designation
A roller chain model typically consists of the chain number, number of rows, number of links, and standard number. For example:
08A-1-86 GB1243.1-83: indicates an A series roller chain with a pitch of 12.70mm, single row, 86 links, and manufactured according to GB1243.1-1983.

V. Key Points for Roller Chain Selection
(I) Selection Based on the Application
Drive chains: Suitable for transmission systems requiring high precision and high reliability, such as automotive engines and industrial machinery.
Conveyor chains: Suitable for material conveying systems, such as food processing and logistics.
Traction chains: Suitable for lifting and pulling equipment, such as forklifts and cranes.
(II) Selection Based on Working Conditions
Load type: Select the appropriate chain model based on the size and nature of the load. For example, a multi-row chain should be selected for heavy-duty applications.
Speed requirements: An A series roller chain should be selected for high-speed applications. Environmental Conditions: In harsh environments, such as high temperatures and corrosive environments, choose a chain that is corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant.
(3) Consider Maintenance and Replacement Costs
Service Life: Choose a chain with high wear and fatigue resistance to extend service life.
Maintenance Cost: Choose a chain that is easy to maintain and replace to reduce maintenance costs.

VI. Roller Chain Maintenance and Care
(I) Cleaning
Clean the chain regularly to remove oil, dust, and impurities to reduce wear.
(II) Lubrication
Lubricate the chain regularly with appropriate lubricant or grease to reduce friction and wear.
(III) Inspection
Inspect the chain regularly for wear and replace any severely worn chains promptly.
(IV) Adjustment
Regularly adjust the chain tension to ensure proper tension during operation.

VII. Roller Chain Market Analysis
(I) Market Size
The global roller chain market has shown steady growth over the past few years. According to market research reports, the global roller chain market reached billions of dollars in 2023 and is expected to maintain double-digit growth rates for the next few years.
(II) Market Segmentation
The roller chain market can be segmented based on various dimensions:
By product type: A series, B series, C series, etc.
By application: transmission chains, conveyor chains, traction chains, etc. By region: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, the Middle East and Africa, etc.
(III) Major Market Players
Major players in the global roller chain market include well-known brands such as Tsubaki, Renold, and Ina. These brands hold a large market share thanks to their advanced technology, high-quality products, and excellent after-sales service.
(IV) Market Drivers
The growth of the roller chain market is primarily driven by the following factors:
Industrial Automation: With the advancement of industrial automation, the demand for efficient and reliable transmission systems continues to increase.
Technological Innovation: The application of new materials and technologies has improved the performance and service life of roller chains.
Emerging Markets: The rapid development of emerging markets such as the Asia-Pacific region has provided broad growth space for the roller chain market.
(V) Market Challenges
Although the roller chain market has broad development prospects, it also faces several challenges:
Price Competition: Fierce market competition has led to increased price pressure.
Technical Threshold: The manufacture of high-performance roller chains requires advanced technology and equipment, resulting in a high technical threshold.
Environmental Requirements: Increasingly stringent environmental regulations have placed higher demands on the manufacture and use of roller chains.

VIII. Future Outlook for Roller Chains
(I) Technological Innovation
In the future, roller chains will achieve even greater breakthroughs in technological innovation. For example, adopting more wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials will further extend the chain’s service life; developing more efficient lubrication systems to reduce friction and wear; and adding more features, such as intelligent monitoring systems, to monitor the chain’s operating status in real time.

(II) Market Expansion
With the development of the global economy and the advancement of industrial automation, the roller chain market will continue to expand. Emerging markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asia, in particular, hold enormous market potential. Manufacturers will further expand their market share through market education, channel expansion, and product localization.

(III) Sustainable Development
Against the backdrop of global sustainable development, the environmental and energy-saving performance of roller chains will receive increasing attention. Manufacturers will focus on developing more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and products to reduce their environmental impact. For example, this will involve adopting renewable energy and optimizing product design to reduce energy consumption.

(IV) Brand Competition
In the future, brand competition in the roller chain market will intensify. Established brands will continue to consolidate their market position through technological innovation, improved product quality, and service, while emerging brands will gain market share through differentiated product strategies and marketing promotions. Brand owners need to continuously enhance their brand awareness and reputation to stand out from the competition.

IX. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Roller Chains
(I) What is the service life of a roller chain?
The service life of a roller chain is typically around 3 to 5 years, depending on product quality, frequency of use, and maintenance. Regular maintenance and servicing can extend the chain’s service life.
(II) What are the lubrication methods for roller chains?
Roller chain lubrication methods include drip lubrication, oil bath lubrication, and splash lubrication. Choosing the right lubrication method can effectively reduce chain wear and extend its service life.
(III) How is the tension of a roller chain adjusted?
The tension of a roller chain can be adjusted by adjusting the chain length or using a tensioner. Regularly checking and adjusting the chain tension ensures proper tension during operation and reduces wear. (4) How to reduce roller chain noise?
Roller chain noise can be reduced in the following ways:
Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the chain to reduce friction and noise.
Tensioning: Maintain proper chain tension to prevent looseness and noise.
Cleaning: Regularly clean the chain to remove oil and impurities, thereby reducing noise.