The below information provides information on the basics of roller chain construction:
5. Chain Cut-To-Length: One of the unique offerings from Tsubaki is the ability to cut any chain in our offering to the desired length needed for your application. This eliminates unnecessary waste and unnecessary down time.
Basics of Roller Chain
R = Riveted C = Cottered
Chain Size
Cut = Cut to length
1. Chain Pitch: Chain pitch, otherwise known as chain size, is the distance from pin center to pin center. Pitch is always measured in inch increments.
ANSI Standard Chain Pitch Sizes
40
R
CUT
Pitch#
Pitch in Inches
Pitch #
Pitch in Inches
25 35 40 41 50 60 80
1/4” 3/8” 1/2” 1/2” 5/8” 3/4”
100 120 140 160 180 200 240
1 1/4” 1 1/2” 1 3/4”
P
P
2”
2 1/4” 2 1/2”
1”
3”
RB = Riveted 10-foot box
6. Chain Reel and Box Stock: Roller chains are also available on 50-foot and 100-foot reels. Sizes 25-60 are available in 100-foot reels. Size 80 is available on 50-foot reels. All standard stock Tsubaki roller chains are available in 10-foot boxes.
Pitch
(each box includes one connecting link)
CB = Cottered 10-foot box
(each box includes on connecting link)
2. Chain Construction: Roller chain is constructed of four components: pins, plates, rollers and bushings.
Roller LInk Plate
Roller
R50 = 50-foot reel
Roller LInk Plate
(Includes 5 connecting links)
R100 = 100-foot reel
(Includes 10 connecting links)
Bushing Roller
Pin
Pin Link
H = Heavy Series T = Thru-hardened pin series HT = Heavy with thru-hardened pin Super = Super Series HSuper = Super Heavy Series
Pin Link Plate
7. Heavy-Duty Series Chains: For applications where roller chains are exposed to higher loads, greater shock loads, or severe duty high-torque style applications, Tsubaki manufactures a complete line of Heavy Duty series roller chains.
3. Connecting Links: In most applications, roller chain is used in a continuous loop. This loop is often times connected with a connecting link. In normal conditions, spring clip (size 60 and smaller) or cotter-pin style links (80 through 240) are used. For more severe applications, press-fit links are used.
ULTRASUPER = Ultra Super Series
Cottered Connecting LInk
Spring Clip Connecting Link
8. Leaf Chains: Tsubaki manufactures a complete line of leaf chains. There are two series that Tsubaki manufacturers – AL series and BL series. BL series chains are a heavier version of the AL series and come with a larger pin and plate. Chains are identified by lacing and can be cut to specified lengths.
4. Offset Links: When a continuous length of chain has an odd number of pitches, an offset link (often referred to as half-links) is used. Offset links are available in one-pitch and two-pitch styles. One-pitch offsets are weaker than plain chain and are not recommended in high-impact load, and high-speed applications.
One-Pitch Offset
Two-Pitch Offset
BL – 6x6 Lacing
AL 4x4 Lacing
3
4
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