Q&A Drive chain
The following is a list of answers for frequently asked questions from our customers. Select questions to view the answers.
Words
Drive chain
Chain Accessories
Q1 | What are the features of Tsubaki's Stainless Steel Chain line-up? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A1 |
Stainless steel generally offers superior resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and heat. Tsubaki has made use of these features to create the chain line-up below. You will find them used in the food machinery industry and a wide range of other industries a
*Tsubaki also offers a Poly Steel Chain, which uses plastic for the inner link and stainless steel for the outer link, for lube-free, lightweight, low noise operation. Back to questions |
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Q2 | What are the differences between NP and NEP Surface Treated Drive Chains? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A2 |
Stainless steel drive chain offers superior corrosion resistance to steel drive chain, but its strength (maximum allowable load) is less than 1/8. In applications where superior corrosion resistance is needed but with the same strength as steel drive chai
*Rough comparison of strength, with 100 being steel chain. Back to questions |
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Q3 | What is Lambda Chain? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A3 |
Lubrication is essential for minimizing chain wear elongation and extending chain life.
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Q4 | Can you make multi-strand Lambda Chain? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A4 |
Lambda Chain was only available in single strands when first launched. As we received more and more requests for double-strand Lambda, we finally made them available in our 2001 catalog. Be aware that their dimensions, kilowatt ratings, and maximum allowa
*Triple strand or higher multi-strand Lambda Chains are not available due to performance issues. Back to questions |
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Q5 | Can I lubricate my Lambda Chain? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A5 |
Lambda Chain is generally ideal for applications where additional lubrication is undesirable or impossible. You can expect longer life from RS Roller Chain if regular lubrication is possible, so in that situation we would recommend RS Roller Chain. (With
Lubricating Guide Lubrication cycle As there is already oil impregnated in the bushes, the interval for the first lubrication cycle is longer than with RS Roller Chain. (However, subsequent lubrication cycles are the same.) An effective lubrication period is before elongation rapidly increa Lube type Any mineral or synthetic oil is fine. Tsubaki recommends an extreme pressure type hydraulic oil or gear oil. Viscosity While viscosity differs depending on the usage conditions, generally viscosity should be around ISO VG68-220. New Products Tsubaki has created a long-life Lambda Chain (X-Lambda Chain) with even longer life than Lambda Chain. Back to questions |
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Q6 | What chains can be used at low temperatures? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A6 |
When the chain is used at low temperature, such as in a freezer, problems such as 1. Reduction of impact strength due to low temperature brittleness, 2. Solidification of lubricant, and 3. Poor articulation due to frost and ice adhesion.
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Q7 | What is the proper direction of installation for connecting link clips and cotter pins? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A7 |
Small size roller chain (RS60 and smaller) uses a clip on the connecting link. The clip should be attached so that the head is facing forward in the direction of travel, as shown in the diagram on the left. Take care not to spread the clip prongs too wide
RS80-RS200, and small size roller chain in triple or multi-strand configurations, use a cotter pin on the connecting link. Insert the cotter pin from the outside and open the legs 60° as shown in the diagram on the left. Do not reuse cotter pins or use co *Connecting links are attached differently depending on the chain model. Check the appropriate Tsubaki catalog for more information. Back to questions |
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Q8 | What kind of lubricant should I use for my chain? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A8 |
Lubricant is absolutely essential for roller chain drive.
Back to questions |
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Q9 | What effect does grease have on lubricating roller chains for drive use? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A9 |
Chain wear develops between pins and bushes (leading to pitch elongation), bushes and rollers, outer and inner plates, and sprockets and rollers. |
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Q10 | What is a chain's wear life limit? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A10 |
(1)With RS Roller Chain
As the pins and bushes slide against each other when the chain articulates over the sprocket, the pin outer surface and bush inner surface will slowly start to wear. This leads to chain wear elongation. As chain wear elongation advances, the chain will ride up on the sprocket teeth and jump, making engagement impossible.
(2)With Lambda Chain
Lambda Chain and X-Lambda Chain reach their wear life at 0.5% elongation. Unlike RS Roller Chain, because Lambda Chains are used without lubrication they need to be replaced when the oil in their oil-impregnated bushes is depleted, which happens at 0.5% e Calculating wear elongation
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Q11 | How much does a chain initially elongate? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A11 |
Once a chain starts operation, it will quickly stretch due to deviations during assembly and an initial running in period. This is called "initial elongation," and after this period elongation will proceed more gradually. While initial elongation is usual Back to questions |
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Q12 | When should I use a chain tensioner? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A12 |
(1)Major usage examples Excessive slack on the chain will cause chain vibration and noise, decrease the life of both chain and sprocket, cause chain jumping, and in some situations lead to unexpected problems. A chain tensioner is used to avoid these problems. If careful to avoi
(2)Notes for use 1. Normally, a tensioner is positioned on the chain slack side. A tensioner is needed on both sides if there is frequent forward-reverse operation. In this situation, be careful of excessive loads on the tensioners. Contact a Tsubaki representative regarding 2. Positioning the tensioner closer to the sprockets than to the center of the span will result in large adjustments even with minor motion. Normally, the tensioner is positioned on the outside of the chain near the small sprocket, which lets it maintain the 3. Ensure there is no contact with the other side of the chain when the tensioner is pushing down on one side. Furthermore, chain pulsation can occur during operation, so ensure that there is adequate space between chains when adjusting the tensioner. 4. Ensure that the chain engages three or more teeth of the tensioner sprocket. 5. Tsubaki normally recommends that the tensioner sprocket has the same number of teeth as the small sprocket. Back to questions |
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Q13 | What can I do about chain noise? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A13 |
There will always be noise when the chain engages the sprocket. This noise will come from the following places. Noise from:
1. Impact noise from when the (chain) roller impacts the sprocket tooth root. Prevention A.Reduce the impact energy. ・Reduce the chain speed. ・Increase the sprocket number of teeth. ・Use a small size chain to reduce weight. B.Alleviate issues in impact areas. ・Lubricate sprocket tooth roots and between chain parts (plates, pin-bush, bush-roller). ・Use an engineering plastic roller. (Kilowatt ratings will decrease.) ・Use a Low Noise Drive Chain with a spring roller. This can reduce noise levels by 6-8dB compared to (pre-lubed) RS Roller Chain. (in-house test comparison) Back to questions |
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Q14 | Why is a stainless steel chain's maximum allowable load so low? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A14 |
Stainless steel chain has a maximum allowable load of only 1/8 that of steel chain. This is due to the difference in arriving at allowable loads as shown below.
RS Roller Chain (steel)
Stainless Steel Drive Chain (SS Series)
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Q15 | What causes sprocket uneven rotation, and how can I stop it? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A15 |
Chain speed fluctuations
First, we will talk about chain speed fluctuations, which are one cause of uneven rotation. A chain engages a sprocket in a polygonal fashion; therefore, when engaging a tangential site on a circle or a chordal site as shown below, the engagement height (radius from the center of the sprocket) will differ. This means that even if the drive sprocket is rotating at a uniform speed, there will be deviations in the radius ratio of the chain's speed in the direction of travel only. This rate of speed fluctuation can be calculated as follows.
Uneven Rotation Drive sprocket uneven rotation occur due to fluctuations in chain speed and sprocket quality. This is exacerbated by errors in sprocket shaft installation alignment and errors in sprocket manufacturing. Increasing the number of drive sprocket teeth will a Back to questions |
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Q16 | How does a pin gear drive work? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A16 |
In order to rotate or linearly move something, a drive source (motor, etc.) generally acts through a reducer using a roller chain and gears.
From the table above, we see that pin gear drives are ideal when
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Q17 | How much elastic elongation do roller chain and Lambda Chain have? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A17 |
〇RS roller chain Single-strand Use the following table as a standard guide
〇Lambda chain Single-strand
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Q18 | How does a roller conveyor drive work, and what are its features? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A18 |
While a roller conveyor has one motor drive and one line shaft drive, we'll introduce three general drive methods using chain. (1)Parallel drive ○Method ○Pros ○Cons (2)Rack drive ○Method ○Pros ○Cons (3)Cross chain drive ○Method ○Pros ○Cons |
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Q19 | What standards govern chain? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A19 |
Chains are a machine element usable in a wide variety of applications. As they can ensure both performance and compatibility, they are governed by various international and national standards. Some of these standards are shown below. (As of January 2007.)
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Q20 | Are chains RoHS compliant? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A20 |
All Tsubaki drive and conveyor chains are RoHS compliant.
RoHS Directive:
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Q21 | What types of offset links (OL) are there and how do I order them? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A21 |
An offset link is needed when a chain is formed with an odd number of links. (1) Types of Offset Links (OL)
(2) Notes regarding 2POL and 4POL delivery. Formation when using 9 links and a 2POL ●Example: Using MCJL & 2POL, in case of 9L length. Formation when using 11 links and a 4POL ●Example: Using FSJL & 4POL, in case of 11L length. |
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Q22 | Do I need to lubricate the connecting link (JL, OL, 2POL) when assembling it into the chain? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A22 |
Except for situations where delivered assembled into the base chain, connecting links are coated with our normal light anti-rust agent only when shipped. This is due to the risk of decreasing connecting link handleability during cutting and connecting if *Where to lubricate 2POL Back to questions |
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Q23 | Did the name "roller chain" (drive chain) change in the past? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A23 |
We have not changed the majority of names describing roller chain sizes since 1966. However, we have added product names as we continue to expand our specifications and line-up. Please refer to the individual product in the respective Tsubaki catalog. Although this item as the same shape as items then, the performance has improved vastly. Contact a Tsubaki representative for the then design materials or when replacing.
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Q24 | What is the difference between an F-type connecting link and an M-type connecting link? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A24 |
The difference is whether the pins and pin holes on the connecting plate have a loose (slip) fit or a tight (press) fit. M-type connecting link = slip fit F-type connecting link = press fit ・An M-type connecting link can be smoothly attached/removed for connection or maintenance. ・Use an F-type connecting link for hanging applications or when a thrust force may act on the chain. |
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Q25 | What cautions are there when using a Tsubaki Chain Tensioner? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A25 |
(1) When a chain pulsates, the backlash pushes in the tensioner rod, which slides between the tensioner and the chain. This promotes wear on the rods and on the chain side, so the area between these should be lubricated. (2) Tensioners suffer severe damage in heavy dust or corrosive environments. Avoid using tensioners in these situations. (3) Be aware that the tensioner may suffer serious damage when there is a thrust load on the tensioner in hanging drives or when there are extreme load fluctuations in forward-reverse operation. Back to questions |
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Q26 | What is the relationship between a Chain Tensioner's displacement and pressing force? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A26 |
The Tsubaki Chain Tensioner main unit consists of two coil springs inside. The tensioner uses the elasticity of these coil springs to press an idler sprocket or plastic shoe on its end onto the chain to adjust slack. The following shows the idler sprocket ◆TCS Type (Swing type) Acting pressing force F(kn) ○CT-TCS40, CT-TCS50 ○CT-TCS60, CT-TCS80 ◆ETS and TA Types (Linear type) Acting pressing force F(kn) ○CT-ETS40, CT-ETS50, CT-TA40 ○CT-ETS60, CT-ETS80, CT-TA50, CT-TA60 |
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Q27 | Can an Automatic Lubricator for Roller Chain (SFM68) be installed facing up? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A27 |
When installing the optional brush on Automatic Lubricator for Roller Chain (SFM68), oil will not reach the tip of the brush when mounted facing upward. Use facing downward, and not horizontally. When using with pipes and no brush, the lubricator body can Back to questions |
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Q28 | What is the food grade oil used in an Automatic Lubricator for Roller Chain (SFM68)? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A28 |
Automatic Lubricator for Roller Chain (SFM68) is filled with a lubricant that passes American FDA 21CFR178.3570*1 standards, and is USDA H1*2 certified. It is safe to use around food and can contribute to your product liability measu ○Safety ○Lubricant performance (lubrication effects, performance under extreme pressures, heat resistance, oxidative stability, resistance to rust, etc.) *1 Lubricant that accidentally comes into contact with food is considered an "indirect food additive." After strict laboratory testing, the FDA has specified in detail what substances lubricants can be composed of, and their allowable concentrations. *2 Using base materials approved by the FDA, it is a food grade additive certified "for use on lubrication points where accidental contact with food is possible." After H1 certification is H2, which means "lubricant that is ideally used in food factories *3 HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) is a safety and sanitation control technique. |
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Q29 | Can an Automatic Lubricator for Roller Chain (SFM68) be switched on and off frequently? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A29 |
The Automatic Lubricator for Roller Chain (SFM68) gas generator (dry cell battery type) can be turned on and off with just a switch. (The gas generator has a life of three years after manufacture. Be sure not to exceed this life when stopping your equipment for extended periods. See the appropriate Tsubaki catalog or instruction manual for more information.) Back to questions |
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Q30 | Is there a way to measure chain wear elongation easily? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A30 |
Calipers or tape measures are normally used to measure chain wear elongation. Tsubaki offers a Chain Elongation Scale that allows users to easily judge whether their RS Roller Chain, BS Roller Chain, or Leaf Chain has reached its service life. (Scale does Back to questions |
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Q31 | Can Tsubaki manufacture special end bolts? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A31 |
The Tsubaki End Bolt, used as end fittings in hanging applications, is a standard product in our Tsubaki catalogs ranging from RS40EB - RS120EB. Other sizes not listed are made-to-order. Contact a Tsubaki representative for more information. Back to questions |
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Q32 | Are there tools for easily disassembling chain? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A32 |
For chain disassembly, grinders, vises, punches, and other general jigs can be used. Tsubaki offeres specially made items for easy use with chain. For more information, see our section on Drive Chain Accessories. Back to questions |
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Q33 | What direction should the load on an end bolt be? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A33 |
In lateral (shuttle traction, pin gears, etc.) or vertical (hanging) applications, the roller chain load should act above the end bolt shaft center. Never use an end bolt with the acting roller chain load and end bolt shaft center in different directions Back to questions |
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Q34 | How do you align sprockets? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A34 |
Proper sprocket installation affects smooth chain drive and conveyance, but also chain and sprocket life. |