CHAINS

A series of links or rings, usually of metal, connected,or fitted into one another, used for various purposes, as
of support, of restraint, of the exertion and transmission of mechanical power, etc.

A chain offers the means of transmitting power between two or more rotating shafts. Chain can be utilized
between two shafts belonging to the same machine, or between an electric motor, or any other source of
power and an independent mechanism.

ROLLER CHAINS
A roller chain is made up of two kinds of links: roller links and pin links
alternately spaced throughout the length of the chain. Roller chains are manufactured in several types, each
designed for the particular service required. All roller chains are so constructed that the rollers are evenly
spaced throughout the chain. The outstanding advantage of this type of chain is the ability of the rollers to
rotate when contacting the teeth of the sprocket.
Two arrangements of roller chains are in common use: the single-strand type and the
multiple-strand type. In the latter type, two or more chains are joined side by side by means of common pins,
which maintain the alignment of the rollers in the different strands.

CHAIN TYPE: Single Riveted, Double Riveted, Single Cotter, Double Cotter

Riveted Chain: Riveted chain is constructed using pins that extend through the plate on each side a small
amount and are then “riveted”, or side mashed, on their ends to add some additional strength to the hold
between the pin and plate. Note; the riveting, side mashing, is NOT what holds the pin and plate together, the
interference fit between the plate hole size and the pin diameter hold the two together.

MULTIPLE STRAND STANDARD ROLLER CHAIN

Cottered Chain: Cottered chain is constructed using pins that extended through one plate a small amount
and are side mashed and the second side a further distance, with a cross drilled hole, for inserting a cotter pin.
Note; cottered chain is also manufactured using an interference fit between the plate hole size and pin
diameter, however the plate is easier to remove following removal of the cotter because grinding of the riveted
pin end is not necessary.

ASME/ ANSI ROLLER CHAINS

40 ASME / ANSI ROLLER CHAIN

Common Dimensions (inches)

Roller Available
ASME/
Chain Inside Roller Pin Link plate link No. of construction
ANSI
pitch width diameter diameter thickness plate links in
chain
P W R D T height 10ft.
no. cottered rivetted
H

40 1/2 0.312 0.312 0.156 0.060 0.463 240 No Yes

Roller Chain Nomenclature

DOUBLE PITCH ROLLER CHAIN

Double Pitch roller chains are produced in accordance with the ASME/ANSI B29.3 (Transmission Series) and
B29.4 (Conveyor Series) American roller chain standards. In general, these chains are dimensionally similar
to ASME/ANSI standard products except that the pitch is double. They are available in the Transmission
Series, Conveyor Series with standard sized roller, and Conveyor Series with large (oversized) roller.
CHAIN NO:
TRANSMISSION SERIES
The Transmission Series is often used on drives with slow to moderate speeds, low chain loads and/or long
center distances. Side plates have a “figure-8” contour. The chain number is obtained by adding 2000 to the
chain number and an “A” prefix.
For example: - A2040
A - Transmission Series
2040 - Double Pitch Transmission Series #40 roller chain PITCH= 2 times 0.5”(#40) which is 1”

Some manufacturers do not use the “A” prefix and

Denote the chains as 2040, 2050, etc.
CONVEYOR SERIES WITH STANDARD ROLLER

The Conveyor Series with Standard Roller is often used for light to moderate conveyor applications with or
without attachments. These chains have straight side plates for improved sliding properties. Pitch sizes of 1
1/2” and higher have “Heavy Series” link plates.

The chain number is found by adding 2000 to the chain number and a “C” prefix. Heavy style chains have an
“H” suffix.

For example: - C2040

C – for CONVEYOR SERIES
2040 - Double Pitch Conveyor Series with STANDARD ROLLER, roller chain PITCH= 2 times 0.5”(#40)
which is 1”

C2060H
C - for CONVEYOR SERIES
2060 - Double Pitch Conveyor Series with STANDARD ROLLER, roller chain PITCH= 2 times 0.75”(#40)
which is 1.5”
H- Heavy series.
CONVEYOR SERIES WITH LARGE ROLLER

Large rollers allow for rolling action, which reduces friction. The chain number is found in the same way as
above except that a “2” is added
For example: - C2042
C - for CONVEYOR SERIES
2042- Double Pitch Conveyor Series with LARGE ROLLER, roller chain PITCH= 2 times 0.5”(#40) which is
1”

Sprockets should be produced specially for these chains according to the B29.3 or B29.4 ASME/ANSI
standards. It is however possible to use standard ASME/ANSI B29.1 sprockets for the Transmission Series
and Conveyor Series with Standard Roller if the actual number of teeth is 30 or more.

BRITISH STANDARD ROLLER CHAINS

Produced in accordance with the ISO 606B, BS228, and DIN8187 European standards, these chains are often
referred to as “metric” chains. They resemble ASME/ANSI standard products and are identical in pitch,
however there are other significant Dimensional differences, which distinguishes them from the ASME/ANSI
standard products. British Standard chains should be operated on British Standard sprockets.

COMMONLY USED CHAIN CODING

SINGLE STRAND CHAINS: RC40, RC60, RC120 etc. (Here suffix no. is ASME/ ANSI chain pitch no.)
DOUBLE STRAND CHAINS: RC40-2, RC60-2 RC135-2 etc.(Additional “2” for double strand.)

HEAVY DUTY: RC50H, RC40H etc.(Additional “H” for heavy duty.)

STAINLESS STEEL CHAIN: 40 SS, 60SS (SS for St. steel)

SILENT CHAIN: SC08, SC10, SC16 (SC for silent chain. and 08- ANSI Pitch no. (Pitch= ½”))

Silent Chains (Inverted Tooth Chains): Typically silent chain is 100% hardened alloy steel consisting of flat
tooth shaped driving links, guide links and pins that form the chain joint. The driving links engage sprocket
teeth much the way a rack and pinion mesh. Guide links serve to retain the chain on sprockets and pins hold
the joint together and allow the chain to flex.

Principal Uses: Silent Chain is used primarily for power transmission and conveying. Sometimes referred to
as inverted tooth chain, it offers a number of benefits in these two areas.
Power Transmission: In power transmission silent chain transmits power efficiently, smoothly, and quietly at
speeds and loads which exceed the capability of most other chain drives. It is simple to install and offers
distinct advantages over belts and gears. Horsepower capacity ranges from a fraction of a horsepower to over
2,000 HP, with speeds up to 7,000 FPM
Conveying: In conveying, Silent Chain provides a durable, flat and exceptionally smooth conveying surface. It
offers the strength and positive action of chain with the smoothness of a belt.
Silent Chain Compared With Other Methods Of Mechanical Power Transmission

Silent Chain drives Compared With Belts

1. No slippage
2. Greater efficiency
3. Larger ratios possible
4. Require less space
5. Withstand heavier overloads
6. Can be used on short center distance at higher ratios
7. Less affected by extremes in temperature or humidity
8. Lower bearing loads
9. Detachable and therefore more easily installed
10. Effective in oil filled gearboxes

Silent Chain drives Compared with Roller Chain

1. Significantly higher maximum operating speeds

2. Much quieter
3. Smoother transmission of power
4. Less impact and sliding as the chain engages the sprocket
5. Higher efficiency (as high as 99%)
6. Longer sprocket life

Silent Chain drives Compared with Gears

7. Quieter than spur gear

8. Center distance much less restricted
9. Shaft location and parallelism tolerances are broader
10. Lower bearing loads
11. No end thrust as with helical gears
12. Greater elasticity to absorb shock

LEAF CHAINS

Leaf Chains are made for high load, slow speed tension linkage applications. Often they are specified for
reciprocating motion lifting devices such as forklifts, or as counterweight chains for elevators or telescoping
equipment such as cranes.
Leaf chains are available in three series; AL, BL, and LL. The AL and BL series are
based on American standard chains, While the LL series is based on British Standard chains. BL series leaf
chains are made according to the ASME/ANSI B29.8 American Standard. AL series leaf chains have been
discontinued by the ASME/ANSI standards group and therefore may be more difficult to obtain in the future.
LL series leaf chains are made in accordance with the ISO 606 international standard. The chains are typically
supplied to a specific length and connected to a clevis at each end. The clevis may accommodate “male” ends
(inside links) or “female” ends (outside links) as required.

PROOF COIL CHAINS

These are general-purpose chain of standard commercial quality for all ordinary applications not requiring
high strength-to-weight ratios. Frequently used for fabricating tow chains, binding or tied own chain and
logging chains. Minimum elongation is 15%. These are manufactured from low-grade carbon steel; proof coil
chain is available in a variety of link dimensions. Suitable for a wide range of applications across the
manufacturing, marine and agricultural industries.

These Chains are used in assemblies with any standard chain attachments including rings,
slip hooks, grab hooks, eyebolts, snaps, enlarged links and S-hooks. Special attachments are also offered to
address any requirement.
F- Chain Width
S-Chain thichness
R-Center distance

Grade 30: General utility chain. Use for cargo lashing, pulling stumps, log chain, tailgate chain, guardrail and
tow chain. Material: Low carbon steel

Grade 40: Use where high strength and wear resistance are needed. Heavy hauling, construction, farm and
demolition. Material: Carbon steel

Grade 50: Material: 316L Stainless Steel

Grade 70: Grade 70 has a very high strength to weight ratio and is primarily used for load binding in the
transportation industry. Grade 70 is approved by the Department of Transportation for truck tie-down use.
Grade 70 meets all applicable state requirements. Grade 70 is also used in lumbering, towing, construction
and farming. Material: Boron manganese steel

Grade 80: Grade 80 alloy chain is the only chain to be used for overhead lifting. Manufactured from special
analysis alloy steel to provide superior strength, wear resistance and durability. Use grade 80 for all types of
lifting slings or wherever maximum strength and safety is required. Material: High strength alloy steel

WORK LOAD LIMIT: Working Load Limit (also known as Safe Working Load or Recommended Working
Load) is defined as the maximum load that may routinely be applied to an assembly or component in straight
tension. Unit of Measure is LBS. The other strength term is ultimate strength (or tensile strength). Ultimate
Strength is the load at which a component or assembly will fail in a test.
 ROLLER CHAIN DIMENSIONS

Following are the tables for roller chain dimensions as per ANSI standards.

Inside Cottered Riveted Average

ANSI Roller Roller
Link Plate Chain Chain Tensile
Number Width Diam.
Height Width* Width* Strength

STANDARD SERIES CHAIN

25 1/8 .130 .237 .37 .34 875
25-2 1/8 .130 .237 .63 .59 1750
25-3 1/8 .130 .237 .88 .84 2626

35 3/16 .200 .356 .56 .50 2100

35-2 3/16 .200 .356 .96 .90 4200
35-3 3/16 .200 .356 1.36 1.31 6300
35-4 3/16 .200 .356 1.76 1.70 8400
35-5 3/16 .200 .356 2.16 2.11 10500
35-6 3/16 .200 .356 2.57 2.51 12600

40 5/16 .312 .475 .72 .67 3700

40-2 5/16 .312 .475 1.29 1.24 7400
40-3 5/16 .312 .475 1.85 1.80 11100
40-4 5/16 .312 .475 2.42 2.37 14800
40-6 5/16 .312 .475 3.56 3.51 22200

41 1/4 .306 .383 .65 .57 2000

50 3/8 .400 .594 .89 .83 6600

50-2 3/8 .400 .594 1.60 1.55 13200
50-3 3/8 .400 .594 2.31 2.26 19800
50-4 3/8 .400 .594 3.03 2.97 26400
50-5 3/8 .400 .594 3.75 3.69 33000
50-6 3/8 .400 .594 4.46 4.40 39600

60 1/2 .469 .712 1.11 1.04 8500

60-2 1/2 .469 .712 2.01 1.94 17000
60-3 1/2 .469 .712 2.91 2.84 25500
60-4 1/2 .469 .712 3.81 3.74 34000
60-5 1/2 .469 .712 4.71 4.64 42500
60-6 1/2 .469 .712 5.60 5.53 51000

80 5/8 .625 .950 1.44 1.32 14500

80-2 5/8 .625 .950 2.59 2.47 29000
80-3 5/8 .625 .950 3.74 3.62 43500
80-4 5/8 .625 .950 4.90 4.79 58000
80-5 5/8 .625 .950 6.06 5.94 72500
80-6 5/8 .625 .950 7.22 7.10 87000

*Dimensions are across pins.

 Inside Cottered Riveted Average
ANSI Roller Roller
Link Plate Chain Chain Tensile
Number Width Diam.
Height Width* Width* Strength

STANDARD SERIES CHAIN

100 3/4 .750 1.187 1.73 1.61 24000
100-2 3/4 .750 1.187 3.14 3.02 48000
100-3 3/4 .750 1.187 4.56 4.43 72000
100-4 3/4 .750 1.187 5.97 5.84 96000
100-5 3/4 .750 1.187 7.38 7.25 120000
100-6 3/4 .750 1.187 8.78 8.66 144000

120 1 .875 1.425 2.14 2.00 34000

120-2 1 .875 1.425 3.93 3.79 68000
120-3 1 .875 1.425 5.72 5.58 102000
120-4 1 .875 1.425 7.52 7.38 136000
120-5 1 .875 1.425 9.31 9.17 170000
120-6 1 .875 1.425 11.10 10.96 204000

140 1 1.000 1.662 2.31 2.14 46000

140-2 1 1.000 1.662 4.24 4.07 92000
140-3 1 1.000 1.662 6.16 6.00 138000
140-4 1 1.000 1.662 8.09 7.93 184000
140-6 1 1.000 1.662 11.94 11.78 276000

160 11/4 1.125 1.900 2.73 2.54 58000

160-2 11/4 1.125 1.900 5.04 4.85 116000
160-3 11/4 1.125 1.900 7.35 7.16 174000
160-4 11/4 1.125 1.900 9.66 9.47 232000
160-6 11/4 1.125 1.900 14.27 14.09 348000

180 113/32 1.406 2.137 3.15 2.88 76000

180-2 113/32 1.406 2.137 5.75 5.48 152000
180-3 113/32 1.406 2.137 8.34 8.07 228000

200 11/2 1.562 2.375 3.44 3.12 95000

200-2 11/2 1.562 2.375 6.26 5.94 190000
200-3 11/2 1.562 2.375 9.08 8.76 285000
200-4 11/2 1.562 2.375 11.90 11.58 380000
200-6 11/2 1.562 2.375 17.52 17.21 570000

240 17/8 1.875 2.812 4.06 3.72 130000

240-2 17/8 1.875 2.812 7.52 7.18 260000

*Dimensions are across pins.

Reference URL’s:-
1. http://www.hitmax.com/chains/chain_product_sbrinspire.htm
2. http://www.hitmax.com/chains/inspire_pdfs/Insp%207.pdf
3. http://www.ramseychain.com/engineering/general_info.shtml
CHAIN LINKS
The chain link is intended for connecting two pieces of chain. They are designed to snap together to create
chains of any size. The connecting link is a cottered pin link, which is used to connect the end sides of a
riveted chain so to form an endless chain.