Roller Chain Components

The roller chain link plate is the primary support for the tension exerted on the chain. This tension is typically repetitive, often coupled with sudden impact. Hence, the plate must possess considerable static tensile strength and withstand the dynamic pressures of both load and impact.

The pin undergoes shearing and bending forces from the plate, while also acting as a load-bearing component with the bush during chain flexion during sprocket engagement. As a result, it necessitates high tensile and shear strength, resistance to bending, and durability against shock and wear.

The bush undergoes intricate stresses from various angles, notably due to repeated shock loads upon interaction with the sprocket. Hence, it necessitates exceptionally high shock resistance. Furthermore, as a pivotal component alongside the pin, the bush must exhibit significant wear resistance to withstand its load-bearing role.

The roller experiences impact loads when it connects with the sprocket teeth during the chain's engagement with the sprocket. Upon engagement, the roller shifts its contact point and equilibrium. Positioned between the sprocket teeth and bush, it traverses the tooth surface while enduring compression loads. Consequently, it necessitates resistance to wear while retaining strength against shock, fatigue, and compression. (RS25 and RS35 chains are bush chains devoid of rollers).

Two bushes are inserted snugly into two roller link plates, and rollers are then placed to facilitate rotation around the exterior of the bushes during operation. This applies to both single and multi-strand roller chains.

The pin link comprises two pins pressed into two pin link plates. For multi-strand roller chains up to size 08B, an additional intermediate plate is included in the pin link. For multi-strand roller chains larger than size 08B, two intermediate plates are included in the pin link. The intermediate plates are inserted with a slip fit for standard roller chains and a press fit for SUPER roller chains.

Roller chains typically consist of inner and outer links arranged endlessly. While offset links can accommodate an odd number of links in the chain, it's preferable to opt for a design requiring an even number of links. In cases where an odd number of links is unavoidable, it's advisable to utilize a two-pitch offset link rather than a one-pitch offset link. The two-pitch offset link, being riveted into the chain, boasts a 100% Maximum Allowable Load, whereas the one-pitch offset link has a Maximum Allowable Load of 65%.

There are three varieties of connecting links: the spring clip connecting link, the cotter pin connecting link, and the spring pin connecting link. Slip-fit spring clip connecting links are commonly employed for small-sized roller chains. Cotter pin and spring pin connecting links find application in larger roller chains and can be utilized upon customer request.

Offset links are employed when an odd count of chain links is necessary. They come in various forms:

The pin and two plates have a slip fit. Their fatigue strength is 35% lower than that of the chain itself.

Double pitch offset links comprise a roller and offset links joined by a rivet pin. Their fatigue strength matches that of the base chain. Please consult the dimension tables for roller chain types and sizes compatible with offset links.