The roller chain is one of the most used industrial components. From mining to marine applications, from the food industry to pharmaceuticals; The roller chain is quite versatile. As you would expect, keeping this critical component working is essential. Premature stretching of the drive chain will reduce the life of the drive chain and also cause costly downtime and unplanned delays.
Roller chains don't last forever. Each roller chain has an expected lifespan based on specifications and application. The operating environment of your application is a factor in selecting the correct chain. We hope you have installed the ideal chain for your application.
Even the highest quality chains – used exactly according to the manufacturer's specifications – wear out slowly. However, premature chain stretching and excessive wear are preventable problems. With regular maintenance and some preventative measures, you can prevent your roller chain from stretching prematurely.
Lubrication is essential
Our first recommendation is to always maintain adequate lubrication. The roller chain is made up of many interconnected parts that work together. Therefore, each time a roller engages or disengages the sprocket, it causes wear on the pins and bushings. Later, as these components wear, the roller chain will gradually lengthen.
A good lubrication system prevents wear and gives the chain the best chance of reaching its maximum service life. Lubrication reduces friction between rollers, bushings and pins, delaying the period in which the chain will become unusable due to stretching. For best results, oil should get between the roller and the roller link plate and between the roller link plates and the pin link plates.
We recommend lubrication systems frequently because they work. A well-lubricated roller chain has a layer of protection on all its surfaces. This system will help reduce wear, cushion impact loads and aid in heat dissipation.
There are several different lubrication methods and the ideal method for your application will depend on the specifications of the drive. For example, the more complete the lubrication system, the higher speeds the transmission can support and the better the roller chain will function, even in extreme conditions.
Avoid contamination!
Eliminate contamination from your roller chain and get it back where it belongs! No matter how good your lubrication system is, contaminants cause damage. Unfortunately, contamination from dirt, rust, moisture, or exposure to corrosive environments is not uncommon.
For example, contamination can prevent lubrication from penetrating crucial areas, rendering your well-designed lubrication system useless. That's why it's so important to take your environment into consideration when planning your lubrication system.
The correct roller chain and lubrication system will take into account the operating environment. A completely enclosed and filtered pump system will prevent dirt or foreign objects from entering the system. Likewise, depending on the speed of the roller chain, a safety guard may offer some protection. Keeping the environment as clean as possible will go a long way in preventing premature chain stretching.
Is everything aligned?
Misalignment is a serious problem. Misaligned sprockets or shafts can cause uneven loading across the width of the chain. This leads to premature wear of the chain on the roller link plate, stretching and wear of the sprocket teeth.
Using a laser alignment tool will help ensure sprocket and axle alignment and reduce the possibility of premature chain stretching. A ruler or string may be sufficient. In short, make sure you check several points whatever your method.
Has your roller chain exceeded capacity?
Excessive loads are a common cause of premature chain wear. It is possible to exceed the dynamic load capacity of the roller chain, either through cyclic overload or impact. Excessive cyclic loads can cause internal board connections to fail, and extreme shock loads can cause pins to bend, twist, or break.
Make sure your roller chain is the right one for the job! When selecting drive currents, keep your environment in mind when determining your application load and adhere to it. If the load experienced during operation exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations, the longevity of the roller chain will be put at risk.
Most importantly, regular maintenance and attention to condition will reduce the chances of premature roller chain stretching and keep the chain running for as long as possible.
