Um guia para fazer com que suas correntes de roletes durem mais

A Guide to Making Your Roller Chains Last Longer

We have discussed in the past the warning signs that can cause premature power transmission failures. Today we will focus on chains.

Chains are robust and reliable machine components that transmit energy through forces from one place to another. They are most commonly used as economical components of power transmission machines for heavy loads and low speeds and are often used to transmit power to the wheels of a vehicle, particularly in motorcycles and bicycles, however, they are also applied in other varieties of cars. .

As flexible as belts and as positive as gears, chains offer design flexibility, convenience, resistance to shock loads, ease of installation and reliability.

Roller chains are the most common types of chains where efficient and economical power transmission is required. Roller train drives have exceptional advantages over other means of power transmission. Although roller chains are made from durable materials, there are other factors that are essential to maximizing chain life and minimizing operating costs.

Correct chain lubrication

Uma ilustração mostrando a lubrificação em uma corrente de rolos

Chains and roller drives must be protected from dirt and moisture to function smoothly.

To achieve optimal chain life and reduce wear rate, effective lubrication must be ensured. Proper lubrication not only slows wear, but also provides noise dissipation and dampens impact loads.

It is highly recommended to use a good quality petroleum-based oil without additives. Some additives can leave rubber or varnish deposits that prevent oil from entering chain joints. Avoid heavy oils and greases as they are often too hard to get onto the surface of the chain.

Replace worn sprockets and check their alignment

ilustração comparando a estrutura de uma roda dentada boa e uma roda dentada desgastada

Worn sprockets are one of the biggest culprits of premature wear. Using new chains on worn sprockets, similar to worn chains on new sprockets, increases the amount of chain load on the sprocket. A worn sprocket can cause rapid chain wear and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Sprocket misalignment is another aspect of premature chain wear. When replacing sprockets, be sure to also check the alignment of the sprockets and shafts. Precise alignment of the shafts and tooth faces of the sprocket provides uniform load distribution across the entire width of the chain and contributes substantially to achieving maximum service life. If the sprockets are not in the same plane and at an angle to each other, the wear rate can increase considerably due to the extra forces on the chain.

There are also other factors that can influence chain wear:

1) Inadequate chain tension

Tightening a chain more than necessary in an application directly affects the rate of wear. Therefore, avoid overvoltages to increase the life of the chain.

2) Wrong chain size

An incorrectly selected chain size will not have the ability to transfer the target load and may cause rapid wear.

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