Roller chains – find manufacturers and suppliers

Roller chains are stable, precisely fitting elements that are mainly used to transmit power and movement in machines, conveyor systems, motorcycles and bicycles.

They consist of a series of repeating, interconnected links made up of pins, sleeves, rollers and plates.

Below you will find an overview of the structure, the areas of application and the advantages of roller chains:

Structure of roller chains:

Roller chains typically consist of:

1. Inner and outer plates (connect the chain links)
2. Pins (joints of the chain)
3. Bushes
4. Rollers (sit on the bushes and run over the sprocket)

The inner plates are held together by the bushes. Together they form the inner link.
The outer plates are held together by the pins and thus form the outer link.
The bolts of the outer links are rotatably guided through the bushes or sleeves of the inner links. This forms the movable connection between the links.
Rollers also run on the sleeves to reduce friction on sprockets.

Thanks to this design, roller chains run smoothly, robustly and with low wear over sprockets because the rollers reduce friction.

Areas of application for roller chains:

1. Mechanical engineering and industry:
Conveyor systems: for transporting goods in production halls and warehouses.
Machine tools: Roller chains drive various machine parts, e.g. in lathes or milling machines.
Assembly lines: For transferring movements or transporting workpieces on automated production lines.

2. Vehicle industry:
Motorcycles: Chain drive in motorcycles, where roller chains transfer the engine power to the rear wheel.
Vehicle engines: In internal combustion engines, roller chains are used to connect the camshaft and crankshaft and to synchronize the engine timing (timing chain).
Bicycles: To transmit pedal power to the rear wheel.
Agricultural machinery: Tractors, combine harvesters and other agricultural machinery use roller chains for drive and conveyor mechanisms.

3. Construction machinery:
Excavators and tracked vehicles: drive chains in tracked vehicles used in rough terrain.
Conveyors and cranes: Roller chains are used to move loads and in lifting devices.

4. Food and packaging industry:
Conveyor belts: used to transport food or packaging in automated processes.
Filling systems: Roller chains control the movement of containers and packaging.

5. Power generation:
Power plants: roller chains are used in coal conveyor systems or for power transmission in turbines.

6. Elevators and escalators:
For power transmission and as drives in elevator systems and escalators.

7. Agriculture:
Harvesting machinery: Roller chains are used in conveyor and drive mechanisms used in agriculture, such as in tractors or sowing machines.

8. Mining:
Conveyor belts: used to transport ores and materials underground and in quarries.

Advantages of roller chains:

• Roller chains offer an efficient and reliable method of power transmission.
• They can transfer heavy loads, making them ideal for heavy machinery.
• With proper care and maintenance, roller chains can have a long service life.

Roller chains are essential components in many mechanical drives and provide a reliable, long-lasting method of power transmission in a variety of applications.

Here is an overview of the key points to consider when buying roller chains:

When purchasing roller chains, there are several important factors that should be considered to ensure the chain meets the requirements of the application:

• The chain pitch (distance between pins) must fit the application.
• The width of the chain and the number of links must meet the requirements.
• High-quality steel is often used as a material for roller chains due to its durability and load-bearing capacity.
• Corrosion resistance, which can be achieved by using stainless steel or appropriate coatings, is important if the chain is to be used in damp or corrosive environments.
• The chain must be able to withstand the mechanical loads of the application.
• Pay attention to the wear resistance of the chain, especially under high loads or continuous operation.
• Ensure that the chain is certified to relevant industry standards such as DIN or ISO.
• There are special chains that require less maintenance, which can be beneficial in certain applications.
• The chain should be compatible with the lubricants used in your application.
• Choose a chain that is suitable for the temperatures in your environment.
• In dusty or dirty environments, protected or sealed chains are recommended.

When purchasing roller chains, consider size, material, load capacity, manufacturer quality and specific requirements of your application to find the best chain for your needs.

Roller chains can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Roller chains from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.