Leaf chains – find manufacturers and suppliers

Leaf chains have been specially developed for flexible, bendable power transmissions such as conveyor systems or forklifts and similar lifting or balancing applications.

These are special types of chain in which the plates are layered on top of each other without rollers and connected in a flexible manner. Their special feature is their high load capacity with a comparatively simple design.

Here is an overview of the properties, the variants, the common pitches and the use of leaf chains, as well as a brief description of their advantages:

Properties of leaf chains:

They have a very high breaking force with a small construction width. Due to their design, leaf chains do not allow tooth engagement and therefore cannot transmit torques. However, the direction of force can be reversed using rollers.
Leaf chains are manufactured in small e.g. 2 x 2 and large plate combinations e.g. 8 x 8.
There are also versions with even and odd plate arrangements.

Variants of leaf chains:

Here are the most important variants of leaf chains:

1. Standard leaf chains (type AL and BL):
   AL series (American Light): Lightweight design, link plates are narrower and thinner. Suitable for medium loads, often in smaller hoists.
   BL series (British Standard / Heavy Duty): Reinforced lugs, thicker pins, higher load capacity. Widely used in cranes, forklift trucks and mechanical engineering.
2. Double and multiple flyer chains:
   Two- or multi-strand versions to distribute the load evenly.
   Used for particularly high lifting forces or for wide lifting systems.
3. Corrosion-resistant leaf chains:
   Stainless steel chains for use in maritime environments, the food industry or chemical plants.
   Alternatively, coated leaf chains such as zinc flakes, nickel, phosphate to reduce rust and wear.
4. High-strength leaf chains (heavy duty):
   With special alloy steels, case-hardened pins and reinforced plates.
   Used in mining, shipbuilding, container cranes and heavy-duty hoists.
5. Low-maintenance and maintenance-free leaf chains:
   With special bearing or surface coatings that greatly reduce lubricant requirements.
   Suitable where regular maintenance is difficult, e.g. offshore installations, tunnel construction.
6. Special designs according to customer requirements:
   Special lengths, pitches or lug shapes.
   With additional parts such as fastening eyes, hooks or connecting links.
   Adaptation to high speeds or special operating environments, e.g. explosion-proof in mining.

The pitches of leaf chains:

The pitch describes the distances between the axles of the chain pins.
These usually correspond to standard values in inches, e.g. 1 inch (25.4 mm), 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) or 2 inches (50.8 mm).
They are often standardized according to ISO 606 / DIN 8187 and, depending on the application, are selected in different size ranges to ensure the appropriate tensile strength and bending radii.

Use of leaf chains:

1. Lifting and conveying systems:
Leaf chains are used in the lifting mechanisms of forklift trucks to lift heavy loads safely and reliably.
In elevator systems and cranes, leaf chains ensure the movement and securing of heavy loads.

2. Industrial machines:
They are found in machines such as hydraulic or mechanical presses, where high tensile loads occur during material processing.
In heavy-duty conveyor systems, leaf chains are used to transport materials such as steel or concrete.

3. Mining and construction:
In the mining and construction industries, leaf chains are used in equipment that performs large drilling operations and must handle significant tensile forces.

4. Shipbuilding and port facilities:
In port facilities and on ships, they are used in cranes and winches to safely lift heavy containers and cargo.

Advantages of leaf chains:

• High tensile strength and robustness.
• Suitable for harsh and heavy-duty environments.
• Low maintenance and durable with proper care.

Leaf chains offer high stability and reliability in applications where heavy loads need to be lifted or moved safely.

Here is an overview of the most important points to consider when buying leaf chains:

Leaf chains play a central role in hoists, industrial machinery, mining and shipbuilding applications, as they have to move enormous loads, withstand high stresses and operate reliably in often extreme environmental conditions. The purchase of such chains therefore requires a systematic approach.

• Alloyed, tempered and fracture-resistant steels are essential for applications with extreme loads.
• In shipbuilding or in damp environments, stainless steel alloys or special coatings (e.g. galvanized, KTL, zinc flakes) are important.
• Precise manufacturing and fault-free connection points are crucial for safety and service life.
• The chain must be designed for dynamic loads, impact forces and continuous loads.
• High safety reserves are mandatory, especially in mining and lifting equipment.
• The chain pitch and link shape must be matched to the machine, hoist or conveyor system.
• Abrasion resistance is particularly important in dusty, abrasive environments such as mining.
• Friction optimization reduces energy consumption and heat generation and extends service life.
• The design should allow easy penetration of oil or grease.
• The operating environment determines the requirements for the chain:
• In mining, there are high levels of dust, dirt and moisture, often combined with strong impact forces.
• Salt water resistance, high humidity and changing temperatures require special materials for shipbuilding and offshore applications.
• Frequent continuous operation with high cycle rates require smooth running, precision and low noise levels in industrial machinery.
• For hoists, absolute reliability and safety, even in overload situations, are paramount.
• Purchasing must keep an eye on standards, certificates and, above all, safety:
• International standards: ISO, DIN, EN as well as industry-specific standards such as DNV for shipping, ATEX in mining must be observed.
• It is important to check the manufacturer's specifications for minimum breaking strength and safety factor.
• For occupational safety reasons, no material cracks, sharp edges or inadequate weld seams should be tolerated.
• It is not only the purchase price that counts - longer service life and lower maintenance costs are crucial.
• The supplier should guarantee short delivery times for replacement chains and links.
• The chains should be able to be fitted and removed without special tools.
• Visible wear markings or test certificates make maintenance easier.
• Low-maintenance or maintenance-free leaf chains are particularly interesting in shipbuilding and mining, where maintenance access is often difficult.
• The supplier should provide technical advice on dimensioning, choice of material and recommendations for use.
• It makes sense to give preference to manufacturers with proven experience in the respective industries.
• Spare parts warranties, on-site service and training for employees increase operational reliability.

When purchasing leaf chains for hoists, industrial machinery, mining and shipbuilding, the focus is on safety, material quality, load capacity and corrosion resistance. Equally important are certifications, ease of maintenance and the manufacturer's service. If you only pay attention to the price, you risk breakdowns, safety problems and high follow-up costs.

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