Chains – find manufacturers and suppliers

A chain is a sequence of at least three individual, freely movable parts (links).

It is possible to join individual ring-shaped links together or to connect the chain links with joints. Chains are mostly used in engineering for the transmission of forces or for lifting loads.

Below you will find the types of link and articulated chains and the areas in which they are used:

Each of these chains has its own special purpose.

Types of link chains and their application:

Link chains consist of a series of interconnected links or rings. These links can have different shapes and sizes and are typically made of metal (steel, stainless steel, iron) or, more rarely, plastic, depending on their intended use.

1. Round steel chains:
   These chains are used in lifting equipment such as cranes, pulley blocks and winches to lift or move heavy loads.
2. Sling chains:
   They are used to lift loads on crane vehicles and hoists. Sling chains are used for securing and fixing objects, e.g. in shipping for anchoring ships or in forestry for securing tree trunks.
3. Plastic link chains:
   Chains with links made of plastic can be used, for example, to cordon off areas in parking lots, access roads or construction sites.
4. Jewelry chains:
   Link chains made from precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum are often made into necklaces, bracelets and other pieces of jewelry.

Types of link chains and their application:

They consist of a series of repeating links that are rotatably connected to each other. These links are usually made of metal. However, special shapes can also be made of plastic.

1. Roller chains:
   These chains are used to transmit mechanical energy in machines, bicycles, motorcycles and cars. In roller chains, rollers run on the bushes, making the chain run over sprockets with low friction and therefore more quietly and with less wear.
2. Conveyor chains:
   Are further developments of bush chains and are used in almost all conveying and transportation equipment.
3. Leaf chains:
   Are used as load chains in cranes, hoists and lifting equipment, as well as for carrying counterweights and transmitting reversing movements under load.
4. Gall chains:
   These chains are used as load chains for large forces at low speeds.
5. Armored chains:
   This type, which is used to drive tanks and construction machinery, is also a type of link chain.
6. Hinged link chains:
   Are another form of link chain and are used as conveyor chains in the beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, packaging industry, food processing and container transportation.
7. Energy chains:
   Energy chains (also known as energy guiding chains, e-chains or drag chains) are machine components that accommodate and protect flexible cables and hoses. This protection reduces downtimes and increases the service life of cables and hoses.

Chains can be used to perform a wide variety of tasks. They can be used to fasten and secure loads, to lift loads, to demarcate danger zones and to transmit rotary movements. Furthermore, precious metals can be processed into chains to create decorative pieces of jewelry.

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

When buying chains, there are some important aspects to consider to ensure that the chain is suitable for its intended purpose and will last a long time.

• The material influences the durability, corrosion resistance and weight of the chain.
• Common materials are steel (often galvanized), stainless steel (corrosion resistant) and, for decorative chains, precious metals such as gold or silver.
• For outdoor applications or heavy-duty use, stainless materials such as stainless steel are preferable.
• The chain must be able to withstand the load to which it is subjected during use.
• Pay attention to the maximum tensile force (in kg or tons) that the chain can bear and compare this with the requirements of your application.
• Different applications require different types of chain.
• Roller chains for drives, conveyor chains for material handling, jewelry chains for decorative purposes, etc.
• Choose the type of chain that is best suited to your specific application.
• The size and shape of the chain links influence the flexibility, strength and application possibilities.
• Pay attention to the dimensions of the links and make sure they are suitable for your application, especially if the chain is to run around sprockets or carry certain loads.
• Some chains need to be lubricated regularly to function optimally and minimize wear.
• Find out how much maintenance is required and whether the chain is already treated with lubricants or whether this needs to be done regularly.
• Certifications such as DIN or ISO standards ensure that the chain meets certain quality and safety requirements.
• Look out for chains with appropriate certificates, especially for safety-critical applications such as hoists.
• Spare parts should be readily available in case of wear or damage.
• The price should be proportionate to the quality and features offered.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that you buy a chain that not only meets your requirements, but is also durable and reliable.

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