Drive chain

Drive chains are also called roller chains.
A mechanical element that transmits power from a motor or other source of power as tension to a driven shaft via a gear-like rotating element called a sprocket.
It consists of 5 parts: inner plate, outer plate, pin, bush and roller, and is generally used in low-speed, high-load power transmission and lifting drives.
Features include: large reduction ratio, high flexibility in the distance between shafts, both sides can be used for multi-axis shaft transmission, etc., and can be used in a variety of situations thanks to its long service life, high strength and corrosion-resistant series.

Features of roller chain transmission

  • ・Large reduction ratio (Usually up to 1:7 )
  • ・Chains can be used with long shaft center distances (normally up to 4m). By changing the number of links, it is possible to freely adjust the shaft center distance.
  • ・The chain can be used on both sides and drive multiple shafts at the same time.
  • ・Easy installation and replacement. (Easy to cut and connect chains )
  • ・If the distance between shafts is short and the chain is guided, it can be driven vertically.
  • ・The sprocket diameter of a chain drive could be smaller than a belt sprocket while transmitting the same torque.
  • ・Transmitting power by meshing many teeth results in less wear of sprocket teeth than gears.
  • ・Chain drives have greater shock absorption than gear drives.

Construction

Drive Chain (Roller Chain) structure diagram

■Basic 3 dimensions of chain

The pitch, roller diameter, and inner width of the inner link are considered the basic three dimensions of a roller chain. When these dimensions are identical, a roller chain and sprocket are dimensionally compatible.

※1 Slip fit

When the shafts (pins and bushes) and holes are fitted together, there is always a loose fit.

This is a fit where the range of hole tolerance is larger than the range of shaft (pin or bushing) tolerance.

※2 Press fit

When the shafts (pins and bushes) and holes are fitted together, there is always an interference fit.

This is a fit where the range of hole tolerance is smaller than the range of shaft (pin or bush) tolerance.

See more about components and their roles

Plate

The plate bears the tension acting on the roller chain during transmission . Usually this is a repetitive load, but sometimes it is accompanied by shock. Therefore, the plate must have not only great static tensile strength, but also must be dynamically

Pin

The pin is subject to shearing and bending forces through the plate. At the same time, it configures a bearing part, together with the bush, when the roller chain articulates and engages the sprocket. Therefore, the pin needs high shear/bending strength

Bush

The bush is subject to complex forces via all parts, especially from the repetition of shock loads when the chain engages the sprocket. Therefore, the bush needs extremely high shock fatigue strength. In addition, the bush acts as a bearing coupled with

Roller

The roller is subject to a repeated shock load as it strikes the sprocket teeth during roller chain engagement with the sprocket. After engagement, the equilibrium position of the roller-sprocket engagement changes according to the tension . It is held b

Inner link

The two bushes are press fitted into two inner plates, and rollers are inserted to allow rotation around the outside of the bush. This is the same for single-strand and multi-strand chain.

Outer link and middle plate

The outer link consists of two pins that have been press fitted into two outer plates. For multistrand roller chain, a middle plate is added to the outer link. Slip fitting is used for the middle plate of standard RS Roller Chain (*1) and press fitting f

See more about connecting parts

Roller Chains are usually made up of a number of connected links in an endless formation, or used by fixing the chain ends, but connecting links are necessary (dedicated connecting links for hanging applications). Although offset links can be used when t

Connecting link


[Click to enlarge ]
Chain type Connecting link type Pin-connecting plate fitting Connecting plate fastening Notes
RS roller chain M-type connecting link
Code: JL
Slip fit
(M)
Spring clip
Cotter pin
Spring pin
For multistrand connecting links, assemble on the outermost RC-processed (Note 3) connecting plate.
The operating speed is indicated by the white areas in the kW ratings table.
F-type connecting link
Code: FJL
Press fit
(F)
Spring clip
Cotter pin
Spring pin
T-pin
Always use in specified applications and within the speed range colored in the kW ratings table.
If a F-type connecting link is needed, make sure to specify that when ordering.
Lambda chain M-type connecting link
Code: JL
Slip fit
(M)
Spring clip
Cotter pin
Can be used in all areas of the kW ratings table for Lambda Chain.
Connecting plates are RC processed.
Super chain M-type connecting link
Code: MJL
Slip fit
(M)
Spring pin Connecting plates are RC-processed.
F-type connecting link
Code: FJL
Press fit
(F)
Spring pin Use in extreme conditions such as large shocks, very large loads, and possible side forces.
Super-H chain
Ultra Super chain
F-type connecting link
Code: JL
Press fit
(F)
Spring pin Use connecting links exclusively for each chain.
RS-HT chain M-type connecting link
Code: MJL
Slip fit
(M)
Cotter pin
Spring pin
Connecting plates are RC-processed.
Use connecting links exclusively for Heavy Duty Chain
F-type connecting link
Code: JL
Press fit
(F)
Cotter pin
Spring pin
Use connecting links exclusively for Heavy Duty Chain
Other roller chains in catalog M-type connecting link
Code: JL
Slip fit
(M)
Cotter pin
Spring clip
Spring pin
T-pin
Z-pin
See the dimensional drawings for each chain. Only NP, NEP, SNS chains use RC-processed connecting plates.
Note)  
1.  The connecting plate fastening methods for each chain size are shown in the dimension tables and table notes.
2.  Only F-type connecting plates for RS Roller Chain and RS-HT Roller Chain marked with * have black appearance.
3.  Ring Coin (RC) Processing:
This Tsubaki original processing adds an area of plastic deformation around pin holes to generate residual stress around the holes. Even with slip fitting, there is no reduction in strength and can be used with the same stre

Ring coin processing

Offset link


[Click to enlarge ]
Note)
1.  Refer to the dimensional tables for roller chain types and sizes applicable for offset links.
2.  The kW ratings and maximum allowable tension of offset links can be reduced compared to the chain itself.

Drive Chain Product Line-up

The Lambda Chain, which is Lube-free and long life, shortens maintenance time and cost enormously.

Lubrication is critical in chain transmission, and lubrication can suppress wear elongation between pin and bush in articulation area.

Tsubaki Lambda chain is the first in the industry to use a special oil-impregnated bush, the effect of which eliminates the need to lubricate the chain.
In applications where the chain cannot be lubricated, the replacement frequency can be significantly reduced and the amount of industrial waste generated can be reduced.

Avoids stains of additional lubrication on the equipment, and keep work environment clean.
Available in a wide range of products, including corrosion resistant series such as Lambda Chain cold resistant series, and heavy duty Lambda chain.

Improved lubricant of special oil-impregnated bush

Since NSF H1 compliant lubricants are used for the lubricating oil of special oil-impregnated bushes, they can also be used for food machinery.

  • *Please be aware that NSF H1 non-compliant rust prevention oil and assembly oil are also attached in the process of manufacturing.
  • *What is NSF H1?: NFS is the organization that verifies the hygienic quality of food lubrication.
  • NSF H1 is the standard regulated by NSF. This is "Lubricant ingredients are safe in the event of incidental food contact." oil.

Lambda Chain construction

Structural drawing

The thickness of the inner plate is increased by one size to ensure strength such as tensile strength. Therefore, the pin length is longer than that of standard roller chain. Check for interference with the equipment when replacing.

Lambda chain

Model No.  RS□□-LMD~

Lube-free chain with special oil-impregnated bush

  • ・Special oil-impregnated bushes provide lube-free operation.
  • ・Reduced maintenance man-hours
  • ・Compatible with RS roller chain. Can use RS sprockets.
  • ・Uses NSF-H1 food grade oil in the oil-impregnated bushes.
Size

RS40~RS160

Long life Lambda chain

Model No.  RS□□-LMDX~

View product details

Lambda Chain with greatly increased wear resistance

  • ・Longer life through the combination of special oil-impregnated bushes and felt seals.
  • ・Compatible with Lambda Chain.
  • ・Uses NSF-H1 food grade oil in the oil-impregnated bushes and felt seal.
Size

RS40~RS120

Lambda Chain cold resistant series

Model No.  RS□□-LMDKT~

View product details

Lube free roller chain that can be used even in low temperature atmosphere

  • ・Lower limit of operating temperature of standard Lambda chain has been expanded to -30℃.
  • ・It can be used up to -30℃ with the same transmission capacity as standard Lambda chain.
  • ・NSF H1 standard certified products are used for lubricating oils in special oil-impregnated bushes.
Size

RS40~RS100

Lambda Chain KF Series

Model No.  RS□□-LMDKF~

View product details

Lube-free chain that can be used even in high-temperature environments

  • ・Operating temperature range has been extended to 230℃, exceeding the operating range of Lambda Chain. Best between 150℃ to 230℃.
  • ・NSF H1 standard certified products are used as impregnated oil that can withstand high temperatures.
Size

RS40~RS80

Heavy duty Lambda chain

Model No.  RS□□-LMDH~

View product details

High strength lube-free chain

  • ・The outer plates are one size thicker than standard Lambda Chain to give the chain higher kilowatt ratings than double-strand Lambda Chain.
  • ・NSF H1 standard certified products are used for lubricating oils in special oil-impregnated bushes.
Size

RS40~RS100

Surface treated Lambda Chain NP Series

Model No.  RS□□-LMDNP~

View product details

Coated Lambda Chain for additional corrosion resistance

  • ・NP Series :The plates and rollers are specially nickel-plated to ensure a certain level of corrosion resistance.
  • ・NSF H1 standard certified products are used for lubricating oils in special oil-impregnated bushes.
Size

RS40~RS160

Heavy-duty Lambda Chain NP Series

Model No.  RS□□-LMDHNP-2~

View product details

Heavy duty Lambda chain with light corrosion resistance.

  • ・NP Series offers plates and rollers with a special nickel plating for light corrosion resistance. ※Only double-strand chains.
  • ・Same strength as standard roller chains, even with double-strand chains
  • ・The sprocket is special.
Size

RS50-2~RS100-2

Lambda Chain BS/DIN standard

Model No.  RS□□B-LM~

View product details

Lambda chain compatible with European standards

  • ・Lambda Chain that conforms to ISO 606 B Series (European standards:BIS/DIN standards).
  • ・It is possible to replace the existing BS standard roller chain.
  • ・Uses NSF-H1 food grade oil in the oil-impregnated bushes.
Size

RF06B~RS24B

Curved Lambda chain

Model No.  RS□□-LMCCU~

View product details

Lube-free roller chain with large lateral bending.

  • ・This sideflexing roller chain features large lateral bending capabilities thanks to considered clearance between individual components.
  • ・Uses NSF-H1 food grade oil in the oil-impregnated bushes.
  • ・RS standard sprockets can be used as it is.
Size

RS40~RS60

RS Double Strand Compatible Lambda Chain

Model No.  RS□□-LMDS-2~

View product details

Standard double-strand RS sprocket can be used as it is.

  • ・This chains have the same transverse pitch as 2-strand RS Roller Chain, and consequently 2-strand RS sprockets can be used. (Standard double-strand Lambda chains require special sprockets. )
  • ・Compared with double-strand Lambda Chain, the kilowatt ratings is improved by approximately 20%.
  • ・Uses NSF-H1 food grade oil in the oil-impregnated bushes.
Size

RS40~RS160

Point of cautions when considering and adopting Lambda chains

  • 1. Preventing contamination Lambda Chains have special nickel-plated pins and plates with black oxide treatment. Surface-treated Lambda Chains have different surface treatments for each series. Do not use Lambda Chain if the chain will come in direct contact with food, or where coating flakes or wear dust may contaminate food.
    In non-food applications, take measures to prevent entry of foreign matter, for example, installing an appropriate cover when used in environments where coating flakes or wear dust may present a problem.
    Though nickel is not subject to the Japan Food Sanitation Act or the Industrial Safety and Health Act, use the chain with caution.
  • 2. Lubricating oil used on products Depending on usage conditions, the lubricating oil contained in impregnated bushings may spatter.
    Due to manufacturing constraints, Lambda Chain uses certain oils that are not compliant with NSF H1 requirements.
    If a bushing runs out of impregnating oil, it should be quickly re-oiled, leading to a longer wear life.
  • 3. Operating environment If debris or dust is allowed to enter between chain parts, wear elongation may result and the chain may reach the end of its service life prematurely.
    Avoid using chains in a chemical, solvent, or degreasing medium, or in water or under vacuum in a way that may cause the lubricating oil impregnating the bushings to become depleted.
    Lambda Chain is not coated with anti-rust oil. Keep away from hot or humid places, and avoid dusty locations.
  • 4. Double-strand chain Double-strand Lambda Chain and Heavy Duty Lambda Chain (including Surface-treated Series and KF Series) have different transverse pitches compared to RS Roller Chain.
    Use dedicated sprockets instead of RS sprockets.
    RS Double-strand Compatible Lambda Chain has the same transverse pitch as RS Roller Chain. Double-strand RS sprockets may be used.
    Double-strand chains cannot be used together with LMD-2 and LMDS-2 chains, including their connecting components such as connecting links. The entire chain should be replaced and compatible sprockets selected.
  • 5. Checking for interference on the equipment side The length of pins for lube-free chains varies depending on the thickness of the outer and inner plates and the presence or absence of a felt seal.
    Since the pins extend beyond the RS roller chain itself, check for interference with equipment at the time of chain replacement.