Small size conveyor chain

Small size conveyor chains are roller chains or double pitch chains with added attachments for small conveying applications.
Attachments are available in a wide range of variations and can be fitted with further slats, bars and special jigs to convey any shape of material.
Engagement drive makes it no slippage and has a wide operating range to conveyor length, conveying direction and ambient conditions.

Features and Points of Caution regarding Chain Conveyors

  • ・Can convey items of almost any shape.
  • ・A wide array of options available in terms of conveyor length, direction of conveyance, and ambient conditions.
  • ・No slippage, allowing for accurate conveyance.
  • ・Extremely durable and highly efficient.

【Points of Caution 】

  • *While one positive point for chain conveyors is that there is no slippage, care needs to be taken during selection in applications with impacts.
  • *Since it is a engagement mechanism between the chain and the sprocket, there is a speed fluctuation due to its characteristics.

Small Size Conveyor Chain Types and Structure

Double Pitch Chains

  • ・Has double the pitch of RS Attachment Chain with a flat plate contour.
  • ・Can use R or S rollers, allowing for use in various applications.
  • ・Double Pitch type sprocket or RS sprocket (when the number of teeth is 30 or more with S roller) can be used.
  • ・Suitable for relatively long distance and low speed conveyance.
Double Pitch chain structure diagram
[Click to enlarge ]

RS Attachment Chains

  • ・This chain has an attachment attached to RS Roller Chain (for drive).
  • ・Since the chain pitch is small, small articles can be conveyed at a small pitch, which is generally suitable for short distance conveyance.
  • ・High-speed, smooth, and quiet operation is possible.
  • ・In most cases, RS sprockets can be used.
Attachment chain structure diagram
[Click to enlarge ]

See more about components and their roles

1.Plate 2.Pin
Parts photo The plate bears the tension placed on the chain. Because the accuracy of the holes into which pins or bushes are press fitted affects chain quality, plates are manufactured with particular precision and finished into tough plates with high fatigue strength and impact resistance. Parts photo The two ends of the pin are press fitted to holes in the outer plates and riveted in place. (For Hollow Pin Chain and Poly Steel Chain, they are press fitted only.) Because the pins are subject to shearing and bending forces via the plates, and because the bushes rotate and slide along the pins as the chain articulates, they are manufactured with an emphasis on strength and wear resistance.
3.Bush 4.Roller
Parts photo The two ends of the bushes are press fitted to the inner plate and function as bearings for the pins and rollers. They are subject to complex forces through the various parts, and are finished to specifications having high wear resistance. Parts photo Rollers are slip fit onto the bushes and reduce mechanical shock when the chain engages the sprocket. In addition, they serve to reduce running resistance by turning when the chain is in motion, making the chain run smoothly. Wear resistance is important.
5.Attachments 6.Spring Clip/Cotter Pin
Parts photo Bolt holes are drilled for attachments. For details, see page of Standard Attachments. Parts photo Spring clips and cotter pins prevent the connecting plates from detaching and are important components to maintain the intrinsic strength of the chain. Always install these parts.
7.Inner link 8.Outer link
Parts photo The ends of the two bushes are press fitted to the inner plate to form the inner link. Rollers are slip fit over the outside of the bushes. Parts photo The ends of the two pins are press fitted to the outer plates. The ends of the pins other than those on connecting links are riveted in place to prevent detachment. (For Hollow Pin Chain and Poly Steel Chain, they are press fitted only.)
Three basic dimensions Slip fit Press fit
The pitch, roller diameter, and inner width of the inner link are referred to as the three basic dimensions of roller chain. When these dimensions are identical, a roller chain and sprocket are dimensionally compatible. This will always fit with a clearance when the shafts and holes are fitted together. The hole tolerance range is larger than that of the shaft (pin or bush). With this type of fit there is continuous interference when the shafts and holes are fitted together. The hole tolerance range is completely under the shaft (pin or bush) tolerance range.

See more about standard attachment types

Attachment Types

A attachments

A attachments

This attachment has holes and is attached on one side of the chain.
A1:1 hole  A2:2 holes (※Only one hole available for RS Chain. )

[Photo :A1 attachments spaced every link ]

SA attachments

SA attachments

This vertical attachment has holes and is attached on one side of the chain.
SA1:1 hole  SA2:2 holes (※Only one hole available for RS Chain. )

[Photo :SA2 attachments spaced every link ]

K attachments

K attachments

This attachment has holes and is attached on both sides of the chain.
K1:1 hole  K2:2 holes (※Only one hole available for RS Chain. )

[Photo :K1 attachments spaced every link ]

SK attachments

SK attachments

This vertical attachment has holes and is attached on both sides of the chain.
SK1:1 hole  SK2:2 holes (※Only one hole available for RS Chain. )

[Photo :SK2 attachments spaced every link ]

AA attachments

AA attachments

This attachment has holes on both the top and bottom of the chain, and is attached on one side.
AA1:1 hole  AA2:2 holes (※Only one hole available for RS Chain. )

[Photo :AA1 attachments spaced every link ]

WA attachments

WA attachments

This wide attachment has holes and is attached on one side of the chain.
WA1:1 hole  WA2:2 holes

[Photo :WA1 attachments spaced every other link ]

KK attachments

KK attachments

This attachment has holes on both the top and bottom of the chain, and is attached on both sides.
KK1:1 hole  KK2:2 holes (※Only one hole available for RS Chain. )

[Photo :KK1 attachments spaced every link ]

WK Attachments

WK Attachments

This wide attachment has holes and is attached on both sides of the chain.
WK1: 1 hole  WK2:2 holes

[Photo :WK1 attachments spaced every other link ]

EP attachments

EP attachments

One end of the pins is extended on one side of the chain.

[Photo :EP attachments spaced every link ]

GNK attachments

GNK attachments

Chain with holes in the plates on both sides. (Available only for S rollers on Double Pitch Chains.)

[Photo :GNK1 attachments spaced every link ]

Note )WA, WK:WA and WK attachments cannot be attached to every link of RS Chain.

Formation

While attachments can be spaced more than every link, when attaching to an even number of links we will attach them to outer links where maintenance is easier.

Special Attachment Chain

Tsubaki offers a complete line-up of attachments to match any need.

Small Size Conveyor Chain Product Line-up

What Is a Free Flow Chain?

A free flow conveyor is one where the chain can continue to run while conveyed goods can be stopped at any position on the conveyor using stoppers while work takes place. Once the work is finished the stoppers can be removed and the conveyor can continue to convey.

Chains used for this type of conveyor are called Free Flow Chains.

Double Plus chain that enables high-speed conveyance at 2.5 times the chain speed, Center Roller chain with a constant speed of 1:1 between chain and conveyed object, Double Pitch chain with outboard rollers, Double Pitch chain with top rollers, RS Chain with outboard rollers and RS Chain with top rollers are available.

Refer to the following for the features.

Double Plus Free Flow Chains

Model No.  RF2□□□VR~

View product details

A Free Flow Chain using a unique combination of small and large diameter rollers to allow high speed conveyance at 2.5x the speed of the chain.

  • ・Low chain speed allows for quiet accumulation.
  • ・A wide range of selections is available by combining four different base chain types with seven different roller types.
    We also feature snap cover chains, which prevent parts from falling into conveyor frames, as well as a complete line-up of accessories.
  • ・Standard Series :
    The base chain is steel, and users can pair this with seven different roller types to meet their application needs.
  • ・Lambda Series :
    Uses a special oil-impregnated bush to provide lube-free, long life operation.
  • ・HCP Series :
    Base chain is hard chrome plated, with rollers available in engineering plastic. Ideal for clean rooms and other applications where rust is to be avoided.
  • ・SS Series :
    Base chain is stainless steel, with rollers available in engineering plastic. Corrosion resistant.
  • ・With snap covers :
    By attaching the light gray engineering plastic snap covers, you can cover the gap between large and large rollers, and between the small and small rollers, preventing bolts, nuts, etc. from getting caught or falling through.
    Lambda Series, HCP Series and SS Series are also available.
Size

RF2030~RF2080

Center Roller Chain

Model No.  RF2□□□CR~

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The speed of the chain and conveyed goods is the same, 1:1.

  • ・Has a lower center of gravity than Top Roller Chain, which is taken up by rollers on both sides, allowing for stable conveyance.
  • ・Can also use snap covers.
  • ・Can also use Alminum frame with steel rails for Double Plus Chain.
Size

RF2040~RF2080

Accessories for Double Plus Free Flow Chains

Refer to the product introduction page for the model number.

View product details

Peripheral conveyor parts for Double Plus Free Flow Chains and Center Roller Chains.

  • ・We have an abundant lineup of pallet guide rails, plastic rails, return guides, brackets, frame joints, etc.
  • ・Frame :
    Aluminum frames, aluminum frames with steel rails, and frames for the drive and driven sections are available.
  • ・Pallet guide rail :
    This rail is installed on the side of the aluminum frame to guide the pallet.
    The pallet guide rail is available for the middle section, and drive and driven sections.
  • ・Plastic rail :
    The plastic rail is installed on the pallet guide rail for smooth pallet sliding.
    The pallet guide rail is available for the middle section, and drive and driven sections.
  • ・Return guide :
    The return guide guides the Double Plus Chain on the return side at both ends of the aluminum frame.
  • ・Bracket :
    The bracket is a fitting for attaching the return guide.
  • ・Frame joint :
    The frame joint is a nut-type part for connecting frames.
Size

Refer to the product introduction page.

Double Pitch Chain with outboard rollers

Model No.  RF2□□□S/R/RP-SR~

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Free flow chain using a Double Pitch Chain base with an extended pin with freely rotating outboard rollers attached.

  • ・Outboard rollers allow for a compact conveyor.
  • ・The ability to flex backwards allows easy layout on the return side.
  • ・Since numerous rollers can be installed, Outboard Roller Chain is suitable for conveyors on which small objects are placed directly.
  • ・Standard Series :
    The base chain is steel, with R rollers available in steel or plastic.
  • ・Lambda Series :
    The bushes on the base chain are special oil-impregnated bushes for lube free operation.
    ※Lubrication is required on steel outboard rollers.
  • ・SS Series :
    Base chain and base chain rollers (both S and R rollers) are stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
    R rollers available in plastic as well.
Size

RF2040~RF2100

Double Pitch Chain with top rollers

Model No.  RF2□□□S/R/RP-TR~

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Double Pitch Chain with top rollers is a free flow chain using a Double Pitch Chain base with a raised link plate with freely rotating top rollers attached.

  • ・The width of the chain itself is smaller than other free flow chains. The top rollers are supported by plates on both sides, making the chain ideal for rugged free flow conveyors.
  • ・Ideal for conveying heavy objects at low speeds, and especially is often used in automotive production equipment.
  • ・Standard Series :
    All base chain parts except for the rollers use heat treated hardened steel.
    Rollers are available in stainless steel (S and R rollers) and plastic (R rollers only).
  • ・Lambda Series :
    Base chain is steel, while special oil impregnated bushes enable lube-free operation.
  • ・SS Series :
    Base chain is stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
Size

RF2040~RF2100

RS Chain with outboard rollers

Model No.  RS□□-SR~

View product details

A free flow chain using an RS Chain base with an extended pin with freely rotating outboard rollers attached.

  • ・Outboard rollers allow for a compact conveyor.
  • ・The ability to flex backwards allows easy layout on the return side.
  • ・Since numerous rollers can be installed, Outboard Roller Chain is suitable for conveyors on which small objects are placed directly.
  • ・Standard Series :
    The base chain is steel, with steel base chain rollers standard.
  • ・Lambda Series :
    The bushes on the base chain are special oil-impregnated bushes for lube free operation.
    ※Lubrication is required on steel outboard rollers.
  • ・SS Series :
    Base chain and base chain rollers are stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
  • ・Poly Steel Chain :
    Made of engineering plastic inner links and stainless steel outer links for corrosion resistance and lube-free operation.
Size

RS40~RS100

RS Chain with top rollers

Model No.  RS□□-TR~

View product details

RS Chain with top rollers is a free flow chain using an RS Chain base with an extended pin with freely rotating outboard rollers attached.

  • ・The width of the chain itself is smaller than other free flow chains. The top rollers are supported by plates on both sides, making the chain ideal for rugged free flow conveyors.
  • ・Ideal for conveying heavy objects at low speeds, and especially is often used in automotive production equipment.
  • ・Standard Series :
    All base chain parts including the rollers use heat treated hardened steel.
  • ・Lambda Series :
    Base chain is steel, while special oil impregnated bushes enable lube-free operation.
  • ・SS Series :
    Base chain is stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
Size

RS40~RS100