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

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

Tsubaki Lambda Small size conveyor chain is the first in the industry to use special oil-impregnated bushing, achieving long life without lubrication, and is used in many industries and applications.

Lineup includes Lambda double-pitch, RS Lambda with attachment, BS Lambda with attachment and RF Lambda roller chains. These chains are available according to the application and environment, such as coating series with improved corrosion resistance in addition to lube-free, KF series integrating high-temperature/food machine compatible specifications, and long-life Lambda with greatly improved wear resistance.

Lambda Double Pitch Chains

Lambda Double Pitch Chains

Model No.  RF2□□□S/R-LMC~

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Double Pitch Chain using special oil-impregnated bushes for lube-free, long life operation.

  • ・Uses special oil-impregnated bushes for lube-free, long life operation.
  • ・Uses NSF H1 compliant lubricant. It also can be used on food machinery.
  • ・The inner and outer link plates have a black oxide coating, providing slight corrosion resistance and a high-grade appearance.
  • ・Double Pitch Chain has high precision across its entire length, making it ideal for relatively long span, low speed conveyance.
  • ・Can use R or S rollers, allowing for use in various applications.
Size

RF2040~RF2120

Attachment Types

A1, A2, K1, K2, SA1, SA2, SK1, SK2, EP, GNK1

Lambda Surface Treated Double Pitch Chain

Model No.  RF2□□□S/R-LMCNP~

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Lambda Double Pitch Chain that is surface treated for better corrosion resistance.

  • ・We offer NP and NEP Series to meet your corrosion resistance needs.
  • ・NP Series :Plates and rollers are nickel plated for light corrosion resistance.
  • ・NEP Series :Features a special triple surface coating on the plates and a special coating on the rollers for increased corrosion resistance.
  • ※NEP Series chain is made to order. Contact a Tsubaki representative for details.
  • ・Uses NSF H1 compliant lubricant. It also can be used on food machinery.
Size

RF2040~RF2100

Attachment Types

A1, A2, K1, K2, SA1, SA2, SK1, SK2, EP, GNK1

KF Series Lambda Double Pitch Chain

Model No.  RF2□□□S/R-LMCKF~

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The specifications of the conventional heat resistant Lambda chain and the conventional food grade Lambda chain have been integrated.

  • ・Uses a special lubricant that does not volatize or degrade in high temperature environments (150ºC to 230ºC) for maximum wear resistance in high temperatures.
  • ・Uses an eco-friendly NSF-H1 grade certified oil for use on food equipment.
Size

RF2040~RF2100

Attachment Types

A1, A2, K1, K2, SA1, SA2, SK1, SK2, EP, GNK1

Long-life Lambda Double Pitch Chain

Model No.  RF2□□□S/R-LMCX~

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Double Pitch Chain with greatly improved wear resistance of Lambda Chain.

  • ・Extremely long life :The felt seal gives Long-life Lambda (X-Lambda) Chain longer wear resistance than Lambda Chain.
  • ・Improved lubricants for special oil-impregnated bushes and adopted NSF H1 compliant lubricants. It also can be used on food machinery.
  • ・Interchangeable with Lambda Chain. However, the pins are longer than with Lambda Chain. Please check for interference with the equipment and attachment dimensions.
  • ・Operating temperature range: -10ºC to 60ºC
Size

RF2040~RF2100

Attachment Types

A1, A2, K1, K2, SA1, SA2, SK1, SK2, EP, GNK1

Lambda Hollow Pin Double Pitch Chains

Model No.  RF2□□□S/R-LMCHP~

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A Hollow Pin Double Pitch Chain, featuring a pin with a hole through it for mounting various attachments, in Lambda specifications.

  • ・Uses a special oil-impregnated hollow-pin bush for long life, lube-free operation.
  • ・Uses NSF H1 compliant lubricant. It also can be used on food machinery.
  • ・Operating temperature range: -10ºC to 150ºC
Size

RF2040~RF2080

Attachment Types

No attachment available.

RS Lambda attachment chain

Lambda RS Attachment Chain uses special oil-impregnated bushes to provide lube-free, long life operation to meet a wide variety of customer needs. Helps users reduce overall costs in their applications.
Tsubaki also offers surface treated Lambda Double Pitch Chain, which is tough against corrosion, and KF Series chain for use in high temperature environments.

RS Lambda attachment chain

Model No.  RS□□-LMC~

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Lambda RS Attachment Chain is an attachment conveyor chain that uses special oil-impregnated bushes to provide lube-free, long life operation.

  • ・Uses special oil-impregnated bushes for lube-free, long life operation.
  • ・Uses NSF H1 compliant lubricant. It also can be used on food machinery.
  • ・The inner and outer link plates have a black oxide coating, providing slight corrosion resistance and a high-grade appearance.
  • ・Since the chain pitch is small, small articles can be conveyed at a small pitch, which is generally suitable for short distance conveyance.
Size

RS35~RS140

Attachment Types

A1, K1, SA1, SK1, EP

Lambda RS Chain with Surface Coated Attachments

Model No.  RS□□-LMCNP~

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Lambda RS Attachment Chain that has been surface treated to provide greater corrosion resistance.

  • ・We offer NP and NEP Series to meet your corrosion resistance needs.
  • ・NP Series :Plates and rollers are nickel plated for light corrosion resistance.
  • ・NEP Series :Features a special triple surface coating on the plates and a special coating on the rollers for increased corrosion resistance.
  • ※NEP Series chain is made to order. Contact a Tsubaki representative for details.
  • ・Uses NSF H1 compliant lubricant. It also can be used on food machinery.
Size

RS35~RS100

Attachment Types

A1, K1, SA1, SK1, EP

KF Series Lambda RS Attachment Chain

Model No.  RS□□-LMCKF~

View product details

The specifications of the conventional heat resistant Lambda chain and the conventional food grade Lambda chain have been integrated.

  • ・Uses a special lubricant that does not volatize or degrade in high temperature environments (150ºC to 230ºC) for maximum wear resistance in high temperatures.
  • ・Uses an eco-friendly NSF-H1 grade certified oil for use on food equipment.
Size

RS40~RS80

Attachment Types

A1, K1, SA1, SK1, EP

Long-life Lambda RS Attachment Chain

Model No.  RS□□-LMCX~

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RS Attachment Chain with greatly improved wear resistance of Lambda Chain.

  • ・Extremely long life :The felt seal gives Long-life Lambda (X-Lambda) Chain longer wear resistance than Lambda Chain.
  • ・Improved lubricants for special oil-impregnated bushes and adopted NSF H1 compliant lubricants. It also can be used on food machinery.
  • ・Interchangeable with Lambda Chain. However, the pins are longer than with Lambda Chain. Please check for interference with the equipment and attachment dimensions.
  • ・Operating temperature range: -10ºC to 60ºC
Size

RS40~RS100

Attachment Types

A1, K1, SA1, SK1, EP

Lambda Hollow Pin RS Chains

Model No.  RS□□-LMCHP~

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A Hollow Pin RS Chain, featuring a pin with a hole through it for mounting various attachments, in Lambda specifications.

  • ・Uses a special oil-impregnated hollow-pin bush for long life, lube-free operation.
  • ・Uses NSF H1 compliant lubricant. It also can be used on food machinery.
  • ・Operating temperature range: -10ºC to 150ºC
Size

RS40~RS80

Attachment Types

No attachment available.

Lambda BS Attachment Chains

Lambda Chain conforming to ISO606 BS standards. Can replace BS chain as-is on existing equipment. We also offer KF Series, which can be used in the food industry and in high temperature environments.

Lambda BS Attachment Chains

Model No.  RS□□B-LM~

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Lambda Chain conforming to ISO606 BS standards.

  • ・Achieves a longer wear life thanks to Tsubaki's original bearing material, material properties, and oil.
    By thoroughly minimizing quality deviations, Tsubaki BS Series Lambda Chain demonstrates reliable performance.
  • ・Can replace BS Series Chain on existing equipment manufactured in Europe.
  • ・Uses a specially shaped pin on single strand 08B - 16B for easier cutting and assembly.
  • ・Reduced initial elongation :Greatly reduces an initial elongation, thereby reducing adjustment times.
  • ・Uses NSF H1 compliant lubricant. It also can be used on food machinery.
Size

RS08B~RS24B

Attachment Types

A1, K1, SA1, SK1, EP

Lambda BS Attachment Chains KF Series

Model No.  RS□□B-LMCKF~

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BS Lambda Chain that can be used in the food industry and in high temperature environments.

  • ・Can be used in the high temperature range of -10 ℃ to 230 ℃. Lubrication performance and wear performance are stable.
  • ・Uses NSF H1 compliant lubricant. It also can be used on food machinery.
  • ・Use a sprocket for BS roller chain (ISO standard B series). (Made-to-order )
Size

RS08B~RS16B

Attachment Types

A1, K1, SA1, SK1, EP

Lambda RF Roller Chains

Lambda RF Roller Chains

Model No.  RF□□B-LMC~

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Lambda Series RF Roller Chain for direct conveyance. Can be used for lube-free conveyance.

  • ・This roller chain has oval contour plates, making it perfect for directly conveying goods on the chain.
  • ・Uses NSF H1 compliant lubricant. It also can be used on food machinery.
  • ・Sprocket :Can use Standard RS sprockets
  • ・Operating temperature range :-10℃~150℃
Size

RF35~RF100

Attachment Types

No attachment available.

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. 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.