How to Get the Most Out of Your Roller Chains
March 12, 2020There is one great method of transmitting mechanical power from one place to another. This method is done through a chain drive, which utilises a roller chain and sprocket gear. The teeth of the gear are attached to the holes in the chain links. Once the gear is turned, it pulls the chain to supply mechanical power to a specific tool, device, or vehicle.
Roller chains are used by a lot of industries. Some common uses of roller chains include domestic, industrial and agricultural machinery, printing presses, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. They can effectively and efficiently transmit power and force from one area to another. These chains can also offer design flexibility, convenience, consistency, resistance to shock loads, and ease of installation.
The materials used of roller chains usually include hardened steel, stainless steel, nylon, and others. While these materials are durable, there are still factors that make them susceptible to wear and tear. So, here are some things that you should do to get the most out of your roller chains.
Proper Lubrication
Roller chains and the whole chain drive must run smoothly all the time. To make them run smoothly and effectively, you must always ensure that they possess effective lubrication. Lubrication can not only slow the rate of wear of your roller chains, but it can also provide effective heat dissipation. Moreover, applying lubrication on your chains can cushion impact loads depending on your usage.
For your lubrication, you must have a good grade of petroleum-based oil without any additives. The inclusion of additives on your lubricant can leave a gum deposit or vanish on your chains, preventing the oil to enter the chain joints. You must also avoid using heavy oils and greases since they are too thick to enter your chains.
Sprockets Maintenance
As mentioned, a chain drive will only work with the inclusion of a sprocket gear. A worn sprocket can subsequently cause damage to the chains, even if the chains are still pretty new. You see, running a new chain on worn sprockets can increase chain load amounts, which can later on the damage the chains on a faster rate. Replacing your worn sprocket is a must if you want your roller chains to last for a long time.
Another problem with sprockets is that they are sometimes misaligned within the chain drive. Even if you replace your sprockets, you must still maintain great alignment of your sprockets and shafts before using them. Precise enlightenment of these two components can provide you equal distribution of load, which can help your chain drive achieve long-lasting life.
Chain Specifications
Roller chains on your equipment or vehicle must be installed correctly. Over tightening the chain can directly affect the wear rate of not only your chain but also other components of your chain drive. So, you must maintain the optimum tension of the chain to increase the life of your chain drive.
Another thing that you should look into on your roller chain is its size. Selecting an incompatible size for your roller chain cannot effectively transfer the target load of your chain drive, which can also cause wear and tear on your device or equipment. To avoid rapid wearing out of your chains, you must look for and buy the recommended chain size of your chain drive.
Following these things when operating a tool, device, or vehicle with a chain drive can ensure you longer operating times and overall life. To know more facts about roller chains, you can call us at Global Bearing Imports.
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