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Conveyor Chain Selection

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Conveyor Chain Selection

Chain Form and Pitch Selection

1. Chain Type

The chain type determines by the shape of the attachment, the feature of the conveyance, and the processing method. Please refer to the following to determine the chain format according to the application.

Roller Type Use Feature
S Type Bucket Elevator, Flow Conveyor Flow conveyor for low-abrasion material (grain, feed, etc.)
R Type Slat, Apron Conveyor Conveyor with near distance from axis
F Type Slat, Apron Conveyor Conveyor with a long distance from axis
M Type Flow Conveyor Conveyor for highly-abrasive materials (cement, cokes etc.)

2. Attachment Type

Please select the most suitable attachment to match the working environment and material.
(Please refer to the product's standard conveyor chain and contact us / +82-31-984-4435)

3. Chain Pitch Selection

Dimensions of the chain are determined by the type of conveyor, shape of the object being transported, carrying capacity, and carrying speed, so it is possible to determine the size of the tool in general. However, the chain pitch is limited by the speed and dimensions of the sprocket, so the allowable speed should be less than or equal to the speed of the sprocket calculated using the formula below.
*Sprocket Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) = 1000 x transport speed (meters/minute) / dimensions x pitch (mm)

Selecting the shortest possible pitch within the acceptable range will prevent impact damage to the individual parts and extend the chain's life.

Selection of chain specifications

Please multiply the tension of the chain calculated from the tension calculation formula by the safety factor below to determine the required strength of the chain. If you are not satisfied, please consider a chain of higher versions.

Increase the safety rate by 1.2 times when operating for 10 to 24 hours a day. Also, for each of the plastic roller, plastic sleeve, bearing roller and needle bush, the tension on the chain must be less than or equal to the maximum allowable tension.

safety factor
Chain speed(m/min) safety factor
Below 30 Over 7
30~40 Over 8
40~50 Over 9
50~60 Over 10
Use Coefficient
Slat Conveyor 1.2~1.6
Flow Conveyor 1.3~1.7
Bucket Elevator 1.5~2.0

The safety factor is determined to consider the proper using condition(cleanroom temperature, satisfactory oiling condition) In the situations below, lifespan can be reduced by 1/10 - 1/2, so please select chains according to our recommendation and conveyor system circumstances.

1.Short-distance transport with a heavy load.
2.Transported material has abrasive, corrosive , and/or adhesive characteristics
3.High temperature and/or high humidity surroundings.
4.Not refueling oil

Selection by conditions of use

Limited Temperature(℃) and Safety Factor

If proper heat treatment isn’t applied to chains that deal with high-temperature environments and/or substances, the chains’ lifespans can be drastically reduced. Usage limits at high temperatures are determined by the materials used.

Series / Temperature 100 200 300 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
Carbon steel 7 8
Alloy Steel 7 7 8 10 12
400-Series Stainless Steel 10 10 10 10 12 12 18 25
400-Series Stainless Steel 12 12 12 12 14 14 15 18 22 26

Operating Temperature Limit by Material (℃)

Generally, materials have the property of decreasing impact strength and wear resistance at low temperatures and high temperatures. The degree depends on the material. Please considering the usage limit criteria are shown.

Series Usage Limits (℃)
Carbon Steel -20 ~ 200
Alloy Steel -60 ~ 450
400-Series Stainless Series -70 ~ 600
400-Series Stainless Steel -100 ~ 700

Corrosion Resistance to Various Liquids

Please refer to the chart below to ensure the proper selection of chain material.
(For more detailed information regarding material selection, please contact us directly at +82.32.325.8806)

Items Carbon steel, Alloy Steel 400-Series Stainless Steel 300-Series Stainless Steel Plastics
Acetone C A A A
Alcohol A A A A
Sea water C C B B
Hydrogen Peroxide C B A A
Milk A A A A
Beer A A A A
Wine A A A A
Water C A A A
Sulfuric Acid C C C C
Phosphoric Acid C C B B
Carbonated Drink A A A A
A : Corrosion Resistance / B : Vary with conditions of use / C : No Corrosion Resistance

Coefficient of friction under various conditions

Coefficient of rolling friction (f1)between chain and guide rail

Outer Diameter (roller) Lubricated Non-Lubricated
D<50 0.15 0.20
50≤D < 65 0.14 0.19
65≤D< 75 0.13 0.18
75≤D < 100 0.12 0.17
100≤D 0.11 0.16
Non-Roller Type 0.30 0.43
Bearing Type 0.03~0.05

Coefficient of friction f1) between chain and guide rail

Temperature Lubricated Non-Lubricated
Room Temp~400℃ 0.20 0.30
400℃~600℃ 0.30 0.35
600℃~800℃ 0.35 0.40
800℃~1000℃ 0.45

Coefficient of friction between the material being transported and the low plate‧side plate

Items Coefficient of friction Apparent specific gravity (g/cc)
Cement 0.54 1.15~1.58
Silicon 0.56 5.0
Gypsum 0.64 0.77
Quicklime 0.46 1.53
Plastic Cement Dust 0.50 0.88~1.18
Charcoal 0.41 0.44
Nickel Ore Powder 0.45 0.62
Soybeans 0.48 0.75
Barley 0.71 0.30