Roller Chain

Wolff Chain Drive: Your Professional Roller Chain Manufacturer!

Qingdao Wolff Chain Drive Co.Ltd. is located in the industrial zone of the city, covering an area of about 10,000 square meters. Our factory has multiple workshops, which are used for different production links and product manufacturing. We continue to innovate, develop new products, meet all customer requirements, and have stable delivery times.

Our Advantages

Rich Experience & Production Market

Our company has a production history of more than 30 years, and our products have won unanimous praise from customers. Wolff chains are popular in Domestic and foreign markets such as the United States, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa markets.

Quality Control

Our products are produced and inspected strictly in accordance with GB, AISI, ASTM, API, JIS, BS so as to control and safeguard the quality of products. We adopt strict testing standards and processes to ensure that our products meet international standards and customer requirements. We have a professional quality inspection team to conduct comprehensive inspection and testing of each production batch.

Advanced Equipment

Our factory is equipped with advanced production equipment and technology, including automated production lines, CNC machine tools, laser cutting machines, etc. These equipment can efficiently complete the manufacturing and processing of products and improve production efficiency.

High Quality Product

All our products fully comply with international standards such as ISO\DIN\ANSI\BS\JIS. Wolff has successfully passed ISO9001 quality management system, SGS inspection and BV inspection certification.

Bushing Roller Plate Raw Material Roller Chain
316 stainless steel is not only food grade or medical grade. However,the use of this medical grade as a production cup will not bring additional benefits to everyone. Professional team...
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Simplex Roller Chain
Simplex roller chain is a chain form consisting of a series of rollers and link plates. Roller chains are often used to transmit power or carry heavy loads. The rollers on the chain mesh with the...
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Duplex Roller Chain
The duplex roller chain offers a combination of high strength, high fatigue resistance, and long lifespan, making it a reliable and durable option for a variety of applications.
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Triplex Roller Chain
A triplex roller chain is a type of roller chain that consists of three rows of chain links in parallel. Each link has small rollers that rotate freely and engage with the teeth of a sprocket,...
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Leaf Chains
Leaf chains are a type of transmission chain drive that consists of interlocking metal plates resembling the shape of a leaf. These chains are commonly used in various industrial applications,...
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AL Series Leaf Chain
The AL Series Leaf Chain is a type of roller chain designed for heavy-duty lifting and conveying applications. Made from high-quality alloy steel, the AL Series Leaf Chain is known for its...
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BL Series Leaf Chain
BL Series Leaf Chain is a type of roller chain that is commonly used in material handling applications. It is designed to handle heavy loads and provide reliable performance in demanding environments.
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Single Strand Roller Chains
Single strand roller chains, also known as simplex roller chains, are widely used in various industrial applications for transmitting mechanical power efficiently. They consist of a series of...
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British Standard Stainless Steel Chains
British Standard stainless steel chains are made from stainless steel, which is a type of steel alloy that contains a high amount of chromium. This gives the chains excellent resistance to...
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British Standard Drive Chains
Some common applications of British Standard drive chains include conveyor systems, power transmission in machinery, automotive engines, and agricultural equipment. They are also used in bicycles...
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Single Strand Metric Roller Chain
A single strand metric roller chain is a type of roller chain that consists of a single row of interconnected links. The links are made up of alternating sets of inner and outer plates that are...
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Multi Strand Metric Roller Chain
Multi strand metric roller chain, also known as multiple-strand metric roller chain, is a type of chain that is designed to handle higher loads and transmit power in various industrial...
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Introduction to Roller Chain

Roller chain is the type of chain drive most commonly used for transmission of mechanical power on many kinds of domestic, industrial and agricultural machinery, including conveyors, wire- and tube-drawing machines, printing presses, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. It consists of a series of short cylindrical rollers held together by side links. It is driven by a toothed wheel called a sprocket. It is a simple, reliable, and efficient means of power transmission.

Components of Roller Chain

Outer Link Plate
This is the outermost plate are combined with the pins to form what is know as a pin link or riveting link. The outer link plates take the brunt of a chains shock load. Our link hardening process is computer controlled for maximum strength. Another process the link plates go through is shot peening, which increases the fatigue strength and helps prevent cracking. Shot peening is a process of shooting little steel balls that compress the surface.

Inner Link Plate
Inner link plates hold the bushing and the roller to form what we call a "roller link". Our inner link plates also go through the same special hardening & shot peening processes as the outer link plates.

Pin
Roller chain pins hold the entire roller chain together by connecting roller links together. The pins are the main "bearing" point where the roller links. The bearing point is where the chain flexes/pivots when running around a sprocket. Pins are a very critical component and Nitro use special pins with precision heat treatment for increase strength and wear resistance.

Roller
Rollers are the part that rides on the sprocket teeth. The rollers do take a moderate impact especially when the drive is initially started. The rollers are consistently contacting the sprocket teeth (metal-to-metal contact), so strength and wear resistance is needed. All Nitro roller chain uses solid rollers to prevent distortion and they also undergoes special manufacturing processes for wear resistance.

Bushing
The bushing is located between the pin & roller, which takes impact loads from both sides. Bushings are also heat treated and shot peened for increased strength & fatigue resistance. Bushings are available in split or solid construction.

Manufacturing Process of Roller Chain

01/

Choose the Right Material
To manufacture a high-quality endless roller chain, the first step is to gather the required materials. Chains need to be strong, durable, and able to withstand tremendous pressure and tension. Typically, stainless steel or carbon steel is used to make roller chains. These materials have excellent strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring the chain’s longevity.

02/

Assemble the Rollers and Pins
Rollers and pins are the basic elements of a roller chain. During assembly, the roller sits between the inner plates while pins pass through the roller, holding it in place. Care must be taken to ensure that the rollers can rotate smoothly and that the pins fit securely within the chain.

03/

Install the Outer Panel
When the rollers and pins are in place, the outer plates are joined, enclosing the rollers and forming a link. Proper alignment is critical to ensuring the chain runs smoothly with minimal friction. The outer plate is usually riveted or welded to the inner plate, depending on the design and intended application of the roller chain.

04/

Quality Control and Testing
Thorough quality control measures must be taken before endless roller chains are ready for use. Chains must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the required standards for load capacity, tensile strength and overall performance. In addition, the alignment, flexibility and noise level of the chain should be evaluated for smooth operation.

05/

Cut Components to Size
After sourcing the materials, the next step is to cut them to the desired size. Using a precision cutting tool such as a saw or grinder, the individual components of the roller chain, including outer and inner plates, pins and rollers, are formed to the desired length and width. Attention to detail and accuracy during this step are essential to ensure the chain is functioning properly.

06/

Heat Treatment and Surface Treatment
To enhance the strength and durability of endless roller chains, heat treatment is often performed. The process involves exposing the chain to high temperatures followed by controlled cooling. Heat treatment improves the wear resistance and fatigue resistance of the chain, prolonging its service life. Additionally, surface treatment techniques such as polishing or coatings can be applied to reduce friction and improve corrosion resistance.

Types of Roller Chain

Standard Roller Chain
Standard roller chain is the most widely used roller chain type. This is famous for meeting or surpassing all American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for sturdiness and endurance. Its extremely consistent manufacturing process ensures that it will work excellently in all agricultural and conveyor based applications. Designed with solid rollers, you’ll be satisfied with its durability. In addition, standard roller chains work proficiently with a wide range of different attachments.

Heavy Series Roller Chains
Heavy series chains are one of the most durable roller chain types that are used in the manufacturing & engineering industry. Specially designed for industrial and heavy agricultural-based applications, these roller chains are mostly used in lift systems & conveyors. If we consider their appearance and look, then their side plates are usually thicker, with larger inner roller diameter, giving a prolonged wear life over conventional roller chains.

ANSI Standard Roller Chains with Attachments
ANSI standard roller chains with attachments offer ultimate flexibility for your advanced design needs. You can easily customize or choose your roller chain’s attachment design to suit various functions, as this popular type of roller chain is ready-built and gets paired with various attachments at a time conveniently. As an essential part of power transmission, these chains assure safety when operating at high speeds and meet different functions’ standards.

Double Pitch Roller Chain With Attachments
A double pitch roller chain with attachments is another type of roller chain that are also termed as small conveyor chains with high breaking strength. These types of chains offer excellent abrasion resistance since they incorporate solid rollers for improved rotation on the bushing while decreasing impact loads on the sprocket tooth during operation. Generally used in conveying applications, these ANSI standard double pitch roller chains are always ready for its job. The best thing about these chains is that all of their components are heat-treated to accomplish maximum strength and have amazing wear resistance.

Metric Roller Chain
Metric roller chain, also recognized as ISO British Standard roller chain. These chains are specially designed based on ISO British Standard ISO606, which generally uses kilograms & millimetres as the units of measurement. While using these chains, it’s important that you precisely measure dimensions to assure that you are utilizing the right ISO or ANSI Standard. The prior dimensional analysis will help you keep your project moving quickly and evenly, without any interruptions. They generally have a larger roller diameter as compared to an ANSI chain with the same pitch.

Advantages of Roller Chain

High Efficiency
Up to 0,98 with a properly lubricated chain under normal circumstances and with a drive working under full load.

Long Wear Life
15000 operating hours if the correct drive was selected and with appropriate maintenance.

Long Shaft Distance
The shaft distance (usually between 30 times and 50 times the pitch) has no fixed measurements. It can easily be adjusted by shortening or lengthening of the chain, even after completed assembly, in order to meet altered construction requirements.

No Slip
In contrast to friction-locked drives chain drives have no slip. In motor vehicles, camshaft drives with chains guarantee exact valve timing.

High Load Capacity
For the permissible bearing pressure with recommended lubrication.

Elastic Properties
Roller chain drives have a high elasticity, because of the plate material and the lubrication layer between rollers, pins and bushings.

Versatile Applications
Roller chains are mainly used as drive elements for power transmission or as load chains; equipped with special links they can also be used for transportation and conveyance purposes. One chain is able to simultaneously drive several shafts with the same or opposite rotational direction at the same or at different speeds. It can also be employed as a rack and pinion assembly (lantern gears).

Cost Effectiveness
Roller chains do not need to be pre-tensioned. Therefore there are only minor bearing loads. Space-saving construction, simple mounting, low service and maintenance costs make chain drives very economical.

Application of Roller Chain

Conveyors
The automotive, packaging, and food and beverage industries use conveyor systems featuring roller chains to help with material handling and transportation.

Food and Beverage Processing
Several food and beverage processing equipment use roller chains, such as bottling and canning machines and bakery and confectionery equipment. Stainless steel and nickel plated chains are available for corrosion resistance.

Agriculture and Forestry
Roller chains are used in combines, tractors, harvesters, and other agricultural and forestry equipment.

Packaging
Packaging machinery use roller chains for sealing, labeling, and filling.

Mining
Most mining equipment relies on roller chains, including crushers, conveyor systems, and drilling rigs.

Oil and Gas
Roller chains are used in oil and gas equipment, such as pumps, compressors, and drilling rigs.

Warehousing and Storage
Forklifts use roller chains when lifting pallets and other heavy objects. Automated guided vehicles benefit from the use of roller chains.

FAQ

Q: What is a roller chain?

A: Roller Chains are mechanical power transmission chains used to transmit energy between rotational shafts. They consist of several short cylindrical rollers connected by side links and propelled by a sprocket – a wheel with teeth on one end.

Q: What are the benefits of your roller chains?

A: Roller chains stand out as a preferred choice across industries, offering a multitude of advantages that contribute to their widespread use in various applications. These benefits encompass efficient power transmission, remarkable durability, versatile adaptability, and cost-effectiveness, making roller chains an indispensable component in diverse sectors.
Efficient Power Transmission
Roller chains excel in transmitting power from one rotating shaft to another with remarkable efficiency. Their design ensures minimal energy loss during operation, maximizing overall system efficiency.
Durability in Adverse Conditions
Crafted with high-quality materials and employing precise manufacturing techniques, our roller chains showcase exceptional strength and durability. They withstand heavy loads and harsh working conditions, providing reliable performance over extended periods.
Versatility and Adaptability
Available in a range of sizes, configurations, and designs, roller chains exhibit high versatility. This adaptability makes them suitable for various machinery and applications, offering a flexible solution to diverse power transmission needs.
Standardized Dimensions for Convenience
Roller chains adhere to standardized dimensions, ensuring interchangeability and compatibility. This standardization simplifies maintenance and replacement processes, streamlining operations and reducing the complexity of managing diverse machinery. All our Chains are manufactured to meet the latest ANSI & British Standards for industrial roller chains.

Q: How to determine roller chain size?

A: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right roller chain for your machine is size. Using the wrong size roller chain can result in reduced performance, increased wear, and even complete machine failure. Here’s how to determine the proper roller chain size for your application:
Count The Number of Balls
Pitch is the distance between the centers of two adjacent Roller Pins. To determine the pitch number, simply count the number of roller pins in the chain. Make sure to only count full roller pins – not half pins or connecting links.
Measure The Diameter of The Roller
The roller diameter is the distance between the highest point on one roller and the highest point on the opposite roller. This measurement will determine the roller chain pitch. Be sure to measure several points along the roller to ensure accuracy.
Calculate the Roller Chain Pitch
Once the number of pitches and the diameter of the rollers are known, the roller chain pitch can be calculated. To do this, divide the drum diameter by 2, then multiply the result by the number of pitches. For example, if the rollers are 0.5 inches in diameter and there are 48 pitches in the chain, the pitches would be:(0.5 ÷ 2) x 48 = 12 inches.
Check Roller Chain Elongation
Over time, roller chains stretch and elongate, which can affect their overall performance. To determine if your roller chain is stretched, you can measure the overall length of the chain. If it is more than 1% longer than its original length, it is likely that the chain has stretched and should be replaced.
Consider Load Requirements
The load requirements of your machine also play a role in selecting the proper roller chain size. Be sure to consider factors such as weight, speed and torque when selecting a roller chain.

Q: How does roller chain work?

A: Roller chains are constructed from a series of links with cylindrical rollers. Roller chains are made up of two types of links: inner links and outer links. Inner links, or roller links, have two plates held together by two cylindrical sleeve bushings.
Outer links or pin links are offset from the inner links and consist of two outer plates held together by two pins. These pins pass through the sleeve bushings of the inner links.
The inner links and outer links are typically secured in two ways: riveted or cottered. Cottered roller chain uses a cotter pin to hold the links in place. Riveted roller chain uses a rivet in the pin to make the head of the pin larger than the hole of the outer plate.

Q: What causes roller chain stretch?

A: Typically, roller chain stretch is caused by normal wear and tear. However, there can be other culprits that contribute to the elongation of a roller chain, which is the most common type of chain used in manufacturing and assembly settings. These chains are made up of multiple parts, including an outer plate, inner plate, pin, roller, and bushing.
Causes of chain stretch outside of expected wear usually have to do with the pin. Chain stretch can quickly occur if the pin is:
Bent to a certain degree or angle.
Losing material due to friction, thereby changing in diameter.
Too small due to widening of the chain’s holes.
Because chain stretch can have a detrimental impact on your application—no matter the industry—it’s important to recognize the signs that chain stretch is occurring. One way to know is to record a chain size measurement of the roller chain.

Q: How to lubricate the roller chain?

A: To lubricate the roller chain, start by ensuring the chain is clean and free from debris. Remove any dirt, dust, or other contaminants that may have accumulated on the chain. This will help the lubricant penetrate the chain more effectively. Next, apply the lubricant evenly to the chain. It is recommended to use a lubricant applicator or a brush to ensure proper coverage. Pay attention to the inner plates, outer plates, rollers, and pins of the chain. Apply enough lubricant to create a thin film that coats the chain components. Avoid over-lubrication, as excess lubricant can attract more dirt and debris, leading to accelerated wear. Additionally, excess lubricant can create a messy working environment. Finally, after lubricating the chain, allow some time for the lubricant to penetrate and distribute evenly. This can be done by running the chain for a few minutes under light load conditions. This helps ensure that the lubricant reaches all the critical areas of the chain, providing adequate protection. Regularly inspect the chain and monitor the lubrication condition. By following these lubrication practices, you can extend the life of your roller chain and maintain its smooth and reliable operation.

Q: What type of lubricant should I use for roller chain lubrication?

A: The type of lubricant to use for roller chain lubrication depends on factors such as the application, operating conditions, and manufacturer's recommendations. Generally, it is recommended to use a high-quality, purpose-built lubricant specifically designed for roller chains. These lubricants often have good adhesive properties and resistance to wear, ensuring optimal chain performance.

Q: How often should I lubricate my roller chain?

A: The frequency of roller chain lubrication depends on several factors, including the operating conditions, load, and environment. As a general guideline, it is recommended to lubricate roller chains every 100 to 200 hours of operation. However, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of your application and refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for lubrication intervals. Additionally, regularly inspect the chain's lubrication condition and reapply lubricant when it appears dirty or dried out.

Q: Can I use any lubricant for roller chain lubrication?

A: It is not advisable to use just any lubricant for roller chain lubrication. Roller chains operate under demanding conditions, including high loads and sliding contact. Therefore, it is important to choose a lubricant that is specifically designed for roller chains to provide adequate protection and performance. Purpose-built lubricants for roller chains offer properties such as good adhesion, high viscosity index, and resistance to wear and corrosion. Using the wrong lubricant may lead to premature chain failure, increased wear, and reduced efficiency.

Q: When should a roller chain be replaced?

A: Excessive Chain Stretch
Roller chains gradually elongate over time due to wear on the pins and bushings.
The use of a caliper is common for measuring whether a chain has excessive elongation or wear.
If the measured elongation value is greater than 0.8% to 1.5%, it is a clear indication that the chain needs to be replaced.
Continuing to use an excessively elongated chain beyond this value can lead to poor performance, noise, vibrations, and even damage to the transmission system.
Visible Wear
Check for wear on the rollers, bushings, and pins.
If the roller diameter is significantly worn down or cracked, the bushings are visibly worn, or the pins are loose, it's a clear sign of chain wear and a need for replacement.
Corrosion
Chains exposed to moisture and corrosive environments can suffer from rust and corrosion.
Surface corrosion can often be cleaned or lubricated, but If corrosion penetrates into the chain components, it can cause the chain to jam or weaken, which may necessitate replacement.
Sprocket Damage
If you notice excessive sprocket wear or damage, it may indicate that the chain is also worn.
In such cases, it's advisable to replace both the chain and sprockets to ensure proper engagement and longevity.
Excessive Noise and Vibration
When abnormal noise and vibrations occur during chain operation, it may be a sign of chain or sprocket wear.
Replacing the chain and sprockets may help resolve these issues.
Frequent Breakage
If the chain frequently breaks or experiences non-smooth "binding" points, it indicates that the chain may be subjected to overloading.
It is advisable to reevaluate or calculate whether the chain's strength meets the equipment's requirements.
When necessary, replacing the chain with a higher-strength one is crucial for safety and reliability.

Q: Can I reuse a roller chain after it has elongated?

A: No, it is not recommended to reuse a roller chain once it has elongated beyond the manufacturer's specified limit. Elongation indicates significant wear and reduced performance of the chain. Continuing to use an elongated chain can lead to premature failure, potential damage to the machinery, and safety hazards. It is best to replace the chain with a new one to ensure reliable operation.

As one of the leading roller chain manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to wholesale cheap roller chain from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and low price. Contact us for quotation.

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