50 POWER TRANSMISSION
As with standard Syno chain, the high-temperature
version features oil-impregnated sintered bushes, only this time the specially formulated lubricant is able to withstand elevated temperatures. Renold says that its high-temperature Syno chain has been used in drying ovens and industrial environments where heat is a factor.
Chain sensor
A further interesting development from Renold is a new, smaller version of its Smartlink chain sensor, which is now available for chains down to half-inch (12.7 mm) pitch. This breakthrough has been possible thanks largely to advances in the miniaturisation of electronics. Renold says that the Smartlink devices are particularly useful in applications where access is difficult, either during normal operation or maintenance. Smartlink consists of a tiny microprocessor that
Fig. 3. A heat-resistant version of the non-lube Tsubaki Lambda chain can operate in temperatures ranging from 150 to 230˚C.
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standard Lambda chain, which is not designed for high-temperature operation. Importantly, although the standard chain exhibited some degradation at this high temperature, HT Lambda did not. The lube-free performance of HT Lambda at high temperatures is the result of a construction that employs oil-impregnated bushes, specially coated pins and solid rollers, and nickel-plated inner plates. Poor lubrication is often the root cause of premature
chain failures in high-temperature environments, so it is not surprising that manufacturers are making an effort to develop lubrication-free chains. Another company active in this field is Renold, which has launched a high-temperature version of its lubrication-free Syno chain for operating in temperatures up to 200°C (Fig. 4).
is attached to the chain side plate to measure the stresses experienced by the chain as it travels through a machine. It can therefore act as an overload detector and communicate via an infrared link when the chain exceeds a predetermined load. This provides a simple warning to enable the machine to be inspected, hopefully before any serious damage is incurred. Using the infrared remote control unit, the Smartlink alarm can subsequently be reset and the system restarted. To understand more about the working loads applied
to the chain drive there is a second level of diagnostics that the Smartlink can provide. Using a handheld receiver, more detailed information about the loads can be downloaded and transferred to a Windows-based PC. This data can be analysed to determine which points in the chain drive are experiencing problems.
Attachments
So far we have considered the chain itself, but another important topic for conveyor chains is attachments. Transdev has recently introduced a range of chain attachment protector clips for conveying and parts handling. These clip-on components ensure that delicate goods are protected against damage by the chain while also providing non-slip conveying (Fig. 5). Manufactured from POM (polyoxymethylene,
or acetal), these durable clips feature an overlay of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) on the top surface that increases the contact surface, thereby improving significantly the drive between the clip and the conveyed item. Furthermore, to prevent any possible tilting or lifting of the load, the clip is profiled to ensure there are no edge-lifting pressures at the transfer points. Suitable for use with the Wippermann 462L, 513GL
Fig.4. Renold has launched a high-temperature version of its lubrication-free Syno chain for use in temperatures of up to 200˚C.
and 548GLS roller chains, including the stainless steel and maintenance-free Marathon versions, the clips are said to be easy to install, highly durable and have a high load capacity, making them suitable for use in a wide variety of applications. Another more specialist chain-based application is the Tsubaki ‘gripper’ chains for form, fill and
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