FEATURE BELTS, PULLEYS & CHAINS
durability is key for today’s roller chain
chain history: why Tsubaki’s Titan chain Since the industrial revolution, roller chain design has remained A
relatively stable. However, the most crucial developments have responded to the need to increase chain durability and lifespan. Not only has this improved safety, but these advances have driven down total cost while improving operational productivity, as Mr. Jake Yamamoto, sales & marketing director, Tsubakimoto Europe, explains technological advances
s early as the 16th century, Leonardo Da Vinci’s drawings depicted his design of a chain comprising plates, pins and a roller
bearing, in much the same way as modern chains are constructed today. By the late 1800s, the height of the Industrial
Revolution had arrived, with the economical production of steel combined with the development in processing techniques. These advances helped the introduction of the first roller chain in 1880. The roller chain also features inner links held
together by a pair of bushes. However, now rollers were placed over each bush that can rotate freely, significantly increasing chain performance by reducing friction between chain and sprockets, improving strength and longevity. The use of roller chains continued to expand
into wider applications – from chain-driven bicycles from the mid-1880s to the Wright Flyer in 1903, the world’s first powered flight aircraft.
Today’s Lambda chain, though far longer
Founded in 1917 in Osaka, Japan, Tsubaki arrived early on the scene, initially manufacturing bicycle chains. By 1928, it had moved on with advancing industry, now making chains for machinery. While the company’s expansion included global export in the 1950s, followed by global manufacture, the original design remained relatively stable throughout most of the roller chain’s history. A significant technological advance in design
was introduced by Tsubaki in 1988 with its first lube-free roller chain. The Lambda lubrication- free chain was designed for applications that were difficult to lubricate regularly, or those that were inaccessible. Another critical application for the Lambda would include those where lubrication could contaminate the manufactured product or environment. The food and beverage sector would benefit greatly, as would wider hygienic applications.
lasting than the original, is based on the same design. The lube-free technology includes bushes that are sintered, meaning the material is formed into a solid mass through heating without liquification. As a result, lubrication is stored inside the bushing, which is formed as a semi-porous material. When the chain heats through friction, the material expands, and the lubricant is dispersed. When the chain slows and isn’t in use, it cools and the lubricant returns. Now in its sixth generation, the Lambda
Lube Free chain is supplied impregnated with NSF-H1 food grade lubricant, meaning it can be used across applications in the food industry. H3 grade oil is also available on request. While the chains can operate in temperatures from -10 to 150˚C, a heat resistant version is available that pushes this figure to 230˚C.
Features of the Titan chain
34 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JULY/AUGUST 2021
Features of the Lambda chain
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