For as long as chains have been used to drive applications in wet, saline and chemical environments, rust has been an issue. Corrosion reduces chain performance and efficiency, creates contamination and leads to premature failure. So, in 1989 Tsubaki launched its first surface-treated chain, which underwent 300 hours of salt spray testing without developing rust. This was suitable for marine and outdoor applications, as well as those involving regular washdowns. The fourth and current generation of the anti-
corrosion chain, Tsubaki’s Neptune, includes a special coating as well as a resin applied over the carbon-steel base chain. Unlike some other chains subjected to anti-corrosion treatments, the Neptune retains the same strength as a standard carbon steel chain. Tested to withstand 700 hours of salt water spray, Neptune is also tested against 2,000 hours of sodium hypochlorite and 5% sodium hydroxide exposure, remaining corrosion-free.
Tsubaki chains are treated with shot peening, a process that increases resistance to fatigue failure, stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue, as well as cavitation erosion. Impacting a surface with shot, using round metallic or ceramic particles, and with force sufficient to cause deformation, the process adds strength and reduces the stress profile. Traditionally, the connecting link is the
proverbial weakest link of a chain with a fatigue strength ca. 20% lower than that of the rest. Tsubaki developed a special process to eliminate this loss of fatigue strength: the patented ring coining process. Using a cold deformation process around the pin hole of the connecting link plate results in the Ring Coin feature. This adds strength, reinforcing the area surrounding the connection between the pin and link plate that allows the chain to be specified to its full kW rating. Applications that are subject to high levels of
dust and grit, like saw mills, stone sawyers or mines, need a higher level of durability. One of the latest advances is a roller chain with nickel-plated outer chain plates and hardened pins. These features are included on Tsubaki’s Titan chain, which also has bushes with specially designed lubrication grooves to hold lube at the point where friction reaches its peak.
Where chains are directly connected to human safety, such as driving a roller coaster, the need to specify the most durable and safe chain is clear. Similarly, with applications that face particularly high load, the need for premium quality chains is a given, such as a Tsubaki
norelem’s range of V-belts and V-pulleys ensure transmission systems run smoothly and efficiently with high power transfer. Designed to be used with belt or chain drives, the range can withstand and transfer high torque and friction. They are also easy to install and maintain, and are available in several sizes. Suitable
applications are where power needs to be transferred within machines, including automotive components, household appliances such as washing machines, and industrial machines. The V-belts all come with a trapezoidal cross-section, providing high
contact pressure to enable the transfer of higher torques in a smaller space than possible with flat belts, the company explains. The ability to minimise tension enables engineers to reduce maintenance and replacement of the bearings used within the application over time. Made out of neoprene with a polyester tensile cord, these are available
in two different forms: DIN 2215 and DIN 7753. DIN 2215 is available with external lengths from 463mm to 5038mm and three different versions. The V-belts meet ISO 1813 standards, and can withstand temperatures between -55˚C to +70˚C. While they are resistant to oil, it is recommended avoiding permanent contact with mineral oils and grease for longer life. For engineers requiring a higher transfer of power, norelem’s narrow
V-belts (DIN 7753) can be used, with their greater depth to width ratio and additional teeth, placing more of the sheave directly under the reinforcing cord of the belt. Available in three different widths, with external lengths ranging from 524mm to 5022mm and three different versions, the norelem narrow V-belt can also withstand temperatures from -55˚C to +70˚C. The final elements in norelem’s range are grey cast iron V-belt pulleys.
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manufactured chain for an apron conveyor at a steel mill. With individual links around a metre in length, the customer required a chain with a tensile strength of up to 3,530kN (360 tons). However, the trend for improved chain
Tsubaki chains are treated with shot peening
durability across all types of applications is increasing in the face of growing challenges to improve operational efficiency. While the benefit of low cost chains used to be reflected purely in the initial procurement budget, the consequences of increased maintenance and downtime in chain replacement is now becoming clearer as an added cost. With premium chains potentially lasting three to four times longer than low cost versions, more frequent chain replacement increases expenditure over the long term, as well as impacting operational productivity. While roller chain design
has remained relatively stable since 1880, the biggest change in technology has come from the advances
that extend durability and lifespan. As efficient operations look increasingly at total cost of ownership, this coincides with a shifting perception that the chain is no longer a basic commodity but is today an integral component of a mechanical operation.
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