As a leaf and roller chains supplier in Yorkshire, YB Components know how to keep such chains performing to their absolute max and which type is best suited to which application. Here we’re focusing on roller chains, which are fundamental components in various mechanical applications including conveyor systems, motorcycles, bicycles, and industrial machinery.
The roller chains Yorkshire’s YB Components supply are renowned for their efficiency in transferring power and their durability under various conditions. In this article, we’ll look at how they work, the differences from leaf chains, and the best forklift chain maintenance practices to keep them performing optimally.
How Roller Chains Work
Roller chains consist of a series of interconnected links, each comprising inner and outer plates, pins, bushings, and rollers. The rollers sit on the bushings and roll over the sprockets, reducing friction and wear. This design allows for smooth transmission of power between gears, making roller chains highly efficient for both power transmission and movement applications.
In operation, as the chain engages with the sprockets, the rollers fit into the sprocket teeth, with this rolling action minimising friction compared to sliding contact. The result is an efficient, durable mechanism capable of handling significant loads and high-speed operations.
Differences from Leaf Chains
While roller chains and leaf chains share some similarities, they are designed for different purposes and have distinct structural differences. Roller chains have rollers and bushings, while leaf chains consist of interlaced plates connected by pins without rollers. This makes roller chains suitable for rotating and power transmission, whereas leaf chains are designed for tensile strength and lifting.
Roller chains are primarily used for transmitting mechanical power in machinery, conveyors and vehicles. Leaf chains, on the other hand, are used in lifting and hoisting applications, such as in forklifts and cranes.
Roller Chains Maintenance
Maintaining roller chains Yorkshire’s YB Components supply involves several key practices to ensure their longevity and optimal performance These include frequent visual inspections to detect wear, elongation or damage. Proper lubrication is also essential for reducing friction and wear between the pins, bushings and rollers.
Keeping roller chains clean is vital as contaminants can accelerate wear by acting as abrasives between the chain components. Chains should be cleaned regularly using appropriate solvents and brushes to remove grime without damaging the metal surfaces.
Constantly maintaining the correct chain tension and alignment will help ensure a smooth operation and prevent excessive wear. This is because over-tensioning causes increased friction and premature wear, while under-tensioning can lead to chain slippage and uneven load distribution.
If you need any fork truck roller chains in Yorkshire, then contact YB Components who are the leading forklift roller chains supplier in Yorkshire. We keep local stocks of all such parts and more, ready to ship out fast and free all over the UK and the rest of the world.