Chain
A chain transmits rotary power by engaging links connected by pins with sprockets (toothed wheels). Compared with belts, chains do not slip and can transmit large loads reliably, so they are used for driving reducer output shafts and in heavy-duty conveyors. A typical roller chain consists of inner links, outer links, pins, bushings and rollers, and its designation number is determined by the pitch (center distance between pins). In addition to standard products, there are heavy-duty drive chains with thickened plates and enhanced heat treatment that raise the tensile strength. The examples handled here are large sizes with pitches of 31.75 to 76.2 mm, and include types that are made to order or quoted on each request.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF120-US-N-1
Model: RF120-US-N-1
Successor roller chain to the US specification. Sales of the US specification were discontinued at the end of September 2016; currently made to order (quote required).
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF140-US-N-1
Model: RF140-US-N-1
Successor to the US-spec roller chain. US-spec sales were discontinued at the end of September 2016; the product is currently quote-based.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF160-US-N-1
Model: RF160-US-N-1
Successor to the US-spec roller chain. US-spec sales were discontinued at the end of September 2016; currently quoted on a per-order basis.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF200-US-N-1
Model: RF200-US-N-1
Successor roller chain to the US specification. Production of the US specification was discontinued at the end of September 2016, and it is now quote-based.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF240-US-N-1
Model: RF240-US-N-1
Successor to the US specification roller chain. Production of the US specification was discontinued at the end of September 2016; currently quote-based items.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF100-US-N-1
Model: RF100-US-N-1
Successor roller chain to the US specification. Sales of the US specification were discontinued at the end of September 2016, and the product is now quote-based.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF200-US-1
Model: RF200-US-1
Heavy-duty drive chain with 63.50 mm pitch. Minimum tensile strength 580 kN, maximum allowable tension 108 kN.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF240-US-1
Model: RF240-US-1
Heavy-duty drive chain with 76.20 mm pitch. Minimum tensile strength 853 kN, maximum allowable tension 151 kN.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF120-US-1
Model: RF120-US-1
High-strength drive chain with 38.10 mm pitch. Minimum tensile strength 213 kN, maximum allowable tension 53.9 kN.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF140-US-1
Model: RF140-US-1
Heavy-duty drive chain with 44.45 mm pitch. Minimum tensile strength 273 kN, maximum allowable tension 63.7 kN.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF160-US-1
Model: RF160-US-1
Heavy-duty drive chain with 50.80 mm pitch. Minimum tensile strength 341 kN, maximum allowable tension 85.3 kN.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
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Chain
Ultra Super Chain RF100-US-1
Model: RF100-US-1
Heavy-duty drive chain with 31.75 mm pitch. Minimum tensile strength 149 kN, maximum allowable tension 39.2 kN.
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
How to choose Chain
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1. Select a pitch that matches the sprocket
The pitch must match the tooth profile of the sprocket, and different pitches cannot be combined. Listed products range from 31.75 to 76.2 mm. Larger pitches increase power transmission capacity, but they also add mass and cause greater vibration and noise at high rotational speeds, so the choice should be based on both rotational speed and load.
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2. Check the load against the maximum allowable tension
This is the upper limit of tension that may be applied in actual use. Multiply the chain tension calculated from transmitted power and speed by a service factor that accounts for starting shock and load fluctuation, and confirm that the result is at or below this value. Listed products range from 39.2 to 151 kN, and heavy-duty types have higher values even at the same pitch.
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3. The minimum tensile strength is the guaranteed breaking value
The minimum tensile strength is the guaranteed breaking load, and listed products range from 149 to 853 kN. The average tensile strength is a higher mean value than this, so the minimum value is used for strength calculations. It is not used as the basis for working load, but is used to check the safety margin against overload.
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4. Verify the inner link width against the tooth width
The inner link width corresponds to the tooth width of the sprocket. Some heavy-duty types can use sprockets for standard roller chains, but there are cases where cast iron sprockets are not permitted, so the tooth width and material conditions must be checked together.
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5. Check compatibility by roller diameter and pin diameter
The roller diameter relates to the tooth bottom shape, and the pin diameter relates to connecting links and wear life. In some cases, successor specifications cannot be connected to previous specifications, so when partially replacing or adding links to an existing chain, dimensions and connectability should be verified against the manufacturer's documentation.
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6. Confirm link count and lead time conditions
Types without offset links (half links) can only be used with an even number of links, and allowance for adjusting the center distance is required. Also, some large-size products are made to order or quoted on each request, so spare parts procurement timing should be included in planning.
This guide was written by AI based on the listed products' documents and specification items. Check each manufacturer's documents before adopting.