The Complete Guide to Chain

4.1 Transmission Chain Selection

There are four main uses for transmission chains: power transmission, hanging transmission, shuttle traction, and pin-gear driving.

  1. Power transmission. The most frequent application, power transmission involves an endless chain wrapped on two sprockets. There are two ways to select chains for this use.

    For general applications, you can select by power transmission capability (tent curve). This is shown in Figure 4.1.

    For slow-speed operation, you can make an economical selection using the maximum allowable tension. Use this method when chain speed is less than 50 m/min. and starting frequency is less than five times/day (Figure 4.2).

    Figure 4.1 Power Transmission Capability
    Figure 4.1 Power Transmission Capability

    Figure 4.2 Maximum Allowable Load at Slow Speeds (less than 50 m/min.)
    Figure 4.2 Maximum Allowable Load at Slow Speeds (less than 50 m/min.)

  2. Hanging transmission. This design is increasing in popularity. It is used, for example, in parking garage elevators. Sprockets rotate, and conveyed objects can be lifted or suspended at the end of chains. (Figure 4.3).
  3. Shuttle traction. (Figure 4.4).
  4. Pin-gear drive. In this design, the chains are laid straight or in a large diameter circle and are driven with special tooth form sprockets. This design is more economical than using gears (Figure 4.5).

In this book, we will focus on items 1 and 2. Consult your manufacturer's catalog for information on items 3 and 4.

Figure 4.3 Hanging Transmission Where Conveyed Objects Are Lifted or Suspended at the End of Chains
Figure 4.3 Hanging Transmission Where Conveyed Objects Are Lifted or Suspended at the End of Chains

Figure 4.4 Shuttle Traction
Figure 4.4 Shuttle Traction

Figure 4.5 Pin-Gear Drive Transmission
Figure 4.5 Pin-Gear Drive Transmission

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