Roller chain is a type of chain widely used in various industries and applications, including the transmission of mechanical power with machinery such as industrial conveyors and automotive industry. MAXTOP roller chains provide a full range of options compliant with ANSI and British Standards making them suitable for applications such as material handling, the food industry, sawmills, automotive and motorcycle industries, fitness equipment, spiral conveyors, and so on.
Roller Chain Construction
A roller chain consists of five essential components: outer plate, inner plate, pin, bush, and roller. These components are assembled into inner and outer links, which together form the structure of roller chains.
- Inner Link (also known as Roller Link): Composed of two bushings press-fitted into the inner plates, with two rollers rotating freely over the bushes.
- Outer Link (also known as Pin Link): Composed of two pins press-fitted into the outer plates. Pins are typically rivet type to secure fastening, but cotter type is also available for easier disassembly.
Roller Chain Connection
Roller chains can be connected either to another chain or to other mechanical components. There are two main types of connecting methods: connecting link and offset link.
Connecting link
Most roller chains consist of an odd number of links plus one connecting link to form an even-numbered chain. There are two types:
- Spring Clip Type: Commonly used in smaller size roller chains.
- Cotter Pin Type: Preferred for medium to large size roller chains due to added strength.
Offset link
Offset link can be used when an odd number of chain links is required. There are two types:
- Single-pitch (OL)
- Two-pitch (2POL)
What Are the Types of Roller Chain?
To standardize roller chains and ensure compatibility with sprockets, international standards have been established. Roller chains are generally categorized into two main standards:
American Standard (ANSI)
Governed by the American National Standards Institute, ANSI chains and sprockets must comply with ANSI B29.1.
British Standard (BS)
Governed by European standards and compliant with ISO 606.
How to Identify Roller Chain Part Number?
You can determine various specifications of roller chains from their part numbers:
American Standard Chain Pitch:
The American Standard is measured in 1/8 inch so the first digit in the roller part number identify the pitch of 1/8 inch increment. For example, from the part number ANSI 40, we could identify the pitch is 4/8 inch (equal to 1/2 inch). The part number could be 3 digits for larger size. For example, ANSI 120 could be identified as the pitch is 12/8 inch (equal to 1-1/2 inch).
- ANSI 40 → 4/8 inch = 1/2 inch
- ANSI 120 → 12/8 inch = 1-1/2 inch
American Standard Specification:
- 0 as the last digit: means the chain is standard chain which covers the range from ANSI 40 to ANSI 240.
- 5 as the last digit: means the chain is bushing chain. Bushing chains don’t have rollers. For example: ANSI 25 and ANSI 35.
- 1 as the last digit: means the chain is lightweight chain. For example, ANSI 41 is the lightweight version to ANSI 40.
British Standard Chain Pitch:
The British Standard is measured in 1/16 inch so the digits in the roller chain part number identify the pitch of 1/16 inch increment. For example, the pitch of 08B could be identified as 8/16 inch (equal to 1/2 inch) and 20B is identified as 20/16 inch (equal to 1-1/4 inch).
- 08B → 8/16 inch = 1/2 inch
- 20B → 20/16 inch = 1-1/4 inch
Heavy Duty Roller Chains
Heavy duty roller chains are available in both ANSI and BS series. These chains are manufactured with thicker side plates for increased strength. They can be identified by adding “H” in the part number. For example, ANSI 100H and BS 12BH.
>check more information for ANSI Heavy Duty roller chain
>check more information for BS Heavy Duty roller chain
Straight Sidebar Roller Chains
Straight sidebar roller chains are also at optional for both ANSI and BS series. The side plate with a straight profile instead of the standard figure-8 shape. The identified code in a part number is “F”. For example, ANSI 60F and BS 12BF.
>check more information for ANSI Straight Sidebar roller chain
>check more information for BS Straight Sidebar roller chain
Strands of Roller Chains
Based on the different strength requirement for the application, customers may select single, double (duplex), or triple (triplex) strand roller chains. MAXTOP offers chains up to triple strand. In the part number, strands are indicated by adding a hyphen followed by the strand number.
| Series | Chain No. | Heavy Duty | Straight Sidebar | Single Strand | Duplex Strand | Triplex Strand |
| ANSI | 50 | 50H | 50F | 50 | 50-2 | 50-3 |
| BS | 10B | 10BH | 10BF | 10B | 10B-2 | 10B-3 |
Conclusion
In summary, roller chains remain one of the most widely used solutions for mechanical power transmission across various industries. Their durability, simple design, and easy maintenance make them essential components in everything from conveyor systems to motorcycles. By selecting the right roller chain for your application and following proper chain maintenance practices, you can ensure efficient operation, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of your machinery.
