Silent Chains and Drive Sprockets

Power Transmission Chains vs. Conveyor Chains

Power transmission (PT) chains and conveyor chains are designed to meet specific operational needs. PT chains are built with components capable of handling tensile loads and high speeds, ensuring optimal operational efficiency. Conveyor chains, in contrast, offer a stable, wear-resistant surface suited for loads that move perpendicular to the travel direction and typically operate at lower speeds. Although PT chains can sometimes serve in conveyor applications, conveyor chains are rarely suitable for the demands of PT applications.

Single-Pin vs. Double-Pin Links

Double-pin links are engineered to minimize friction, vibration, and wear, maximizing operational efficiency. Single-pin links, on the other hand, have a simpler structure with a single round or oval pin per link, offering easy connectivity and cost-effectiveness. This makes them an ideal choice for lower-demand applications in terms of load or operational speed.

Chain Pitch

Silent chains are available with pitches ranging from 3/16” to over 2”. Smaller pitches ensure smoother operation and reduced vibration, while larger pitches provide greater tensile strength, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. The most accurate way to determine chain pitch is to measure the distance between the centers of three consecutive pin heads and divide by two.

Chain Width

Chain widths range from under 1 inch to over 20 inches; wider chains are costlier. Selecting the right width for the application optimizes cost-effectiveness without compromising performance. Chain width may be described as the “width over heads” or “width between guides” for side guide chains.

Duplex Chains

Most silent chains engage with sprockets on one side only, but Duplex chains feature teeth on both sides, enhancing power transfer capability. These are particularly useful for serpentine drive systems where sprockets can engage with both sides of the chain.

Application Customization

In manufacturing, link patterns and other components can be customized to fit specific applications. Adding spacers between links, commonly seen in conveyor chains, can increase load-bearing capacity and optimize performance for specialized needs.