technical data Top chain handling

4-1. Handling the sprocket

For drive and driven shafts used with Plastic modular chain, square shafts are generally recommended, except in special cases (mold-to-width types, perpendicular to TOD, etc.).

The chain expands and contracts with temperature changes, so the sprockets are installed freely so that they can move laterally in the width direction.

However, to prevent the chain from snaking, one (or two) sprockets in the center of both the drive and driven shafts are secured with a set screw, set collar, or hex socket bolt.

When installing a sprocket on a square shaft, use stamping and engravings as a guide to ensure the correct orientation and tooth position.

4-1-1. Sprocket phase alignment

Please install it on the shaft by aligning stamping and marks.

4-1-2. Chain expansion and contraction

Plastic modular chain are made of resin, so they expand and contract with temperature changes.

The linear expansion coefficient of the chain is approximately 12 x 10^-5 (/°C) at 20°C.

The amount of expansion of the nominal width (⊿W) can be calculated using the following formula.

⊿W = Chain nominal width × (ambient temperature - 20) × 12 × 10^-5

4-1-3. Fixing the sprocket

The sprockets are loosely fitted to the shaft to absorb differences in linear expansion between the chain and conveyor, and installation errors between the chain and sprocket, but to prevent the chain from meandering, a gap of approximately 0.5 mm (1.6 mm for WT) is left on both sides of one sprocket near the center, and set screws, hex socket bolts, and set collars are attached there.

4-1-4. Installing the chain

Match the sprocket pitch to the specified mounting pitch and wind the chain around it.