technical data Top chain Selection

This page is a common page for Top chain and Plastic block chain products.

This page introduces the following items:
(Click on each item to scroll to the main text.)

Conveyor design materials

The rail layout will vary depending on the installation space, but an example is shown in the diagram below. For return-way layout, please refer to section 2-4 below.

Note: Please also refer to Plastic modular chain (mold-to-width) conveyor design document.

Driven side
  • 1) Chain slack
    The intervals between the return rollers that receive return-way chain should be 500 to 900 mm, with 50 to 100 mm of slack in the chain between the return rollers. This slack prevents tooth skipping. If the interval or amount of slack is outside this range, tooth skipping may occur.
  • 2) Meshing angle
    The "engagement angle" between the drive sprocket and chain should be 150° or more.
  • 3) wearstrip end
    The distance from the drive and driven side wearstrip ends to the respective shaft centers should be within one chain pitch. The driven side wearstrip end should be bent or chamfered to prevent the chain from getting caught on wearstrip.

2-1. Installing the driving and driven side wearstrip

2-1-1. Sprocket and wearstrip positions

[Drive side]

Drive side

Plastic modular chain (mold-to-width)

Plastic modular chain (mold-to-width)

[Driven side]

For chains with top plates
Idler wheel (no teeth)

Driven side

Plastic top chain
Stainless steel Top chain

Plastic block chain
Plastic Universal Chain

plastic
Modular chain (mold-to-width)

Sprocket and wearstrip position

Note)

  • 1. DP: Pitch circle diameter
  • 2. For the idler wheel, use the pitch diameter of a sprocket with the equivalent number of teeth.
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2-2. Installing wearstrip (Plastic rail) on the straight section of the conveyor side

2-2-1. carry-way

  • 1. The guide width Gw should be approximately 2 mm wider than the hinge width of the chain body (Fig. 1). (For guide width Gw, see 2-2-4.)
  • 2. On multiple strand line, if the chains travel in opposite directions or at different speeds even if they are the same, use a T-shaped rail or similar to prevent the top plates of the chains from coming into contact (Figure 2).
  • 3. In multiple strand line, if the direction of travel and speed are the same, we recommend a chain top plate spacing of 1.4 to 3 mm (Figure 3).
  • 4. We recommend using wearstrip to prevent wear on the frame itself.
  • 5. The thickness of wearstrip must be at least 3 mm to prevent wear.

Figure 1. Chain carry-way

Chain carry-way

Figure 2. When multiple strand are moving in opposite directions or at different speeds

When there are multiple strand moving in opposite directions or with different speeds

Figure 3. multiple strand with the same speed

In the case of multiple strand with the same speed

2-2-2. wearstrip when using chain with anti-floating attachment

wearstrip when using chain with anti-floating attachment

2-2-3. Installing the straight wearstrip

-PR type rails, PH type rails, flat rails

To take into account expansion due to heat, secure the unit to the frame with a screw at one end, leaving a gap at the joint.
(PH type rail clearance: 3 to 5 mm)

PH type rail gap

Note)

  • 1. Linear expansion coefficient
    Plastic rail (P-rail), PLF rail: 20 x 10-5 /℃
    M rail: 9× 10-5 /℃
  • 2. Plastic rail operating temperature range
    Plastic rail (P-rail), PLF rail: -20 to 60°C
    M rail: -20 to 80°C
  • 3. Do not use wearstrip in conditions where steam is present.
  • 4. For heat-resistant, high-speed (KV) wearstrip, please refer to section 2-11 below.

- Long straight type (Z-shaped, T-shaped, L-shaped, flat, etc. extruded wearstrip)

[When the conveyor conveyor length is long]

If you are installing long, straight wearstrip in 1m increments, please process the gaps between wearstrip as shown in the diagram below to prevent the chain from dropping.
(Gap for long, straight types: Approximately 10 mm per meter)

When the conveyor conveyor length is long

Note: For lengths of 1m or more, calculate the gap dimensions from the linear expansion coefficient.

[When the conveyor conveyor length is short]

If both ends of wearstrip are fixed with flat head screws in several places, the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the running rail and the frame (made of metal) will cause wearstrip to become wavy, so please fasten the flat head screw in one place at each end.

When the conveyor conveyor length is short

2-2-4. Clearance between chain and wearstrip (straight section)

[Plastic top chain /stainless Top chain]

Plastic top chain /stainless Top chain

[Plastic block chain]

Plastic block chain

Table 9. Plastic top chain and Stainless Steel Top chain

Model Guide Width
Gw mm
TTP, TTPH, TPF, TPS, TP-OTD, TPH, TPM, TPM-SN, TT 44
TTPDH, TTPDH-LBP 140
TN 38
TPRF2040, TP-1843G 23
TPRF2060, TS, TTUPM-P, TTUPM-PC 32.5
TTPT, TSA 44.5
TTUP, TTUPH, TTU, TTUPS-H 43
TPU, TPUM 44
TPU-USR 46
TPUS 58
TPUS-LBP, TPUS-Y-LAP 60
TPUSR, TP-PTS 37
TNU 38
TRU, TTUP-LLPC 44.5
TTUP(T)-M, TPU(T)-LH, TPUH-BO, TTKU, TO, TU, TTUPM838H 45
TTPM 32
TPSS 62
TTUPS 61.5
TP-36AK 31
TP-PT, TP-1873T, TP-UB36 34
TP-1873G 35
TP-30UTW-LAP 50.5
TP-36UTW-LAP 62
TOSP 27
TORP 48

Table 10. Plastic block chain /Pla Universal Chain

Model Guide Width
Gw mm
TPUN, TPUN-LH, TP-50UNS, TP-50UNS-D76 Note)1 58
TP-50UN-T95 53
RSP35 16
RSP40, RSP40-SL300 23
RSP50 25.5
RSP40-T-CU 34
RSP60, RSP60-CU 33
RSP60-2 63
RSP60-CU-2 66
RSP80 43
RSP50-SL350 Note)2 26

Note)

  • 1. We recommend a rail height of approximately 15 to 22 mm for the TPUN and TPUN-LH types.
  • 2. When receiving on the top plate surface, the guide width Gw is 24.
  • 3. The same model plastic pin type has the same guide width Gw as the stainless steel pin type.
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2-3. Installation of wearstrip on the curved section of the conveying side

2-3-1. Installation of curved wearstrip

・Treatment of the entrance

An end plate is attached to the straight wearstrip just before the entrance of the curved Plastic rail.

Entrance treatment

・Exit processing

Please chamfer the straight wearstrip immediately after the exit of the curved Plastic rail to prevent the chain from getting caught. (Please process wearstrip.)

Exit processing

2-3-2. Cross section of each chain and wearstrip

Cross section of each chain and wearstrip

The sprocket part is the same as TOSP.

Note: Please refer to here.

Note: Please refer to here.

Cross section of each chain and wearstrip
Cross section of each chain and wearstrip

The sprocket part is the same as the TOS type.

Note: Please refer to here.

Note: Please refer to here.

Note)

  • 1. We recommend using a corner disc for TPUSR, TPUN555, TPUN550-LH, TPUN535-LH, TP-UB36, TP-50UNS, and TP-50UNS-D76.
  • 2. For TTUP(T)-M and TTUPM838H types, please use the dedicated curved plastic Plastic rail with magnets.
    Please contact us regarding curved plastic Plastic rail with magnets.
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2-4. Layout of the straight section on return-way

The layout on return-way will vary depending on the type of chain, type and format of the conveyed material, route, etc., but a typical layout is shown below.

Layout on the straight return-way section
Return roller receiving method

This is the most common and recommended layout.

  • - Make sure the meshing angle of the chain with the sprocket is 150° or more.
  • - Pay attention to the rotation of the return roller.
    If the return roller is difficult to rotate, localized sliding may occur, generating Wear debris and causing uneven wear on the top plate.
    We recommend using high rotation return rollers or return rollers with bearings.
  • - If the chain speed is 50 m/min or more, dimension C must be 300 mm or less.
  • - The installation dimensions of the return roller should be B>C.
    If dimension C is at its maximum, transportation may become unsmooth.
    • A: 50 to 100 mm (during operation)
    • B：500～900mm
    • C：400～600mm
    • D: Sprocket outer diameter/2 or less

    This may vary depending on the chain type and transport conditions. Please consider this as a guideline.

    Note: Please see below for details.
Layout on the straight return-way section
float-preventive tabs sliding method

By using float-preventive tabs sliding on the top surface of the top plate can be eliminated.

It is particularly suitable for transport conditions where scratches on the top surface of the top plate must be avoided.

  • - Make sure the meshing angle of the chain with the sprocket is 150° or more.
    • A: 50 to 100 mm (during operation)
    • B：500～900mm

    This may vary depending on the chain type and transport conditions. Please consider this as a guideline.

    Note: Please see below for details.
Layout on the straight return-way section
Supported by wearstrip

If only a specific part of the top plate is subjected to the impact, uneven wear may occur.

wearstrip should be installed in a figure eight or wave shape so that it contacts the entire top plate, and the structure should allow foreign objects to fall off easily.

  • - Make sure the meshing angle of the chain with the sprocket is 150° or more.
    • A: 50 to 100 mm (during operation)
    • B：500～900mm

    This may vary depending on the chain type and transport conditions. Please consider this as a guideline.

    Note: Please see below for details.
Layout on the straight return-way section
Sliding shoe support system

Suitable for relatively slow speed conveying conditions (50m/min or less).

Generally suitable for accumulation chains (TTPDH-LBP) and Plastic Roller tables (ST, RT).

  • - Make sure the meshing angle of the chain with the sprocket is 150° or more.
    • A: 50 to 100 mm (during operation)
    • B：500～900mm
    • C：400～600mm

    This may vary depending on the chain type and transport conditions. Please consider this as a guideline.

    Note: Please see below for details.
Layout on the straight return-way section
Rail-only system

Although this is a rational layout, it does have the disadvantage that the sliding movement can scratch the top surface of the top plate.

Suitable for chains with a relatively large back bend radius.

  • - Make sure the meshing angle of the chain with the sprocket is 150° or more.
    - The bending radius at both ends of the rail must be equal to or greater than the back bend radius of the chain (see Table 11 below).
    • A: 50 to 100 mm (during operation)
    • B：500～900mm

    This may vary depending on the chain type and transport conditions. Please consider this as a guideline.
Layout on the straight return-way section
No support on return-way

The tension due to the approximate mass of return-way chain can cause vibrations, which can make conveyance uneven.

If this method is unavoidable due to a short conveyor conveyor length (1.5m or less), install a take-up mechanism on the driven side, or cut and connect and splice the chain when it stretches, and ensure that the meshing angle of the chain with the sprocket is 150° or more.

  • - Chain slack amount A should be approximately 10% of conveyor conveyor length B.

    Note: Please see below for details.

2-4-1.Return return-way layout details

- Received by return roller

  • - The return roller is an item that supports the top surface of the chain on return-way.
  • - When using return rollers, take into consideration the chain backbend radius in Table 11. We generally recommend that the chain backbend radius be equal to or less than the return roller radius, but if the backbend radius is up to about R300, it is possible to use it by keeping the chain slack small. However, it is not suitable for Plastic Roller tables or accumulation chains.
  • - To improve the rotational performance of the return roller, especially when using Plastic top chain, we recommend that the inner diameter:outer diameter ratio of the return roller be 1:4 or greater. Furthermore, the use of a soft material on the outer periphery of the return roller is effective in improving rotational performance with the TP-IR18, TP-IR60 (for dry conditions only), TP-C121963RNT-RR, TP-C121966RNT-RR, TP-C121967RNFT-RR, TP-C121970RNFT-RR, TP-RR61544-RB, TP-RR62032-RB, TP-RR62044-RB, TP-RR30850, and TP-RR41050 (for both dry and wet conditions).

Note: Use high rotation return rollers at chain speeds of 50 m/min or less.

Return roller receiving method

-float-preventive tabs sliding method (especially when you want to avoid scratches on the top surface of the slats)

float-preventive tabs sliding method

- Supported by wearstrip

Consider wear on the chain conveying surface and arrange wearstrip so that they contact evenly across the width of the chain. Avoid using a solid support and create a structure that allows foreign objects to fall off easily.

Supported by wearstrip

- Sliding shoe support system

Fix a Φ20 polished steel bar to the frame and attach the sliding shoe by snapping it onto the steel bar. At this time, use a set collar or similar to prevent the sliding shoe from swinging left and right.

The sliding shoe swings in accordance with the movement of the chain, using the steel bar as a fulcrum.

The ★ marks indicate holes for connecting sliding shoes lined up side by side on multiple strand conveyors.

Sliding shoe support system

Table 11. Chain backbend radius

type Chain Backbend
Radius mm
Plastic top /straight TTP 40
TTPT, TTPDH 50
TTPM 25
TPF, TPS 40
TP-OTD 50
TPH, TTPH 35
TPSS 50
TPM(-SN) 15
TPRF2040 380
TPRF2060 50
TN 100
TTPDH-LBP 400
Plastic blocks/straight and curved lines RSP35 80
RSP35-KV180 150
RSP40 125
RSP40-SL300 50
RSP40-T-CU 25
RSP50 155
RSP50-SL350 140
RSP60, RSP80 180
RSP-PO8PF 125
RSP-PO8PFT 125
RSP60-2 450
RSP60-CU 250
RSP60-CU-2 150
Stainless steel top/straight TT 180
TS, TSA, TS-CTP, TSA-HTP 330
type Chain Backbend
Radius mm
Plastic top /curve TTUP, TPU, TPU-USR, TTUPS 40
TTUPS-H 170
TTUPH 35
TTUP(T)-M, TPU(T)-LH, TPUH-BO, TPUS 50
TTUPM-P 20
TTUP-LLPC 70
TTUPM838H 100
TP-UB36, TTUPM-PC 30
TPUM 15
TPUSR826 25
TPUSR550 50
TP-36AK 75
TNU 100
TP-PT, PTS 150
TP-1873T 305
TP-1843G, 1873G -
TPUS-LBP 400
TPUS-Y-LAP 250
TP-30UTW-LAP 180
TP-36UTW-LAP 160
TPUN555, TPUN-LH 25
TP-50UNS 25
TP-50UNS-D76 -
TP-50UN-T95 500
TPCC 35
TORP, TOSP -
Stainless steel top/curved TTU 100
TTKU, TRU 300
TO, TU -

Note)

  • 1. "-" indicates a chain that (almost) never backbends.
  • 2. The back vent radius of the RSP60 before the model change was 450mm.
  • 3. The same type of plastic pin type has the same back bend radius as the stainless steel pin type.
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2-5. Layout of the straight section on return-way

2-5-1. Installation of curved Plastic rail return-way

On both ends of return-way curved Plastic rail, install return rollers or sliding shoes (TP-C14343T-SD) 50 to 150 mm away from the base to guide the chain.

Conveyor side cross section

Installation of curved Plastic rail return-way

2-5-2. Cross section of each chain and wearstrip

Cross section of each chain and wearstrip
Cross section of each chain and wearstrip

Note) Please use corner discs for TPUSR, TPUN550-LH, TPUN535-LH, TP-UB36, TP-50UNS, and TP-50UNS-D76.

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2-6. Curved section using corner discs on TPUSR chains

・TPUSR826

Curved section using corner discs for TPUSR chains

・TTPUSR550

Curved section using corner discs for TPUSR chains

(Explanation of symbols)

  • ・ R: Chain lateral bending radius (mm)
  • ・ R1: Corner disc outer radius (mm)
  • ・ R2: Inner radius of outer chain wearstrip (mm)
  • ・ R3: Inner circumference of the conveyor frame for fixing the outer wearstrip (mm)

For conveyors that use return rollers to support return-way straight section, be sure to install return rollers at the entrance and exit of corners to provide guidance, as shown in the diagram below.

Note: Recommended for use in dry conditions.

Floor plan
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2-7. TPUN-LH type conveyor design

2-7-1.When using wearstrip

- Rod-shaped rail

Bar rail

- Plate rail

Plate rail

2-7-2. When using corner discs

・Curve section

curved part

- Corner disc installation

Corner disc installation

- Curved section of vertical transport

To prevent the chain from coming off the corner disc, make sure the chain and corner disc are flush as they enter and exit the corner disc.

Curved section of vertical transport
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2-8. TPUH-BO type horizontal conveyor design

2-8-1. Sprockets and corner discs during horizontal transport

Horizontal transport

Horizontal transport

(Explanation of symbols)

  • ・ DO: Outer diameter of horizontal conveying sprocket (corner disc) (mm)
  • ・ R: Chain lateral bending radius (mm)
  • ・ R1: Inner radius of outer chain wearstrip (mm)

Note)

  • 1. For horizontal transport, install a mechanism to absorb chain elongation.
  • 2. When the chain wraps around the sprocket or corner disc during horizontal transport, the chain may move up and down slightly.

2-8-2. Installing the sprocket and corner disc shaft

- Horizontal transport sprocket installation

  • 1. press fit fit the hub with keyway TP-C12773T-HB onto the horizontal transfer sprocket TP-C12781LT-SPR.
  • 2. Fix the sprocket to the Φ25 shaft (with key), and finally insert the M8 screw.

- Corner disc installation

Corner disc installation
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​​2-9. Plastic Crescent Chain Conveyor Chain

wearstrip arrangement

This may vary depending on the space available, but please refer to the example below.

*When using TO-type stainless Top chain, please refer to the example below to confirm the chain dimensions when arranging wearstrip.

・Example of wearstrip installation (1)

・When using TOSP1143 + corner sprocket

Example of wearstrip installation

Please chamfer the entrance and straight rail immediately after the exit of the curved Plastic rail to prevent the chain from getting caught.

Note: If you are considering the PR-PH545-W, please contact us.

・Example of installation of wearstrip (2)

・When using TORP1143 + corner sprocket

Example of wearstrip installation

Please chamfer the entrance and straight rail immediately after the exit of the curved Plastic rail to prevent the chain from getting caught.

Note: If you are considering PR-PH1035-W, please contact us.

・Example of installation of wearstrip (3)

・When using TORP1143 + curved corner plastic Plastic rail

Example of wearstrip installation

Please chamfer the entrance and straight rail immediately after the exit of the curved Plastic rail to prevent the chain from getting caught.

Note: If you are considering PR-PH1035-W, please contact us.

Conveyor layout considerations

Be sure to install a take-up mechanism to absorb stretching caused by wear and temperature changes on the conveyor.

Please refer to the example below.

Conveyor layout considerations
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2-10. Conveyor extension

As the conveyor conveyor length increases, the chain tension increases and the strength becomes insufficient. In such cases, the conveyor is extended.

There are three ways to extend a conveyor, but the height relationship of the conveyor is important for smooth transfer of conveyed goods.

2-10-1. Parallel transfer

This is the most preferable method of transferring materials onto two parallel adjacent conveyors using only guides.

Parallel transfer
  • 1. The chain height should be the same or the chain on the sending side should be slightly higher.
  • 2. Guide channel should be smooth so that the transported items can be guided smoothly.

2-10-2. dead-plate (dead plate) crossing

This is a method of transferring conveyors using dead-plate (dead plate) when both conveyors are placed at right angles to each other.

dead-plate (dead plate) crossing
  • 1. dead-plate should be slightly lower than the height of the sending chain.
  • 2. The corners of dead-plate are chamfered to ensure smooth transport of goods.
  • 3. Install with care to avoid contact with the chain due to the up and down movement caused by the chordal action on the driven side of the chain on the receiving side.

2-10-3. Turntable delivery

Turntable delivery

A method of actively transferring transported items using a rotating disk (turntable).

Turntable height

  • - Make it slightly lower than the height of the chain on the conveying side.
    - Make it slightly higher than the height of return-way chain.

Chamfer the outer periphery of the turntable.

Generally, the center of the turntable is aligned near the center of the drive and driven sprockets, but to avoid the effects of chordal action, it is better to move only the center position (C) forward, which will eliminate the effects of up and down movement and make the turntable more stable.

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2-11. Important points to note when using heat-resistant, high-speed (KV) Top chain

2-11-1. When used at room temperature

  • 1. We recommend that wearstrip material be steel, steel (hard chrome plated and buffed), or stainless steel (cold-rolled material).
  • 2. Black Wear debris will be generated. Clean it regularly.
  • 3. Perform slow starts and slow stops.

2-11-2. When using at high temperatures

  • 1. We recommend using stainless steel (cold-rolled material) for wearstrip material.
  • 2. When fixing wearstrip, fix only one end, taking thermal expansion into consideration. Also, take thermal expansion into consideration when determining the gap between wearstrip.
    (Reference: Linear expansion coefficient of SUS304...1.8×10-5 /℃)

(Example) Fixing stainless steel wearstrip and gaps between wearstrip

When used at high temperatures

*... Applies to TTP-KV, TPS-KV, TTUP-KV, and TPU-KV. For RSP35(40/60)-KV, see Table 10 above.

Gap S when wearstrip length is 500 mm

Operating temperature ℃ 50 ～ 100 100 ～ 150 150 ～ 200 200 ～ 250
Gap S 1.5 2 2.5 3
  • 3. Standard steel sprockets can be used when the ambient temperature is below 150°C.
    For temperatures above 150°C, a special sprocket is required. Please contact us for details.
  • 4. When using multiple strand chains, the gap between the chains should be the following dimensions.
    When used at high temperatures
  • 5. Take-up is required to absorb thermal expansion of the chain. Always adjust the take-up after the chain has reached operating temperature.
    When lowering the temperature, be sure to loosen the take-up first.
  • 6. Black Wear debris will be generated. Clean it regularly.
  • 7. When starting up, use a slow start (using inverter control, etc.), and when stopping, use a slow stop.
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