Stainless steel is generally a material with excellent corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, and heat resistance. Tsubakimoto Chain offers the following types of products that take advantage of the advantages of stainless steel, and these products are used in a variety of industries and applications, primarily in the food machinery industry.

*We also offer Poly-steel chains that use plastic for inner links and stainless steel for outer links, and are lube-free, lightweight, and quiet.

Stainless steel Drive chain are more corrosion resistant than steel chains, but their strength (Maximum allowable load) is less than 1/8. For applications that require strength on a par with steel chains and excellent corrosion resistance, Surface treated drive chain with NP Series and NEP Series are used. (However, they do not have the corrosion resistance of stainless steel Drive chain.)
The features of each are described below.

	steel	NP	NEP
Appearance color	Dark Gray	Light Silver	Light Grey (Roller is dark grey)
strength ratio	100	85	100
Corrosion resistance	badgood
Strong Points	Versatile and inexpensive	Beautiful appearance Mild corrosion resistance	Excellent corrosion resistance, chromium-free and environmentally friendly (RoHS compliant)
Cons	Not suitable for applications where corrosion resistance is desired	Less strength than steel	Supported models are limited
Main uses	General transmission, hanging use	Office equipment and dedicated machines where appearance is important	Outdoor use and port-related use

*Strength ratio is an approximate value with steel being 100.

Lubrication is essential to prevent wear and tear on chains and extend their lifespan.
However, it seems that they are often used without being lubricated for the following reasons:

1. If you do not want the workpiece to become dirty due to oil splashes
2. To maintain a clean working environment
3. When lubricating is difficult or impossible due to location (e.g. high altitude, etc.)
4. Lubricating and maintenance are costly
5. Lubricating is a hassle

The solution to these problems is Lambda Chain (Lube-free chain), which can be used for a relatively long life without lubrication. The structure of Lambda Chain uses sintered oil-impregnated bearings in the bushings, as shown in the diagram on the left. Lubrication is obtained by impregnating oil into the pores of the porous sintered bushings, making it possible to use Lube-free. Since its release in 1988, Lambda Chain has been adopted in many industrial fields, contributing to reduced maintenance work, improved working environments, and increased productivity.

When Lambda Chain was first released, it was only available as single strand. Subsequently, due to numerous requests for a double-strand chain, it was added to the catalog and commercialized in 2001. However, please note that the dimensions, transmission capacity, and Maximum allowable load differ from those of RS roller chain.

*Three or more strands cannot be manufactured with Lambda Chain due to performance issues.

Generally, Lambda Chain are ideal for applications where lubrication is not desired or possible. If regular lubrication is possible RS roller chain can be expected to have a longer lifespan, so we recommend RS roller chain. (Even with Lambda Chain, proper lubrication can further extend their lifespan, as shown in the diagram below.)

<Lubrication instructions>

・Lubrication cycle

Because the bushings are originally oil-impregnated, the interval between initial oiling can be longer compared to RS roller chain, etc. (However, the lubrication cycle from the second time onwards is the same as RS roller chain, etc.) The most effective time to oil is before the chain begins to stretch rapidly (point A) in the diagram above; oiling after stretching has begun will not significantly extend the chain's lifespan. When brown wear debris appears between the plates, the bushings have already run out of oil. Although this will vary depending on the conditions of use, as a guideline, oiling should be done every 1 to 3 days.

・Oil type

Mineral or synthetic oils are fine, and extreme pressure hydraulic or gear oils are recommended.

·Viscosity

It depends on the conditions of use, but a general guideline is around ISO VG68 to 220.

<New product introduction>

We have commercialized a long-life Lambda Chain that has an even longer lifespan than the conventional Lambda Chain.

When using the chain in low temperatures, such as in a freezer,
1. Decrease in impact strength due to low-temperature brittleness
2. Lubricant solidification
3. Poor bending due to frost or ice buildup
This causes the following problem.
We have commercialized Cold resistant roller chain and cold resistant series Lambda Chain that can be used at low temperatures by changing the materials and heat treatment of general-purpose Drive chain and standard Lambda Chain.
Before using Cold resistant roller chain, fill the inside of the chain with cold-resistant oil or grease, and lubricate regularly.
cold resistant series Lambda Chain uses special oil-impregnated bush, allowing it to be used Lube-free.
Maximum allowable load at low temperatures for general-purpose Drive chain and Cold resistant roller chain is as follows:

*The method of attaching connecting links varies depending on the chain type. Please refer to the catalog for details.

Lubrication is extremely important in roller chain transmissions.
If lubrication is incomplete, the product may reach the end of its life in a very short period of time, which may lead to unexpected accidents. Please take special care with lubrication.
The recommended lubricants are listed below.

SAE Number

Lubrication type	AI・AII・B				C
	-10℃～0℃	0℃～40℃	40℃～50℃	50℃～60℃	-10℃～0℃	0℃～40℃	40℃～50℃	50℃～60℃
Small pitch below RS50	SAE10W	SAE20	SAE30	SAE40	SAE10W	SAE20	SAE30	SAE40
RS60・80	SAE20	SAE30	SAE40	SAE50
RS100					SAE20	SAE30	SAE40	SAE50
Large pitch of RS120 or more	SAE30	SAE40	SAE50

Chain wear occurs between the pin and bushing (resulting in pitch elongation), between the bushing and roller, between the outer plate and inner plate, and between the sprocket and roller.
Since there is very little space other than between the sprocket and roller, high viscosity grease does not penetrate to the necessary areas and provides almost no lubricating effect.
Use oil of approximately ISOVG32 to 220 for the chain (this varies depending on the operating temperature and chain size).
(For information on oil types, please refer to "Q8. What kind of lubricant should I use for my chain?")
Furthermore, when oiling, make sure to apply oil to the necessary areas on the slack side of the chain, in the gaps between the outer and inner plates, and between the bushings and rollers.
When using a chain for hanging purposes, there is no problem with using grease on parts that do not bend due to sprockets, etc., for the purpose of rust prevention.

(1) RS roller chain

When the chain articulate on the sprocket, the pins and bushes slide against each other, gradually causing wear on the outer periphery of the pin and the inner periphery of the bush. This causes the chain to elongate due to wear. As the chain elongates due to wear, it starts to climb up the ridges of the sprocket teeth, eventually causing tooth skipping and making it impossible to mesh.

[Chain elongation limit that causes tooth skipping]
The limit of chain elongation that causes tooth skipping varies depending on the number of teeth on the sprocket. As the number of teeth decreases, the limit of elongation increases in theory, but in practice this has many adverse effects, such as increased vibration and reduced strength, so the limit is set at 1.5% for chains with 60 or fewer teeth.

(2) Lambda Chain

The standard lifespan for Lambda Chain and Long Life Lambda Chain is approximately 0.5%. Unlike RS roller chain, these are used Lube-free, so replacement is required when the oil-impregnated sintered bushings run out of oil. This occurs when the elongation is approximately 0.5%. When the oil runs out, red wear debris will form between the plates and poor bending will occur, so use this as a guide for replacement.

[How to calculate wear elongation rate]
Chain elongation rate = (judgment dimension - reference length)/reference length x 100(%)
Reference length = chain pitch x number of links

After starting operation, chains elongate rapidly due to assembly distortion and initial break-in. This is called initial elongation, and elongation progresses more gradually thereafter. Initial elongation is normally around 0.1%, but most of our steel roller chains have initial elongation of 0.05% or less due to improved component precision and preloading after assembly.

(1) Main use cases

Excessive chain slack can cause chain vibration and noise, shorten the lifespan of both the chain and sprocket, cause tooth skipping, and in some cases lead to unexpected problems. A tensioner is used to prevent this. By adjusting the tensioner to an appropriate level and being careful not to overtighten it, the chain's power transmission function can be maintained for a long period of time.

(2) Precautions for use

1. Generally, the tensioner should be placed on the slack side of the chain. If forward and reverse operation is frequent, it is necessary to place it on both sides. In this case, please note that an overload will be applied to the tensioner. If you would like to use our chain tensioner, please consult us.

2. Placing the chain closer to the sprocket rather than the center of the span allows for a larger adjustment amount with a small movement. Generally, it is placed on the outside of the chain near the small sprocket. This also ensures the proper wrapping angle for the small sprocket.

3. When pressing with the tensioner, be careful not to let the chains come into contact with each other. The chain will pulsate, especially during operation, so adjust with some slack.

4. Make sure that the tensioner sprocket has at least three teeth that mesh together.

5. Generally, we recommend that the tensioner sprocket have the same number of teeth as the small sprocket.

When the chain engages with the sprocket, noise is always generated. The noise is generated from the following points:

<Location of occurrence>

1. The impact noise that occurs when the roller (of the chain) hits the sprocket's tooth root.
2. There is a gap between the roller and the bushing, and the roller vibrates elastically, causing noise.
3. Impact noise from outer links and inner links colliding.
4. Noise caused by sprocket vibration.
5. The sound of fluid (generally air or lubricating oil) being expelled from gaps in various parts.

<Measures>

A. Reduces collision energy.

- Reduce the chain speed.

- Increase the number of sprocket teeth.

- Use a smaller chain to reduce mass.

B. Provide a cushioning effect at the collision point.

- Lubricate the tooth roots of the sprocket teeth and the gaps in each part of the chain (between plates, between pins and bushes, and between bushes and rollers).

・Use engineering plastic rollers (transmission capacity will decrease).

- A low-noise Drive chain with spring rollers is used. Compared to RS roller chain (pre-lubed), noise levels are 6 to 8 dB lower (based on in-house testing).

Maximum allowable load of stainless steel chains is approximately 1/8 that of steel chains. This is because allowable tension is set differently as shown below.

RS roller chain (steel)
Maximum allowable load of RS roller chain is a value set based on the fatigue limit. If the load is below this value, RS roller chain will not break down due to fatigue even if repeated loads are applied. If the tension is within Maximum allowable load, the chain will wear out and reach the end of its life, unless it is used in a special environment. Furthermore, RS roller chain components are heat treated.

Stainless Steel Drive chain (SS Series)
Maximum allowable load of a stainless steel Drive chain (SS Series) is a value set based on wear performance. (Because the components are made of raw materials and are less hard than RS roller chain, wear resistance becomes an issue.) If tension exceeds this limit, the chain will wear out and stretch prematurely, and poor flexibility will occur due to adhesive wear between the pins and bushings.

<Chain speed fluctuations>

First, we will explain chain speed fluctuation, which is one of the causes of rotation unevenness. The chain meshes with the sprocket in a polygonal manner. Therefore, as shown in the diagram below, the height of meshing (radius from the center of the sprocket) is different when meshing at the tangent position of a circle and when meshing at the chord position. As a result, even if the drive sprocket rotates at a constant speed, the chain's traveling speed will vary by the radius ratio. The speed fluctuation rate is calculated using the following formula.

Speed fluctuation rate = (V2-V1)/V2=1-cos(180°/Z) (Z is the number of teeth)

Increasing the number of teeth results in smoother rotation and power transmission. We generally recommend 15 teeth or more.

<Uneven rotation>

Chain speed fluctuations and the properties of the sprocket cause rotational irregularities in the driven sprocket.Additionally, eccentric mounting errors in the sprocket and manufacturing errors in the chain and sprocket also have an effect.Increasing the number of teeth on the drive sprocket (using a larger diameter) will result in smoother transmission and less rotational irregularities.

To make things move in a linear or rotary manner, roller chains or gears are generally used, passing through a reducer from a driving source (such as a motor).
Winding transmission using roller chains requires a large space, while gears require precision machining, which increases costs, etc. In such cases, pin gear drive is ideal.
In pin gear drive, as shown in Figure 1, a chain with a pin gear attachment is wrapped around the outer periphery of a drum or table to form a wheel, and a sprocket with a special tooth profile (pin gear sprocket) is used instead of a pinion gear.
For linear motion, a chain with a pin gear attachment is attached in a straight line instead of a rack, as shown in Figure 2.

Based on the table above, pin gear drives are ideal for:
- Relatively large reduction ratios of 1:5 or more
- Applications where high rotational precision is not critical
- Low-speed operations (chain speed of 50 m/min or less)
​

RS roller chain single strand

Please refer to the table below as a standard guideline.

Lambda Chain single strand

Multi-roll (roller conveyors) can be driven by a single motor or a line shaft, but here we will introduce three common drive methods that use chains.
Please understand the characteristics of each and use them according to your needs.

(1) Parallel hanging type

〇Method
This is the most common drive method, in which a chain is wound around adjacent rolls, linking them from one shaft to the next, and then to the next shaft.

Advantages
- Chain can be easily replaced
· Wear and elongation is greater near the drive side, but it is possible to replace only that part.

〇Disadvantages
- Slack caused by wear and elongation cannot be adjusted. If there is a lot of slack, the chain will flap, the tension will increase, and it may ride up onto the sprocket. → A tensioner is required.
- Oiling is required for each chain.

(2) Rack type

〇Method
This is a type of rack system in which the chain runs in a straight line and engages with the sprockets. It is a simple system, although it is limited to use for light loads.

Advantages
- Curved chain allows use in corners
- There are no bending points, so the chain experiences little wear.

〇Disadvantages
· Not suitable for high speeds or heavy loads.
- Roller cracks are likely to occur.
・In principle, a pin gear sprocket is required, which makes it expensive.

(3) Cross chain drive

〇Method
Two sprockets are attached to each roll shaft, one is fixed to the shaft and the other is an idler (free-wheeling) with a bearing, and two chains are hung cross-wise. Each chain drives each of the roll shafts.

Advantages
- The load is shared by two chains, making the chain small and compact.
- Chain slack can be adjusted and oiled in one place.
· No problem with using it in both forward and reverse directions.

〇Disadvantages
・Partial chain replacement is not possible.
・Sufficient winding angle may not be obtained depending on the mounting interval and number of sprocket teeth.
・Installation width becomes larger.

Chains are mechanical components used in a wide variety of applications, and to ensure performance and compatibility, international and national standards have been established. Some of these standards are listed below (as of January 2007).

Tsubakimoto Chain's transmission and conveyor chains are all RoHS compliant.

What is the RoHS Directive?
This is a European (EU) regulation that prohibits the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment in order to prevent harmful effects on people and the natural environment. RoHS is an abbreviation for "Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment".

If you are making a chain with an odd number of links, you will need an offset link (half link).
There are three types of offset links: 1-pitch offset links (OL) made up of one link, 2-pitch offset links (2POL) made up of multiple links, and 4-pitch offset links (4POL).

(1) Types of offset links (OL)

(2) Points to note when arranging 2POL and 4POL

Formation when you want to use 2POL with a total length of 9 links

Example: Using MCJL and 2POL, total length 9L
Main body x 5L, MCJL x 2, 2POL x 1
Number of links, end link designation: +9L-MCJMCJ2O

Formation for when you want to use 4POL with a total length of 11 links

Example: When using FSJL and 4POL, total length 11L
Main body x 5L, FSJL x 2, 4POLX 1
Number of links, end link designation: +11L-FSJFSJ4O

Unless the connecting link is shipped assembled into the main body, it is usually shipped with only a light anti-rust oil applied. This is because applying lubricant with the same viscosity as the main body to the connecting link may reduce workability when the customer cuts or connects it. If the connecting link is used in the condition it was shipped in, it may wear out early due to insufficient lubrication. When assembling the connecting link into the main body, be sure to apply lubricant to the pin and bushing before assembling it into the main body. For 2POLs where the pin and bushing are already assembled, lubricate them as shown in the diagram below.

*2POL lubrication position

The names used to indicate roller chain sizes have not changed significantly since 1966. However, new product names may be added due to expansion of specifications and the lineup, so please check each product page.

Although the current product has the same shape as the original product, its performance has been significantly improved. Please contact us for the design documents from that time or if you would like to replace it.

(1) When the chain pulsates, the tensioner rod moves in and out in reaction, sliding against the main body. This accelerates wear on the rod and main body, so please lubricate them during this time.

(2) The tensioner will be severely damaged in a dusty or corrosive environment. Avoid using it in such an environment.

(3) Avoid using the tensioner in cases where a thrust force is applied to it, such as in vertical drive, and where severe load fluctuations are applied, such as in forward and reverse operation, as this may cause severe damage to the tensioner.

The Tsubaki chain tensioner has two built-in coil springs in its main body, and the elasticity of these coil springs is used by the idler sprocket or plastic shoe attached to the end to press against the chain, adjusting the slack. Below is the formula for the relationship between the displacement of the idler sprocket or plastic shoe and the pressing force acting at that time. Please use this as a guide when installing and adjusting.

◆TCS type (swing type)

・Applied pressing force F(kN)
Displacement (swing angle) δ(°)
・Gravity acceleration G=9.80665(m/s ²)

〇CT-TCS40, CT-TCS50
F = (0.26 x δ + 0.8) x G x10 ^-3
Pressing force range: 0 to 0.15 (kN)

〇CT-TCS60, CT-TCS80
F = (0.95 x δ + 1.5) x G x10 ^-3
Pressing force range: 0 to 0.39 (kN)

◆ETS type and TA type (direct acting type)

・Applied pressing force F(kN)
Displacement (swing angle) δ(°)
・Gravity acceleration G=9.80665(m/s ²)

〇CT-ETS40, CT-ETS50, CT-TA40
F = (0.8 x δ + 8.4) x G x10 ^-3
Pressing force range: 0.10 to 0.25 (kN)

〇CT-ETS60, CT-ETS80, CT-TA50, CT-TA60
F = (1.36 x δ + 19.1) x G x10 ^-3
Pressing force range: 0.15 to 0.39 (kN)

When using the optional brush on the roller chain lubricator (SFM68), if it is installed facing upwards, the oil will not reach the tip of the brush. Use it facing downwards rather than horizontally. If you are not using a brush and are installing the piping, the layout is free for the orientation of the lubricator body, such as facing downwards, upwards, or sideways. However, the length of the piping must be less than 0.5 m, the inside diameter must be at least 6 mm, and the route must not be divided.

The lubricant filled in the roller chain lubricator (SFM68) meets the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) Federal Regulations 21 CFR 178.3570*1 and has been H1*2 certified by the NSF (U.S. National Public Health Foundation), and is a lubricant whose safety has been confirmed. It contributes to "improving safety" in your product liability measures and HACCP*3 systems.

〇Safety
Vegetable oil-based lubricants > Liquid paraffin > Lubricants for food machinery (our SFM68 corresponds to this) > Synthetic oils and special products ≧ Industrial lubricants

Lubricant performance (lubricity, extreme pressure, heat resistance, oxidation stability, rust prevention, etc.)
Synthetic oils and special products > Food machinery lubricants (our company's SFM68 corresponds to this) ≧ Industrial lubricants > Liquid paraffin > Vegetable oil-based lubricants

*1 Lubricants that accidentally come into contact with food are classified as "indirect food additives," and as a result of rigorous safety testing, the substances that may be used to make lubricants and their allowable concentrations are specified in detail.

*2 Food machinery lubricants made from FDA-approved ingredients and certified as "usable for lubrication points that may accidentally come into contact with food." In addition to H1, there is also H2, which is considered "a lubricant that is not likely to come into contact with food, but is recommended for use in food factories." In other words, it cannot be used in places where it may come into contact with food.

*3 HACCP is an abbreviation for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, which is a safety and hygiene management method.
<References... ExxonMobil Food Machinery Lubricant Catalog and technical data >

The gas generator (battery-powered gas generator), which is the switch for the roller chain lubricator (SFM68), can be turned on and off.
However, there is a time lag before the oil is discharged, and it takes at least one day, so it is not suitable for frequent ON/OFF switching. If the machine will be stopped for an extended period of time, set it to OFF (dial memory "0").

[The gas generator has a lifespan of three years from the date of manufacture. If the machine will be stopped for an extended period of time, please be careful not to exceed this lifespan. Details are given in the catalog and Instruction Manuals.]

Normally, to measure chain wear elongation, you would use a vernier caliper or a tape measure to check the amount of elongation. For RS Roller Chains, BS Roller Chains, and Leaf Chains, we have a commercially available "chain wear measurement scale" that allows you to easily determine whether the chain has reached the end of its life. (The amount of elongation cannot be measured.)

​The end bolts, End fixture for use in hanging applications, are available in sizes RS40EB to RS120EB in the catalog. However, we can also accommodate special orders for other sizes upon request. Please contact us for details.

Disassembly of a chain can be done with standard tools, provided you have a grinder, vise, and punch. We also offer chain-specific disassembly tools that are easier to use and more convenient. For more information, please see Drive Chain Accessories page.

When using the roller chain horizontally (for trolley towing, pin gears, etc.) or vertically (for hanging, etc.), make sure that the load of the roller chain is applied to the center of the end bolt. Never use the roller chain in a way that causes the direction of the load acting on the center of the end bolt to differ from that of the roller chain (such as when a bending load is applied) or when a torsional load is applied. For other usage precautions, please refer to the usage precautions listed in the catalog.

The quality of sprocket installation not only affects the smooth transmission and transport of the chain, but also determines the lifespan of the chain and sprocket.
Please refer to the "Installation of sprockets" section in our catalogue and adjust the levelness and parallelism of the shafts, as well as any misalignment between the pair of sprockets.
We have commercialized the Easy Laser EL-D90-BTA Compact, which uses a laser beam to easily adjust the centering of sprockets.