Drop forged rivetless chain is the universal chain used in conveyor systems. Millions of feet are in use in thousands of different types of industrial plants throughout the world, giving steady, reliable service every day. Roughly 90% of all conveyor chain used with overhead trolleys is of the drop forged rivetless type. Over its life, it has replaced practically all other types of chain for this particular use.
There are three main components of drop forged rivetless chain: center links, side links, and pins. The simplicity of the design and construction of the chain makes it easy to replace links or sections without loss of time; assembling or disassembling is a simple, speedy operation. In addition to the main components, a variety of trolleys, attachments and pusher dogs can be used to fit the specific needs of a plant’s conveyor line.
A trolley is essentially a wheel that mounts to a conveyor chain to enable it to move on an I-beam or in a steel channel. The chain may be equipped with attachments to allow parts to attach to the conveyor line for processing. Pusher dogs are engaged at key points along the system to initiate specific events.
The parts of this chain are simply and quickly reversed without special tools or equipment to allow for assembly or disassembly of the chain to increase their life and lower the cost of replacement. Furthermore, the design and manufacture of the chain stops it from becoming disconnected while in operation. Installing the chain is also relatively simple. Normally, the chain will be shipped in ten-foot lengths, which are fed into the system. They are then connected to each other by the turn of a conveyor pin.
Drop forged rivetless chain can be used overhead, or on the floor. When used overhead, the chain hangs from an I-beam with the trolleys above, and the load below. Chain that is used on the floor is referred to as inverted, as the trolleys are below the chain, while the load rides above it. The chain is propelled by conveyor drives, which engage the chain and move it through the system. Because of its flexible design, rivetless chain will operate over irregular paths with both horizontal and vertical changes in direction.
There are differences between conveyor chains. The factors of metallurgy, accurate forging, precise broaching, and well-controlled heat treatment give the particular qualities to the drop forged rivetless chain. High carbon steel, high alloy steel and microtuff materials are all common metals used in its manufacture. There are also several finishes utilized in its making like zinc, dichromate, or black diamond. These finishes are applied to the chain to enable it to operate well in differing environments.
The chain comes in the sizes of X698, X578, X458 and X348. For heavy loads the large-sized chain is used, e.g. the X678 size of chain, which will ride in a 6-inch channel and may have a maximum tensile strength greater than 125,000 pounds. The light manufacturing processes can use the X348 chain, which moves along a 3-inch channel and usually has a maximum tensile strength below 40,000 pounds.
Due to its ability to meet a wide variety of needs, drop forged rivetless conveyor chain is an attractive choice to many manufacturing companies. Furthermore, its ease of use and low maintenance costs will continue to make it an important technology in many fields.
For more information about, or to buy Enclosed Track Chain, Conveyor Systems, or other conveyor related parts, please visit Wilkie Brother Conveyors.