roller chain mtrl

[marmon]

I am faced with a problem of making a custom roller chain. It is a 160 pitch chain, and the issue i have is with the roller material. Does anyone know what material is used in standard roller chain rollers?. It has a high Rc value, but must not shatter, and is hopefully readily available.
Thanks

 

[MOB1]

Many rollers from these chains are case carburised.

 

[marmon]

what would happen if i oil quench say 4140 htsr or 4150? to bring the Rc value up

 

[CoryPad]

As-quenched 4140 or 4150 would be prone to shattering. You could temper the quenched material to add toughness. Then, it is a trade-off between hardness (for wear resistance) and toughness (to prevent shattering).

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[marmon]

are there any materials readily available that you reccomend? Or a quenching process that may work better?
Thanks

 

[metengr]

Why don't you contact the folks below? There are a number of specifications for roller chains.

http://www.nacm.info/weldless.php

 

[marmon]

I was thinking that the weakest point on this chain is the pins. The pins are generally under pure shear load only, so if i can match the shear strength i should be ok, as the barrel takes the wear which will be harder say Rc45. The load points on the barrel are contained in the link, and as for the roller, As long as im tougher and harder than the QT-100 sprocket i should be fine? or do you disagree.

Current problems that exist are the rollers shattering. Expected chain life is 1 year at 80% run.
pins show a Rc of 40, And the roller Rc 50

 

[unclesyd]

As a user of many modified roller chains, all modified from the standard ANSI or Industrial types, I was wondering if your quantity and required modifications would make a modified factory supplied chain viable.

For a quick one off I have made some rollers from D2 Tool steel and Nitrided 17/4. The only problem is that you have to watch your lubrication using the standard pins and bushings.

 

[marmon]

this is a 160 based chain, but the roller length is longer than standard 160, to allow for heavier sprockets. Side link are made from 1/2"t-100. Also only 50' a year is required.

 

[unclesyd]

Have you looked into the possibility of Multiple Strand Chain in place of a special. This was everything is off the shelf.

http://www.diamondchain.com/files/Oilfield_black.pdf

 

[marmon]

I should have mentioned the links are burnt profiles that have a hook shape to the top edge, for gripping logs and feeding them into a machine. The chain is not for power transmission, but conveying. Ive looked at many attachments available and have found nothin as heavy or near the sample.

 

[unclesyd]

The chains I've seen for conveying logs have what is called a "dog link", the hook section. I've seen them made from a standard chain using extended pins. The dog links takes the place of a standard link. This dog links is on the outside of the normal links and usually adds about 1" to the chain width at each link. I've seen this done using both standard roller chain and bar linked conveyor chain.

 

[marmon]

if i can find a 2" pitch with 1.4375 roller length and 1.125" rollers and 1/2" side link id be set, but i bet its not gonna happen

 

[EdDanzer]

You might try using 4340 and carbo-nitride it and marquench to 50 RC. This will provide the highest surface hardness and the best toughness combined.
Where are you located at?

 

[unclesyd]

Don't play another man's game, so you will probably win your bet.

The 2" pitch is no problem.
The 1.125" dia. roller is no problem.
The 1/2" side link could be achieved by stacking plates.
The problem is the roller length without using a double roller or a multi strand arrangement.

Here are some leads on "Sharp Chain" you might want to checkout. The USNR site looks like they make the bigger stuff, the question is whether they can drop down to 2" pitch.

http://www.asmei.com/products/sharp_chain.asp

http://www.benjones.com/app/used_equipment/view/34805-6.php#view_image

http://www.usnr.com/prod/line.asp?line_id=435