月: 2023年1月

What Is a Universal Joint?

A universal joint is a joint that connects two rotating shafts or pipes. enabling them to rotate freely even when the shafts are not concentric (meaning their longitudinal centers are not the same) or when there is an angle between them. The term “universal joint” is also used as a synonym.

For example, drive shafts that transmit power are installed in a limited installation space, so there are cases where the shafts cannot be concentric with each other. By using a universal joint, a drive shaft and a driven shaft can be connected.

Uses of Universal Joints

Universal joints are used in situations where two rotating shafts or tubes cannot be joined concentrically due to structural or installation space limitations.

Examples of universal joints include propeller shafts and drive shafts in automobiles, steering wheels, steering shafts, and steering gearboxes.

Universal joints are also used when pipes are not concentric with each other but are at an angle.

Principle of Universal Joints

In universal joints, the shaft centers of the two pipes are inclined at an angle α. When shaft 1 (drive side) rotates at a constant angular velocity ω1, shaft 2 (driven side) rotates at an angular velocity ω2, calculated by the following equation:

(θ = angle of rotation of shaft 1)
 ω2=(COS α / (1-SIN2 θ x SIN2 α)) x ω1

Between Shafts 1 and 2 of a single universal joint, the speed increase and decrease are repeated every half revolution, and constant speed rotation is not achieved. Therefore, when a single universal joint is used, it is used only for applications where this unequal speed is not so important.

When three shafts, shaft 1, shaft 2, and shaft 3, are arranged in the same phase in a row with two universal joints, this unequal velocity is canceled out between Shaft 1 and Shaft 3, resulting in constant velocity.

Typical types of universal joints are as follows:

1. Cardan-Type Shaft Joint

This type of joint consists of two shafts that are split at one end (U-shape), and a metal fitting with pins arranged in a cross shape is inserted in the two shafts. 

2. Barfield-Type Shaft Coupling

One shaft incorporates an “outer race” and the other an “inner race.” Grooves are machined on the inner surface of the outer race and the outer surface of the inner race, which are connected by both races, for the placement of steel balls.

The movement of the steel balls allows the transmission of rotational speed even if the shafts are angled toward each other. Even when the Barfield-type shaft coupling is used singly, shafts 1 and 2 rotate at a constant speed.

What Is a Self-Locking Nut?

A self-locking nut is a nut with a function or mechanism to prevent loosening.

It is also commonly referred to as a lock nut. Tightened nuts can loosen due to vibration, impact, thermal expansion, and other factors. Therefore, there are various methods to prevent loosening of screws.

For example, there are double nuts in which two nuts are stacked on top of each other, spring washers or toothed washers are inserted between the nut and the object to be tightened, and adhesives are applied to the threaded part. A self-locking nut, on the other hand, can prevent loosening with only one part, and its advantage is that it is easy to install.

Uses of Self-Locking Nuts

Figure 1. Examples of the use of anti-loosening nut

Self-locking nuts are used in locations where loosening of bolts and nuts can cause damage or accidents. Examples include automobiles, aircraft, railroad cars, bridges, and buildings. Most of these products have the potential for damage or accidents due to loosening bolts and nuts that could cause them to fall off.

Other applications include swing chain suspension shafts at playgrounds in parks and frame fixation parts of training machines in gymnasiums.

Principle of Self-Locking Nuts

Figure 2. Principle of tightening and loosening with screws

When a bolt or nut is tightened on a fastened object, the object is subjected to a compressive force (pinching force), while the bolt shaft is subjected to a tensile force that is repelled by the object. This tensile force generates a frictional force between the bolt/nut’s seating surface (the surface in contact with the object to be fastened) and the object to be fastened, and the screw is fixed.

In this state, the following three frictional forces work and interact with each other.

• The frictional force between the male screw and the female screw.
• The frictional force between the fastened object.
• The frictional force between the bolt/nut seat and the object to be fastened.

When this frictional force is lost for some reason, it is called “screw loosening.” An example is shown below.

• The frictional force decreases due to distortion or indentation of the bolt/nut seating surface or the surface of the fastened object in contact with the seating surface.
• Vibration reduces the axial force, which in turn reduces the frictional force between the male and female threads.
• The frictional force is lowered due to the penetration of oil or other lubricating substances between the male thread and the female thread.

Types of Self-Locking Nuts

Figure 3. Types of anti-loosening nuts

There are several types of self-locking nuts, depending on their shape and self-locking method. Since each has its own characteristics and suitable application, it is often the case that they are used differently depending on the cause of loosening.

Figure 4. Types and shapes of anti-loosening nuts (1)

Figure 5. Types and shapes of anti-loosening nuts (2)

Other Information About Self-Locking Nuts

1. Application of the Wedge Principle

Figure 6. Principle of the wedge

Self-locking nuts apply the wedge principle to prevent “screw loosening” as described above.

By eccentrically aligning the center axes of the two nut holes and tightening the nuts with a conical concave-convex fit between them, a large frictional force is generated on the conical surfaces of the nuts to prevent loosening of the screw. An example of a product is the “hard lock nut,” which can be used repeatedly. 

2. Increased Frictional Force With Screw Threads

Figure 7. Principle of friction ring locknut

A metallic spring-effect ring is attached to the top surface of the nut and contacts the male thread of the bolt to increase frictional force, thereby creating a self-locking nuts effect. Generally, this is a “friction ring locknut,” and product examples are called “U nuts.”

Friction ring locknuts have excellent heat and earthquake resistance. An example of such a product is the ‘nylon insert lock nut. Other examples include the “flange nut,” which has a higher frictional force on the seating surface to prevent loosening, and the “grooved nut,” which is secured by a pin that passes through the nut and bolt to prevent loosening.

What Is a Reactor?

Reactors, electrical components comprising copper wire coiled around an iron core, leverage electromagnetic induction. These devices slow the rate of current changes within a system by generating a larger back electromotive force (EMF) as the self-inductance increases. Given their simple construction, reactors are integral in power electronics and high-power electronics sectors. They are frequently paired with capacitors to manage tidal currents effectively.

Uses of Reactors

Reactors find their applications primarily in controlling power systems and driving power equipment.

1. For Power System Control

Reactors play a crucial role in managing reactive power within power systems, essential for reducing system currents and minimizing stress on electrical infrastructure. They correct advanced phases under light loads, such as at night, preventing high-voltage failures. Reactors also mitigate harmonic distortions that threaten capacitors by being serially connected, thus enhancing system reliability.

2. For Power Equipment Drive

In power equipment drives, reactors limit current to absorb excitation inrush currents, eliminate inverter noise, and improve power factors, being serially integrated into the circuit.

Principle of Reactors

The reactor’s design is remarkably simple, comprising a copper wire coil, an internal iron core, and insulation filler. Post-winding, the coil is varnished for insulation. The iron core, usually made from silicon steel sheet or ferrite, enhances the reactor’s inductance. Insulation filler varies between oil in wet reactors and resin in dry types, providing insulation and cooling. Dry types are compact and flame-retardant, though more expensive.

Structure of Reactors

Reactors are classified based on their construction and application. Iron core reactors are preferred for high inductance needs, whereas air-core reactors are chosen to minimize loss. DC reactors are utilized in inverter rectifier circuits to suppress phase shifts and harmonics. In contrast, AC reactors address harmonics from inverter outputs.

Types of Reactors

Various reactor types cater to specific applications. Current-limiting reactors suppress inrush and short-circuit currents during equipment startups, protecting the system. Arc-extinguishing reactors prevent arc currents in overhead power lines due to faults. Compensation reactors cancel surge currents from earth faults in underground lines. Shunt reactors adjust AC power phases at substations, improving power factors for loads with advanced phases.

What Is a Rivet?

Rivets are used for joining materials together.

They are easy to install, provide a strong joint, and maintain their grip even under vibration, offering consistent tightness comparable to bolt-nut connections. Rivets, however, are permanent fixtures that can only be removed by drilling them out.

Rivets have a slender rod-like body with a head, and when driven, the excess part of the rod is trimmed automatically. Rivets can be applied from one side, making them suitable for use in hard-to-reach places.

Uses of Rivets

Rivets are versatile, used in applications ranging from the construction of ships and aircraft to everyday items like cookware. They are also used to join metal plates and meshes in industrial machinery.

In building construction, rivets provide secure joints for large beams and facades, ensuring stability without compromising the building’s appearance.

Features of Rivets

Understanding the advantages and limitations of riveting is crucial for selecting the most appropriate joining method for your needs.

Pros

Riveting is straightforward, making it accessible to beginners with proper guidance. The connection it forms is durable and resistant to loosening. Rivets ensure safety by holding firm unless the base material is compromised. They can be removed by drilling out the rivet, which focuses heat at the tip, sparing the base material from damage.

Disadvantages

Rivets, typically made from heavy metals like copper and stainless steel, can add significant weight to a product. Drilling holes in curved or tubular bases is challenging, limiting their use to flat materials. The protruding heads of rivets may be visually unappealing, making them less suitable for design-centric applications.

How to Use Rivets

To install rivets, pre-drill a hole matching the rivet’s diameter. Insert the rivet into the hole, and the riveting tool will trim the excess portion as it is driven in. The tool can be reset for the next rivet by removing the trimmed part.

Riveting works by pulling a ball attached to the rivet’s tip upwards, deforming the rivet. This deformation secures the rivet in place by clamping the material between two plates, one in front and one behind the material.

Riveting tools include manual hand riveters, electric riveters, and pneumatic riveters, with the latter two options significantly reducing labor and time for large-scale applications.

Types of Rivets

There are mainly three types of rivets: blind rivets, hollow rivets, and resin rivets.

1. Blind Rivets

Blind rivets are widely used because they can be installed from one side. The fastening pressure is lower compared to solid rivets of the same diameter. They are user-friendly, even for beginners, offering a strong fastening solution with a broad range of sizes and standards, making them ideal for DIY projects.

2. Hollow Rivets

Hollow rivets have a lightweight, hollow shaft. Although requiring special tools for installation, they are used in diverse applications, from school bag parts to office supplies. They allow for the selection of an appropriate shape and standard for specific needs.

3. Resin Rivets

Made from soft resin, these rivets are utilized for joining plastic components in vehicles and motorcycles. They are easy to dispose of without the need for separation and can be installed without special tools, making them convenient for DIY projects and beginners.

What Is a Remote Sensor?

A remote sensor is an essential detection device in remote sensing technology, enabling the investigation of objects without direct contact.

Various remote sensors have been developed to detect various parameters such as temperature, humidity, and other conditions. Their performance continues to evolve daily with the development of sensor elements.

Remote sensors are employed in satellites, which have garnered significant attention recently. They must adhere to stringent specifications, encompassing detection performance, durability, heat resistance, and other requirements specific to the non-Earth environment.

Uses of Remote Sensors

Remote sensors are often used in places and environments where they must be remote, so durability is an especially important requirement.

Remote sensors are used to measure temperatures in various locations, including forests, agricultural lands, polar regions such as the North and South Poles, as well as at sea and on Earth’s surface.

Remote sensors are also used to measure cloud cover, rain intensity, and the eye of the typhoon in the air, which are important factors in weather forecasting, and the information obtained is valuable.

In addition to numerical information such as temperature and humidity obtained using sensors, many other types of information, such as camera images, are also being obtained using sensors.

Characteristics of Remote Sensors

Remote sensing is a technology that can only be realized when it is possible to provide remote sensors, which are important terminal devices, as well as the technology to transport the information signals obtained, and the power supply to the remote devices.

Information obtained by remote sensors includes temperature and humidity, which are typical environmental factors, wind speed, wind direction, and rainfall, which are valuable sources of information for weather forecasting, as well as camera images at fixed points.

Additionally, satellites are used to gather information, including river and dam water levels crucial for mapping, as well as elevation data and tidal currents essential for fisheries.

Furthermore, information obtained from satellites, which are subject to harsh environmental conditions, is regarded as extremely valuable information that cannot be obtained without remote sensors and is mainly acquired by observation satellites.

The sensors used in earth observation satellites include optical sensors, which obtain a variety of information such as temperatures on the earth’s surface and at sea, and microwave sensors, which obtain various types of information from reflected electromagnetic waves.

What Is a Ball Joint Linkage?

Ball joint linkages are spherical bearings that include a stud.

These components are also known as ball joints, rod ends, rod-end bearings, spherical rod ends, and spherical plain bearings.

Uses of Ball Joint Linkages

Ball joint linkages, serving as spherical sliding bearings, feature a minimal clearance at the ball portion for smooth motion. They facilitate link motion mechanisms to connect and transmit motion between components that exhibit rotational or oscillating movements.

Applications include machine tools, textile machinery, packaging machinery, robots, and other scenarios requiring large oscillating angles. Additional uses include aircraft, construction and civil engineering machinery such as tractors, agricultural machinery like combine harvesters, and shield machines for tunnel excavation.

Oil-free variants are extensively used in food-related machinery. Automobile suspensions and steering systems are common applications as well.

Principle of Ball Joint Linkages

Ball joint linkages consist of a shank with a ball and a holder that secures the ball, supporting rotational or oscillating motions of the shank with spherical surfaces in contact. This configuration functions as a spherical plain bearing.

The holder end, which can have male or female threading, is attached to the end of a connecting rod or similar component. It serves to fasten or connect two parts, allowing relative displacement through a spherical sliding structure, providing a degree of freedom in rotation or tilt.

The distance and angle of the linkage mechanism can be adjusted by the threaded depth of the ball joint linkage and connecting rod.

Types of Ball Joint Linkages

1. Classification by Shank Orientation

Ball joint linkages feature a threaded shank welded to the ball.

• In-line: Shank and holder are coaxial.
• Angle: Shank and holder are perpendicular.

These self-aligning spherical plain bearings allow for tilting, pivoting, low-torque rotation, and smooth power transmission across a wide range of automation equipment.

2. Classification by Load Direction

The axial direction of the ball joint linkage’s shank experiences push load against the holder and pull load away from it. The suitability of a ball joint linkage for these load directions varies as shown below.

Type of Ball Joint Linkage	Axial Direction	Radial Direction
In-line	×	〇
Angle	〇	×

〇: Applicable ×: Not applicable

3. Classification by Material and Manufacturing Method

The ball joint linkage utilizes a high-precision steel ball welded to a threaded steel shank. The holder material is often a high-strength aluminum alloy for wear resistance and lightweight properties.

The spherical part of the holder is formed by encasing the ball during die casting and welding the shank and ball together. This design ensures full contact between the ball and holder for spherical transfer and smooth motion with minimal gap.

4. Lubrication

Ball joint linkages are crafted from finely machined, wear-resistant materials to ensure smooth movement. Despite this, metal-to-metal contact inevitably leads to wear, mitigated by lubrication with grease or similar substances for sustained operation and wear resistance. The shank area of the holder is protected with a rubber boot to prevent the ingress of dust and water, making it suitable for outdoor use.

What Is a Rare Earth Metal?

The definition of a Rare Earth Metal is not clear, but it is a general term for metals that are scarce in the earth’s crust, difficult to extract for economic or technological reasons, or important to secure in a stable manner in industry.

The major Rare Earth metal-producing countries are Australia, China, Russia, and South Africa, and the global competition for rare metals is heating up.

Other metals that are produced in large quantities and used in various materials, such as iron, copper, and aluminum, are called base metals. Eight elements, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, are rare, corrosion resistant, and are called precious metals.

Uses of Rare Earth Metals

Rare earth metals are employed to enhance the corrosion resistance, melting point, and strength of materials due to their unique properties such as corrosion resistance, heat resistance, ferromagnetism, and superconductivity.

Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are used as cathode materials in batteries. Neodymium and dysprosium are used as powerful permanent magnets in PC HDDs, electric vehicle drive motors, and home appliances. Tantalum is used in capacitors for circuit boards inside electrical appliances, and tungsten is used in tools due to its hardness.

Indium is an essential element in making transparent electrodes for LCD panels. Niobium is used in superconducting magnets for linear motor cars, where extremely low temperatures are involved, and in alloys for engine nozzles in rocket satellites, which are subjected to very high temperatures. Gallium has led to improvements in energy conversion efficiency through the development of LEDs and power transistors.

Rare earth metals have a variety of applications but are rarely used alone. They are usually added to base metals and alloyed to achieve their functions.

Characteristics of Rare Earth Metals

Rare earth metals have the common characteristics of strengthening structures and adding new functions to materials by adding them to base metals.

Tantalum is a metal with high dielectric constant, excellent corrosion and acid resistance, and good workability, and is therefore used in capacitors inside electrical appliances.

Tungsten has excellent properties such as hardness and heat resistance at high temperatures, so it is processed into metal parts for tools that are expected to be used in harsh environments.

Although tungsten is an extremely useful Rare Earth Metal, it also poses the problem of frequent imbalances between supply and demand. When the supply/demand balance is disrupted, prices fluctuate wildly and have a significant impact on industrial activities.

Like petroleum, rare earth metals are also resources that are at risk of depletion; by 2050, many types of metals will have exhausted their existing reserves, and there are concerns that demand for some rare metals, such as indium, will far exceed the amount of reserves available.

In recent years, to address this supply/demand balance, recycling technologies have been developed to extract rare earth metals from the urban mining resources accumulated above ground.

Rare Earth Metals Recycling Technology

There are growing expectations for technologies to extract rare earth metals from urban mines. Advantages of recycling include the following:

• The extractable amount is clear, and there is no need for exploration.
• Rare earth metals are generally of higher quality than natural ores because of their intensive use in processing.
• There is significant potential for resource and energy conservation in terms of mining and refining.

Extraction of metals from urban mines generally involves the process of “dismantling and component separation” → “extraction of target materials and materialization”.

Urban mine development has great potential and is becoming an important issue for Japan, a country with limited natural resources. Efforts are being developed to recover used cell phones and small electronic devices and extract rare earth metals from them. However, the following challenges persist:

Dispersion

Cell phones and other billion small electronic devices are dispersed throughout the hands of individual consumers, making it difficult to put them in the recycling process unless they are collected efficiently.

Waste

Even if rare earth metals are contained in small electronic devices in high purity, a large part of them are other materials such as plastics, and effective use of materials other than rare earth metals must be considered.

Cost

One cell phone contains only about 75 cents of rare earth metals, and we must develop a technology (mechanism) to separate, extract, and recover rare earth metals at a lower cost than this.

What Is Rayon?

Rayon is a chemical fiber manufactured from wood and other plant materials.

It is a counterpart to natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk, and wool. The history of rayon is said to have begun around the late 1800s. At that time, rayon was made from silkworms and other naturally occurring fibers, but silkworms were often in short supply, and research into the production of artificial fibers from plant materials was actively conducted to cope with this situation.

Before rayon was developed, acetate (cellulose acetate) and copper ammonium rayon (Cupra) were developed. However, the former was shiny and beautiful but difficult to dye, and the latter was expensive because it used cotton as a raw material.

In response to the demand for inexpensive fibers, C.F. Cross, E.J. Bevan, and C. Beadle in England developed a process that used wood pulp, a cheaper raw material than cotton. In the 1900s, industrialization began, and rayon is now used in many countries around the world.

Uses of Rayon

The main uses for rayon as a fiber are for interior goods, such as sheets, curtains, clothing, and underwear, as well as for clothing. Since rayon is said to have a feel similar to silk, it is often used in clothing that is thin and has a particular feel to the skin, and it also has the advantage of being inexpensive to manufacture.

Although mostly used for clothing, rayon is also used for tire cords that form the framework of tires and surgical tools, making it an indispensable material in industry.

Properties of Rayon

Rayon is mainly composed of cellulose, which is abundant in plants. It is classified as a regenerated fiber among synthetic fibers because cellulose is chemically treated to form a solution and then regenerated into fiber.

Rayon is a polymer like polyester and nylon, but its degree of polymerization is about 300, which means that its molecular weight is smaller than that of synthetic fibers. Since it is produced from naturally derived raw materials, it has the property of being decomposed by microorganisms in nature.

Characteristics of Rayon

Rayon’s advantages include its pleasant texture, luster, easy dyeing and excellent coloring properties, excellent draping properties, and heat resistance. Another advantage is its high antistatic property, which reduces the generation of static electricity.

In particular, its air permeability and moisture absorbency make it suitable for lining not only summer clothes but also winter clothes. On the other hand, its disadvantages are that it is weak against water and becomes extremely weak when it absorbs moisture, shrinks easily when washed, and has low dimensional stability. These are characteristics different from those of synthetic fibers, so care must be taken in daily handling.

Types of Rayon

When labeling fibers, if the average degree of polymerization is 450 or higher, the fiber is labeled as Rayon, RAYON, or polynosic. In all other cases, the fiber is labeled as Modal, or RAYON.

Polynosic is the name for fibers with a high degree of polymerization and high crystallinity among Rayon fibers. Polynosics are strong, water-resistant, and dimensionally stable. It is also characterized by its firmness and elasticity compared to Rayon, and by its ability to produce fine denier fibers.

Modal, a fiber registered as a trademark by the Australian company Lenzing, is also classified as Rayon. It is labeled as Rayon (Modal) on fiber labels. Modal is made from beechwood, making it more water-resistant and stronger than rayon, which is made from a mixture of several types of wood.

Other Information on Rayon

How Rayon Is Manufactured

Rayon is manufactured by dissolving alkali-treated cellulose material in carbon disulfide and spinning it in an acidic solution such as sodium sulfate. The solution dissolved in carbon disulfide is called viscose, and rayon is sometimes described as viscose rayon or viscose fiber.

When it was first developed, rayon had the fatal disadvantages of weak tensile strength and flammability, but from later research, the disadvantages were overcome by adding additives during rayon production, as it was made into a fiber. Therefore, rayon today is a fiber that possesses the characteristics of both natural and synthetic fibers.

What Is a Wrench?

A wrench is a tool designed for twisting bolts, nuts, and similar fasteners. Known as “spanner” in British English, it varies by region in terminology but serves the same function globally. In Japan, the term “spanner” specifically refers to open-ended wrenches, while “wrench” covers other types.

Wrenches are indispensable in numerous applications, from automotive repair to furniture assembly, offering a range of shapes and sizes for different purposes.

Use of Wrenches

Primarily, wrenches are used to tighten or loosen screws and bolts. They are crucial for tasks like bicycle assembly, furniture setup, car repairs, and plumbing maintenance, with certain wrenches designed for specific tasks.

Principle of Wrenches

Wrenches operate on the leverage principle, amplifying a small force applied by the user to generate a greater force on the bolt or nut, making it easier to tighten or loosen with minimal effort.

Types of Wrenches

Wrenches come in various types, each suited to different tasks:

• Torque Wrench: Measures the torque applied to a bolt, preventing over-tightening.
• Box Wrench: Features an angled tip for working in tight spaces.
• Monkey Wrench (Adjustable Wrench): Adjustable opening to fit various bolt sizes.
• Combination Wrench: Combines a spanner and box wrench in one tool.
• Impact Wrench: Designed for use with a hammer to apply additional force.
• Hexagonal Wrench: For hexagonal socket screws, often L-shaped.
• Ratchet Wrench: Incorporates a ratchet mechanism for efficient tightening.
• Crowfoot Wrench: Small, for reaching tight spots.
• Explosion-Proof Wrench: Made from non-sparking materials for safety.
• Insulated Wrench: Provides electrical insulation for safe work on energized equipment.
• Pipe Wrench: Specifically designed for gripping and turning pipes.
• Scheer Wrench: For tightening shear bolts.
• Motor Wrench: For large bolts, with a wider opening than standard wrenches.
• Electric Impact Wrench: Utilizes an internal hammer mechanism for high-impact tightening.
• Hook Wrench: Features a semicircular hook for adjusting nuts and bearings.

Each wrench type is tailored for specific applications, ensuring efficiency and safety in various mechanical tasks.

What Is a Roller Chain?

A roller chain is a crucial component used to transmit mechanical power. It typically operates in conjunction with sprockets, featuring rollers that engage with each sprocket’s teeth, enabling smooth and efficient power transmission without slippage.

Thanks to their flexibility in shaft distance configuration, roller chains find applications across various industries, from manufacturing to transportation.

Applications of Roller Chains

Roller chains are versatile, used for transmitting power across shafts or for moving objects via attachments. Examples include driving conveyor belts, bicycle transmissions, conveyor-belt sushi systems, and chain saws with attached blades.

Principle of Roller Chains

Constructed from interconnected rollers and plates, roller chains feature a pitch that defines the distance between rollers. They are designed to handle significant power transmissions and can be configured in multi-row setups for increased capacity.

Proper slack and lubrication are vital for their operation, with self-lubricating, maintenance-free models available for specific environments.

Structure of Roller Chains

Roller chains consist of inner and outer links made up of plates, bushings, rollers, and pins, designed to bear loads, resist wear, and ensure durability.

• Plate: Bears the load with required tensile, impact, and fatigue strength.
• Bush: Experiences complex forces and acts in conjunction with pins.
• Roller: Engages sprockets under impact and frictional loads.
• Pin: Undergoes bending and shear stresses, facilitating the chain’s engagement with sprockets.

Types of Roller Chains

Distinguished into strong chains for heavy-duty applications and environment-resistant chains suitable for challenging conditions.

• Strong Chain: Designed for high tensile, impact, and fatigue strength, ideal for applications involving severe impacts.
• Environmentally Resistant Chain: Features excellent resistance to water, abrasion, corrosion, and rust, making it suitable for wet or humid environments, food factories, and chemical plants.

Special coatings and materials like stainless steel or nickel plating enhance their resistance to specific environmental challenges.