What Is a Chain Guide?
A chain guide is a component that prevents meandering and vibration of a chain as it rotates and moves. It keeps the chain moving smoothly. Generally, “guide rail” is also used as a synonym.
For the above purposes, it is used in drive chains for power transmission applications and in conveyor chains for transporting goods and products along factory lines.
In addition, it can be a part to prevent a drive chain from falling off on bicycles, or a part to guard the rear sprocket and chain from getting caught in a rear sprocket and chain in motorcycles.
Uses of Chain Guides
Chain guides are used to guide drive and conveyor chains in industrial applications, and as guides for drive chains on bicycles and motorcycles.
In conveyor chain guides for industrial applications, they are used to prevent long, oscillating or meandering chains, to assist in straight movements, and to maintain the travel path of curved chains.
In motorcycle chain guides, chain guides attached to an automatic tensioner adjust the tension of the timing chain for the engine camshaft to ensure smooth operation.
Features of Chain Guides
Chain guides demonstrate their features of use in the following cases.
- To Reduce Noise
The use of a material with a low coefficient of friction in the parts that come into contact with the chain reduces the operating noise caused by chain vibration and other factors. - To Reduce Chain Wear
The parts that come into contact with the chain are made of a self-lubricating, wear-resistant material, which makes contact with the chain smooth and reduces wear on the chain.
Chain guides generally have two types of guide rail shapes: convex, which protrudes in a mountain shape, and concave, which has a groove.
In the convex shape, the pin portion of the chain rests on the convex mountain portion and fits into the guide rail. Conversely, the concave type, the pins of the chain, and the plate on one side will fit in the concave groove.
Guide rails are made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene or other resins with properties, such as wear resistance, low friction, and self-lubrication. Some also use stainless steel or other materials in combination for reinforcement and to maintain the shape of the guide rail.