Sometimes, square link types of chains may be used but they are generally avoided due to poor stress distribution and kinking issues. The chain link is oval-shaped and each one is welded after interlocking. They are commonly used as hoisting chains for low to medium loads and are generally meant to be used in low-speed lifting applications. Oval link chains are also known as coil chains. Hoist chains can be divided into two categories: We will be focusing on the different types of chains in the next section but since hoisting chains are rather straightforward in their design and field of application, we’ll be covering them here. Hoisting chains can be pneumatic, electrical or manual. They can lift/lower heavy loads going up to 20 tonnes. Hand chain hoists or chain blocks are a common sight in garages, workshops, construction sites, ship engine rooms and in many factories. They can lift massive weights with very little effort using pulleys. Hoisting and hauling chain driveĬhain hoists are probably the most common piece of machinery used to lift and lower equipment. Attachments can be fitted to conveyor chains to adapt them for various uses. They can also be anti-static and magnetic.Ĭonveyor chain drives find use in industries such as packaging, automotive, food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals and textiles. They come in hundreds of different designs and sport features such as low friction, high temperature- and chemical resistance. Conveyors use chain drives that are crafted especially for material transportation. Conveyor chain driveĪnother common application for chain drives is conveyor chains. All these applications use chain drives for power transmission. When chains are used for this process, they are known as power transmission chains.Ĭommon examples are bikes, agricultural machinery, compressors, engine camshafts, etc. Transmission systems convey power to the consumer through different methods. Most machines that produce power cannot consume it at the same place, e.g. This type of chain drive is specifically used for transmitting power between two shafts. When classifying based on their function, chain drives can be divided into three main types.

They can be classified into various categories depending on what we choose as a yardstick. There’s a wide variety of different chain drive designs developed due to finding use in many different mechanical applications. A single chain can power multiple shafts at a time. They’re found in short-distance applications such as bicycles and long-distance applications such as 5-storey high marine engines. Chain drives are efficient at varying distances while still keeping the setup rather compact. They come into play when shafts are separated at distances greater than that for which gears are practical.

The only losses in a chain drive are due to friction between the chain links and the sprocket.Ĭompared to gears, chain drives are way more versatile when it comes to operating distances. Having no slippage also ensures high mechanical efficiency. There is no lag in power transfer and hence, it serves as a timing chain in applications such as internal combustion engines. One of the main advantages over a belt drive is that a chain drive maintains a constant speed ratio, thanks to its zero slip feature. This applies mechanical force onto the driven shaft, transmitting mechanical power in the process.

When the prime mover rotates, the chain wrapped on the shaft’s sprocket rotates with it. The holes in the chain links fit over the sprocket teeth. A conventional chain drive consists of two or more sprockets and the chain itself. VI Disadvantages of Chain Drives What Is a Chain Drive?Ĭhain drive is a type of mechanical power transmission system that uses chains to transfer power from one place to another.

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