Roller Chain

Welcome to Nitro Chain, your source for premium quality roller chains under the Nitro® brand. Roller chains are critical components in various industrial applications, and understanding their types and specifications is key to selecting the right chain for your needs. Below, we cover essential topics and types of roller chains available.

What Is Industrial Roller Chain?

Industrial roller chains are essential components in various mechanical systems, providing reliable power transmission in all types of machinery. These chains consist of a series of interconnected links, typically featuring inner and outer plates, rollers, bushings, and pins. Used extensively in applications ranging from agricultural equipment to conveyors and robots, roller chains are valued for their strength, durability, and efficiency in transmitting power over long distances.

Components of Roller Chain

Roller chains are composed of several key components, including:

Rollers: Reduce friction with the sprockets.
Bushings: House the rollers and provide a bearing surface.
Pins: Connect the links together and allow articulation.
Plates: Hold the pins and bushings together, forming the chain links.

For a detailed breakdown of the construction of roller chain, please visit our Components of Roller Chain page.

Benefits of Using Roller Chain

Roller chains stand out as a preferred choice across industries, offering a multitude of advantages that contribute to their widespread use in various applications. These benefits encompass efficient power transmission, remarkable durability, versatile adaptability, and cost-effectiveness, making roller chains an indispensable component in diverse sectors.

Durability: High-strength materials ensure long-lasting performance.
Efficiency: Minimal friction provides efficient power transmission.
Versatility: Available in various sizes for different applications.
Load Capacity: Handles high loads and shock forces effectively.
Adjustability: Easily shortened or lengthened as needed.
Precision: Ensures accurate and consistent power transmission.
Adaptability: Customizable with attachments for specific needs.

ANSI & ISO Standards for Roller Chain

Roller chain standards, such as those set by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization), define dimensions, tolerances, and tensile strength requirements. These standards ensure compatibility and interchangeability between chains from different manufacturers.

Standard ANSI Roller Chains

Standard ANSI roller chains are the most commonly used chains in industrial applications. They come in various sizes, typically identified by a three-digit number (e.g., 40, 50, 60). These chains are suitable for a wide range of applications due to their versatility and reliability.

Explore our Standard ANSI Roller Chains categories for more details.

Heavy Series ANSI Roller Chains

Heavy Series ANSI roller chains have thicker link plates and are designed for applications requiring higher strength and durability. They are ideal for heavy-duty machinery and environments with high shock loads.

Check out our Heavy Series ANSI Roller Chains for more information.

Double Pitch Conveyor ANSI Roller Chains

Double pitch conveyor ANSI roller chains have a pitch that is twice the standard chain pitch. They are commonly used in conveyor systems and other applications where a longer pitch is beneficial. These chains provide smoother operation and are often used in light to medium-duty applications.

Visit our Double Pitch Conveyor Roller Chains page for more details.

Attachment Roller Chains

Attachment roller chains are equipped with extended pins or tabs that allow for the attachment of custom fixtures or components. These chains are used in specialized applications where items need to be moved or processed along the chain.

Discover our range of Attachment Roller Chains.

British Standard Metric Roller Chains

Metric roller chains are similar to ANSI chains but follow metric dimensions. These chains are commonly used in European and Asian markets. They offer similar performance and durability, adhering to international standards.

Learn more about our British Standard Metric Roller Chains.

Tensile Strength: Not the Whole Story

Tensile strength is the maximum load a chain can withstand before breaking. While important, it's not the sole indicator of quality. A high tensile strength doesn't guarantee a well-rounded chain. Nitro® focuses on a combination of factors, including material selection, construction of each chain component, heat treatment, pre-loading, and pre-lubrication to deliver superior overall performance.

The Nitro® Difference: What Makes Our Chains Superior

High-quality roller chains are the result of rigorous testing and careful selection of materials, heat treatment processes and the manufacturing processes of each part. Nitro® chains undergoes extensive testing to ensure we exceed industry standards. Some key factors include:

Premium Materials: We use high-quality materials and precision heat treatment to optimize strength and durability.
Solid Rollers & Bushings: All of our Nitro® line of chains are built with solid rollers and bushings offer greater wear resistance and longer lifespan than split components.
Pre-Loading: Every chains are pre-loaded to 30% of the MUTS (minimum ultimate tensile strength) to minimize initial elongation and extend their service life.
Advanced Lubrication: Nitro® chains are pre-lubricated with high-performance lubricants that have both anti-wear & anti-rust properties.

A Brief History and Evolution of Roller Chain

The concept of roller chain dates back to the late 19th century. Early designs were simple and prone to wear. Over time, advancements in materials, manufacturing techniques, and lubrication have revolutionized roller chain performance, making it an essential component in countless industrial applications. As industries evolved with very specific & complex requirements, so did roller chains with the adoption of specialty manufactured roller chains, which are problem solving solutions unique challenges.