Mast Chains - Used in various functions, leaf chains are regulated by ANSI. They can be utilized for lift truck masts, as balancers between heads and counterweight in some machine tools, and for tension linkage and low-speed pulling. Leaf chains are at times also known as Balance Chains.
Construction and Features
Leaf chains are actually steel chains utilizing a simple link plate and pin construction. The chain number refers to the pitch and the lacing of the links. The chains have particular features like high tensile strength per section area, which enables the design of smaller devices. There are B- and A+ kind chains in this particular series and both the AL6 and BL6 Series include the same pitch as RS60. Lastly, these chains cannot be powered using sprockets.
Handling and Selection
Comparably, in roller chains, all of the link plates maintain higher fatigue resistance because of the compressive stress of press fits, while in leaf chains, only two outer plates are press fit. The tensile strength of leaf chains is high and the utmost permissible tension is low. When handling leaf chains it is essential to confer with the manufacturer's guidebook in order to ensure the safety factor is outlined and utilize safety measures all the time. It is a great idea to apply utmost caution and use extra safety measures in functions wherein the consequences of chain failure are serious.
Higher tensile strength is a direct correlation to the use of a lot more plates. Since the use of a lot more plates does not enhance the utmost allowable tension directly, the number of plates could be restricted. The chains require frequent lubrication because the pins link directly on the plates, producing a really high bearing pressure. Utilizing a SAE 30 or 40 machine oil is frequently advised for most applications. If the chain is cycled more than one thousand times every day or if the chain speed is over 30m for every minute, it will wear extremely fast, even with continual lubrication. So, in either of these conditions utilizing RS Roller Chains would be more suitable.
AL type chains are just to be used under certain conditions like for example where there are no shock loads or when wear is not really a big problem. Make sure that the number of cycles does not go beyond a hundred daily. The BL-type will be better suited under different situations.
The stress load in parts will become higher if a chain utilizing a lower safety factor is selected. If the chain is even used among corrosive situations, it could easily fatigue and break extremely fast. Performing frequent maintenance is vital when operating under these kinds of conditions.
The outer link or inner link kind of end link on the chain would determine the shape of the clevis. Clevis connectors or otherwise known as Clevis pins are constructed by manufacturers, but the user typically supplies the clevis. A wrongly constructed clevis can lessen the working life of the chain. The strands must be finished to length by the producer. Refer to the ANSI standard or get in touch with the maker.
Click to Download the pdf