Common Materials for Roller Chain Plates

The plates of a roller chain are crucial for the chain's strength and durability. Choosing the right material depends on load requirements, environmental conditions, and cost. Below are the common material types:

1. Carbon Steel

✔ Application: General industrial use, medium loads.

✔ Advantages: High strength, low cost.

✖ Disadvantages: Prone to rust, requires coating for protection.

2. Alloy Steel

✔ Application: Heavy loads, high-speed applications.

✔ Advantages: Higher strength, better wear resistance.

✖ Disadvantages: More expensive than carbon steel.

3. Stainless Steel

✔ Application: Corrosive environments (food, medical, outdoor use).

✔ Advantages: Corrosion-resistant.

✖ Disadvantages: Lower strength and wear resistance than alloy steel, higher cost.

4. Engineering Plastic/Polymer

✔ Application: Light loads, low-noise requirements (food processing, special applications).

✔ Advantages: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, quiet operation.

✖ Disadvantages: Limited load capacity, shorter lifespan under heavy loads.

How to Choose the Right Material？

• High load? Choose alloy steel.
• Corrosive environment? Choose stainless steel or coated carbon/alloy steel.
• Lightweight or low noise needed? Engineering plastic is a good option.
• Limited budget? Carbon steel is the most cost-effective choice.