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.