Posted to News on 20th Feb 2008, 11:59
New heat-resistant version of non-lube Lambda chain
Tsubaki is providing all the non-lube, low-maintenance benefits of its well-proven Lambda chain in a heat-resistant version that has an operational temperature range from 150 to 230degC. The new heat-resistant Lambda shows no degradation at high temperatures and offers over four times the wear life of the standard RS50 chain at 230degC.
The launch of HT Lambda extends the lube-free, elongation-free characteristics of the Lambda chain into applications such as heat sealing in packaging, semiconductor production, dry and steel furnaces and die casting - for components such as automotive parts. Previously these processes would have been served by standard chains with special coatings, which were costly and did not offer good wear life.
Tsubaki's HT Lambda overcomes this problem, as it has been designed purely for high-temperature operation. This offers many advantages, not least that, unlike the standard chain, HT Lambda does not have to be de-rated for high-temperature operation due to chain rollers and plates losing their strength. To account for this problem, the standard roller chain generally has to be much larger when used at higher temperatures. As a result, it is more costly, takes up more space and uses more energy to transmit the same power as the HT Lambda chain.
Anti-wear properties
In tests performed in a +230degC environment, Tsubaki's HT Lambda chain achieved over four times the wear life of the RS50 standard chain and about three and half times the life of Tsubaki's standard Lambda chain, which is not designed for high-temperature operation. Importantly, although the standard chain showed degradation at this high temperature, HT Lambda did not.
The lube-free performance of HT Lambda at high temperatures is the result of a construction that employs special oil-impregnated bushes. These provide stable lubrication and anti-wear properties for the chain at high temperatures. The design also employs specially coated pins, solid rollers and inner plates that are coated with nickel. HT Lambda employs NSF H-1 Food Grade lubricant, which is suitable for applications where it is an industry requirement.
In addition to its high-temperature performance, HT Lambda is part of Tsubaki's eco-friendly chain group and has undergone an LCA life cycle assessment. This is a systematic evaluation of the environmental aspects of the product through all stages of its life cycle, from raw materials to waste management, including recycling and final disposal. With the majority of Lambda chains, the LCA has revealed real ecological benefits, with CO2 emissions reduced by 89.4 per cent.
