Posted to News on 16th Oct 2008, 19:09
Poly-steel chain is lighter and cheaper than all-stainless
Tsubaki is introducing a new range of Poly-Steel Chain (PC) in BS standard sizes. PC is a lightweight alternative to all-stainless chains for applications with a high levels of moisture, washdown conditions, and some corrosive atmospheres. Available in drive, conveyor and attachment variations, the new PC series provides high levels of resistance to water, acids, alkalis and food ingredients. A single-piece Super Engineering (SE) plastic inner link promotes easier cleaning and allows lube-free operation, thereby extending chain life in poor lubrication situations.
Featuring tough SE plastic inner links, Tsubaki's PC is lighter than all-stainless designs and can reduce purchase costs. The engineering plastic links are specially formulated to provide lube-free operation, producing a longer-lasting alternative to all-metal versions, which are more prone to corrosion and lubrication problems, especially at start-up after thorough cleaning has taken place. Cleaning operations are also improved thanks to this inner link design, making the chains suitable for machinery operating in harsh environments and clean room applications where lubrication is not possible.
Stainless steel side plates and pins ensure chain strength is maintained and speeds of up to 70m/min can still be achieved. Specification of food-grade materials, and the availability as drive, conveyor or attachment variations, ensures the new PC chains can be used in a broad range of applications across food, packaging, pharmaceutical, healthcare and electronics industries. The reduced weight and effectively maintenance-free operation of the new chains also reduces wear to drive sprockets, thereby further reducing downtime and costs. With the combination of materials used for PC chain, lower noise levels and reduced weight are key advantages.
Machine builders and engineers can achieve effective cost benefits when replacing all stainless steel BS chain, sizes RF06B to RF12B. The ANSI series plastic combination chains are also available in sizes RF25 to RF60 and with A1, K1, SA1, SK1, E1 and E2 attachments.
Exotic materials
Also available are specialist types of chain in various materials, offering a variety of properties to solve application-specific problems. These include a titanium-based engineering plastic combination chain for increased acid resistance, KV series for high temperatures (up to 140degC).
UMW, for unstable conveying due to poor sliding, and Tsubaki's E series PC have lower magnetic properties than all-stainless versions, discharging static electricity built up during use to avoid interference with products and systems. The new PC catalogue includes a useful guide to corrosion resistance.
