Roller chains, also known as bush roller chains, are a form of drive chain that feature a varied number of chain links joined together to form the roller chain, which is often used in conjunction with a sprocket. Roller chains are used in a wide range of applications including the transmission of mechanical power with machinery in areas such as industrial conveyors, printing presses as well as vehicles such as bicycles, cars and motorbikes. Roller chains and chain links are available in a wide range of sizes and standards including British or European standard and American standard.
Roller chains are like a typical chain link structure as they have a series of cylindrical rollers connected by links. They commonly utilise a wheel component with teeth known as a sprocket to drive the chain when rotated, providing a simple yet highly effective and efficient method of power transmission suitable for a wide range of applications.
Roller chains and chain links are available in a range of types and materials including steel, stainless steel, carbon steel and more. The three most common roller chain types are:
Roller chains are a simple way of allowing the transmission of mechanical power to be achieved and are used everyday from household items to industrial machines. You are likely to find roller chains and chain drives in areas such as:
The pitch refers to the distance between links and is the measurement from one roller pin center to the next roller pin center. Smaller pitch chains run smoother than large pitch chains.
A roller chain consists of a pin, bushing, roller, pin link plate and roller link plate.