Choosing the Right Chain
There is a wide array of chains available today made from various base materials and incorporating high tech coatings and lubrications. Each one has their advantages for different applications and operating environments. So how does one choose which chain is best suited for a particular application?
The following is a summary of the various types of chain offered by Renold Chain with a detailed description of the materials used and a description of the applications for which they are best suited.
SYNERGY
Renold Synergy chain is the longest lasting chain on the market today. Through a series of manufacturing, engineering and quality improvements, Renold has achieved a chain that optimizes the interface between components, reduces friction and substantially improves the structural integrity of the chain. Simply put, Renold Synergy extends wear life and will outlast the best competitive chains by up to six times. It is available in ANSI sizes #35 through #160 in single strand, double strand and triple strand and also British Standard sizes #06B through #24B single, double and triple. Synergy is used primarily in aftermarket drive applications where other chains are stretching and failing. It is also used in some OEM applications where competitive chains are unable to make it through the guaranteed warranty period of the machine. When used, Synergy chain can achieve huge savings in maintenance costs and downtime.
SYNO
Renold Syno chain is a nickel plated, self lubricated, dry to the touch chain that is used in applications where lubricant on the outside of the chain can present a problem. These applications include food processing, bottling, packaging, paper handling, cardboard or wood handling, textile handling etc. Since there is no lubricant on the outside of Syno chain, it will not stain the product that it contacts. The chain is lubricated only through the sintered bushing and this lubricant is FDA approved. The plates and pins on this chain are nickel plated giving the chain corrosion resistance. It is available in ANSI sizes #40 to #100 and British Standard sizes #06B to #24B single and double strand. Attachments are available on the outer links.
HYDRO SERVICE CHAIN (HSC)
Hydro Service chains are able to stand up to corrosive environments. They are mechanically coated prior to assembly and provide complete coverage to all vital surfaces of the chain including the pin/bushing interface. Unlike zinc or nickel plated chains, HSC will not chip or peel, cannot suffer embrittlement and contains no hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen. HSC stands up to wet, humid, even saltwater operations and lasts up to 30 times longer than conventionally coated chains. If you need to run in wet environments, HSC is the chain of choice. Hydro Service chains are used in packaging, food processing, bottling, meat and poultry processing, seafood processing, and outdoor applications. It is available in ANSI single strand, double strand, double pitch and attachments and also British Standard.
NICKEL PLATED CHAIN
Nickel plated chains are well suited for mild corrosive environments and outdoor service. All components are plated prior to assembly to ensure complete coverage of the chain. Nickel plated chains are substantially more economical than stainless steel chain. The chain is available in sizes from #35 thru #120, #35-2 thru #120-2, #C2040 thru #C2160, #C2042 thru #C2162 and also British Standard sizes #06B thru #24B and #06B-2 thru #24B-2. Nickel plated chain is commonly used in packaging, bottling, food processing, lumber handling and any application needing corrosion protection.
STAINLESS STEEL CHAIN
Stainless steel chain is manufactured using Class 300 Series stainless steel specifications. These chains are ideal for acidic or alkaline environments, high and low temperature applications, applications contaminated by water, chemicals or corrosive solvents or materials. It is used frequently in applications where it can come in contact with food, and pharmaceuticals. It is used in packaging, food processing, bottling, meat and poultry processing, seafood processing, outdoor applications and others. Stainless steel chain is available in sizes #25 thru #120, #35-2 thru #80-2, #C2040 thru #C2160, #C2042 thru #C2162 and also British Standard sizes #06B thru #16B and #06B-2 thru #16B-2. It is superior to all other chains in corrosion protection. It is generally not used in heavy drive applications since stainless steel has lower tensile strength and lower working loads than carbon based chain.
ATTACHMENT CHAIN
Attachment chains are used in non-drive applications where the chain must be connected to a flight or other object in order to guide, index or move a product. They are often used in packaging, food processing or light conveying applications. Renold Jeffrey attachment chains are available in carbon, Hydro Service (HSC), Syno and Stainless Steel. They are generally offered in ANSI sizes #40, #50, #60, #80, #C2040, #C2050 and #C2060H although larger sizes are available. The attachments are available in a variety of straight and bent configurations as well as pin type. Renold Jeffrey also supplies non-standard attachment shapes upon request. These attachments will be added to the base chain per the customers requested spacing.
ISC Companies is proud to be able to represent Renold and make available these products to you. If you would like more information or would like to discuss a specific application please contact you ISC Companies representative or follow the link below.
New “No-Frills” Light Curtain from STI Omron
Makes Machine Safety Simple and Inexpensive
The new F3SJ-E (“E” is for EASY) safety light curtain is well suited for straightforward on/off detection applications. By carefully selecting the available functions, we have reduced man hours necessary for installation by approximately 1/2 when compared with existing Omron STI models. Reduced installation time means added savings to your project’s budget.
These new light curtains feature:
- Fast and easy installation
- Resolution: 25 mm (1.01 in.)
- Range: 7 m (23 ft.)
- Protected heights: 185 to 1105 mm (7.28 to 43.50 in.)
- Very compact size: 30 x 30 mm (1.18 x 1.18 in.)
- Cross-talk prevention
- 3 m integrated cables
Half the Mounting & Installation Time
Omron STI has developed "quick mount" brackets which speed mounting to aluminum framing and reduce mounting time in half, when compared with existing models. This unique design allows for smooth horizontal movement, beam alignment is easy.
Fixed response time makes calculation of the safety distance easier. Reduced wiring, quick mount brackets and easy-to-view alignment beams all add up to cost savings. Additionally, with one fixed response time, it is now easier to calculate the safety distance.
Simple positional alignment can be done using the blue LEDs at the top (TOP) and bottom (BTM) of the emitter and receiver. With the blue LEDs ON, you can see at a glance that the beams' positions are correctly aligned.
Easy-to-view Diagnostics
Light curtain status can be immediately determined as the LED will light to indicate the status or possible error. As a result, there is no need to refer to a manual for the meaning of the diagnostics. Easy to read indicators enable you to intuitively know the status and cause of any error. This allows faster installation while reducing machine down time.
For more information regarding this or any other safety product from STI Omron please contact ISC Companies to be put in touch with a controls specialist or follow the link below.
