ISO 606 Industrial Chains

Frequently asked questions — Chains

• How to choose between a European ISO 606 series chain and an American ANSI B29.1 series?

  The choice depends primarily on the origin of the equipment. The European ISO 606 series (from 06B to 32B) is standard for general industry in Europe, whereas the American ANSI B29.1 series (from 35 to 240) mainly equips agricultural machinery and machines of American origin. The pitches of these two series are not compatible, which prohibits any direct replacement of one series by the other on an existing installation.
• What is the actual difference between a single, double DR or triple TR chain?

  Multi-strand variants make it possible to significantly increase the load capacity of a transmission without changing the linear speed. The numerical designation, such as 08B-2 for a double-strand version, indicates the number of chains working in parallel on the same pins. The choice between a single, double DR or triple TR configuration must be validated according to manufacturer charts to meet the power requirements of your installation.
• In which cases should a reinforced or stainless steel chain be preferred?

  For applications subject to heavy-duty service, it is recommended to opt for a reinforced chain, identifiable by the suffix H, which offers increased resistance. If the working environment requires corrosion resistance, the use of AISI 304 or 316L stainless steel chains is imperative. These technical choices must be correlated with the pitch and the number of teeth on the small sprocket to guarantee the longevity of the system.
• Why use a self-lubricating chain rather than a standard version?

  Lubrication is critical to avoid premature wear, as a dry chain wears 10 times faster. Self-lubricating chains, fitted with O-ring seals or sintered bronze bushes, are designed to maintain lubrication 3 to 5 times longer than standard models. They are particularly suitable for environments requiring reduced maintenance cycles or maintenance-free operation.
• What are the key indicators for chain maintenance and replacement?

  Maintenance is based on two essential checks. Firstly, tension must be verified, with a typical recommended sag of 1 to 2% of the centre distance. Secondly, the elongation measurement is decisive: as soon as elongation reaches 3%, replacement of the chain is mandatory. Compliance with these thresholds is essential to prevent any risk of breakage or degradation of the associated sprockets.
• Should I choose a chain or a belt for my transmission?

  The roller chain is a flexible-link transmission solution allowing high loads and varied reduction ratios. It is distinguished from the belt by its rigid structure made up of plates, pins, bushes and rollers. This technical choice is to be preferred when load constraints and service life under correct lubrication are paramount for the proper operation of your mechanism.