Flat-Top Chain Design Considerations

Hat-top chains are used almost exclusively on eonveyors. In praetiee, the flat-top chains covered here are basically special types of slat conveyors. Hat-top ehain eonveyor speeds are generally less than 300 ft./min and the maximum chain pull is usually much less than 1000 lb. The major design considerations for flat-top chains to be used in conveyors are several of the tensile loads, several types of wear, lubiieation, and environment. 

Only unit-link flat-top ehains with a 1 V2-in. pitch will be eonsidered here. Only a few basic straightrunning and side-flexing chains will be covered and only ehains made for earbon steel, stainless steel, aeetal, and low-friction acetal are included. 

The tensile loads of greatest coneem are the nominal traisile loads, shock loads, and inertia loads. The main strength properties that a flat-top chain must have are discussed below. 

Ultimate tensile strength is not a major considCTation in the design of flat-top chains. 

For the reasons stated earlier, yield strength is an important consideration in designing flat-top chains. 

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