Here’s what we’ll cover:
What Are Industrial Chains?
How Do Chains Fall?
Common Chain Hoist Problems
Maintenance Tips
Conclusion
Industrial chains and overhead chains are the workhorses of many factories and warehouses. They lift, move, and power countless operations, but just like any hardworking component, they need proper care to keep running smoothly.
Neglecting chain maintenance can lead to costly downtime, safety hazards, and even equipment damage. But fear not! This blog is your one-stop shop for essential maintenance tips to ensure your industrial and overhead chains have a long and productive life. We’ll cover everything from inspection routines to lubrication strategies, so keep reading to learn how to keep those chains happy!
What Are Industrial Chains?
Industrial chains are a very flexible piece of equipment, and depending on the extent of the application, they may be used for different kinds of purposes. For example, smaller chains are suitable for daily tasks, whereas larger chains are utilized for overhead conveyors, aircraft and automotive industry.
Over the past several years, there has been a steady growth in demand for industrial chains due to the versatility of this gear. Despite a sharp decline in output in 2020 as a result of COVID-related market constraints, the sector is predicted to expand rapidly through 2030.
Different kinds of industrial chains are built for different purposes:
1 G-4 Windlass chain
The G-4 windlass chain, made from high tensile carbon steel, is primarily used for marine applications like anchoring systems and fishing trawls. Available in galvanized and stainless-steel finishes, it features small, rounded links ranging from ¼” to ½” in size but is not suitable for heavy-duty use.
2 High-test boomer/binding chain
Binding chains, also known as high-test boomer chains, are Grade 43 steel uncoated, used for high-strength applications like logging, binding, and towing. These are not approved for overhead lifting or rigging on construction sites.
3 Transport chain
Transport chains, made from Grade 70 steel with a yellow zinc chromate finish, are used on large trucks for heavy-duty purposes like forestry, trailer transport, and oil rigging, but not for overhead lifting.
4 Stainless steel chains
Industrial chains are categorised by steel type, with stainless steel chains being the most common. Grade 43 steel is used as it offers durability, resistance, and a shiny finish, making it popular for construction and trucking.
5 Alloy steel chains
Alloy steel chains, made of Grade 80 steel coated in black lacquer, are highly durable and rugged, suitable for overhead lifting applications, with a maximum working load limit of 47,700 lbs.
6 Grade 100 chains
Grade 100 chains are durable, strong industrial chains suitable for heavy loads, often used in overhead lifting, sling construction, manufacturing, towing, and construction.
How Do Chains Fall?
Stretch, fatigue, and wear are the three most frequent reasons why chains break. When a tensile failure occurs, the chain is actually ripped apart or is overstretched to the point that it cannot continue to operate. When a fatigue failure occurs, the chain is repeatedly loaded under tension—that is, without being stretched—until small cracks appear in the link plates or sidebars.
Until the link breaks, these fractures will keep becoming bigger. Wear failures occur when material is lost via sliding, or sliding in conjunction with friction or corrosion until the remaining material is so thin that it breaks the chain or the chain becomes unusable (fits the sprockets improperly).
Understanding Common Chain Hoist Problems
The first step to maintaining your chain hoist on your crane is understanding how it works. This way, you’ll be better able to identify when wear and tear are impacting its effectiveness.
There are three kinds of hoists that your crane might use: differential, lever ratchet, and hand chain. All three of these hoists use some combination of a chain and hook to both lift and move heavy objects. Since these hoists work by rotating a chain, the most common problems associated with them are related to wear and tear on the chain. That said, regular maintenance can greatly extend the lifespan of a chain.
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Effective Maintenance Tips for Industrial Chains and Overhead Chains
To ensure a smooth and steady operation and extend the lifetime of machines, regular maintenance of industrial and overhead chains should be a priority. Here are some essential tips on how to maintain your industrial and overhead chains.
1 Clean the chain surface
Rust and dust are the most frequent reasons that a chain may get stretched out. An excess of dust and rust can cause chains to become stiff and difficult to move. The majority of hoists must be disassembled in order to be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated. This is something you ought to perform annually or at least twice a year, depending on how often you use the hoist.
Industrial chains gather dust, grime, and oil residues as they run, which can impede proper operation and hasten wear and tear. As a result, carefully cleaning and eliminating any pollutants from the chain surface is the first step in maintenance.
2 Lubricate the chain
To prevent chain wear and reduce friction, regular lubrication is necessary. The unique chain and operation circumstances should be taken into consideration while selecting a lubricant. Make sure the oil is applied evenly along the chain, being cautious not to spill it onto other pieces of machinery.
3 Periodically check chain tension
Because of the forces of tension they encounter when in use, chains have a tendency to loosen with time. In addition to increasing wear and friction, a loose chain can cause a gearbox to fail. Therefore, during maintenance, it is essential to check the chain tension on a regular basis. If any room for improvement is found, it should be adjusted as soon as possible.
4 Inspect chain wear
Chains that are used often are vulnerable to wearing out. Timely replacement is required once significant damage is noted. As a result, it is critical to routinely check the chain for stress signs during maintenance
5 Clean and lubricate sprockets and gears
Typically, gears are made to connect with one another in order to transfer motion to them, which in turn generates motion in other places. As a result, sprockets often engage directly with a piece of equipment, and gears frequently press against one another to provide more mechanical movement as a group.
Dust, contaminants, and oil residues can also build up on sprockets and ears. These contaminants cause more friction and damage in addition to interfering with the chain’s ability to function smoothly.
Conclusion
To sum up, routine inspections are necessary to determine the state of industrial chains, and then cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, and replacement operations are needed.
By carefully carrying out these maintenance procedures, one can guarantee the machinery runs well and increases the equipment’s lifespan.
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