Chain selection guide
Compare pitch, bore, width, roller arrangement, load and environment to narrow the product family.
Technical
Use these technical guides to compare hollow pin chain dimensions, attachment ideas, sprocket fit and maintenance requirements before you request a quote or replace an existing chain.
Hollow pin & attachments
Plan rods, spacers, fixtures and cross members around the hollow bore and available pin projection.
Sprockets & maintenance
Check alignment, guide contact, lubrication, elongation and sprocket wear before a replacement is installed.
Stainless & washdown
Choose stainless chain by cleaning conditions, corrosion exposure, load and lubrication requirements.
The six dimensions buyers should check first
| Dimension | Buyer use |
|---|---|
| Pitch | Matches the sprocket and determines repeating attachment spacing. |
| Hollow bore | Sets the nominal space for the inserted rod, bolt or attachment element. |
| Inner width | Must fit the sprocket, guide and machine envelope. |
| Roller / bush diameter | Controls contact with the support rail and sprocket geometry. |
| Plate height / thickness | Affects chain envelope, clearance and construction. |
| Pin length | Determines available side clearance and attachment space. |
Before replacing a chain
Measure several pitches under light tension, not just one worn joint. Record the hollow bore, inner width, roller or bush diameter and overall pin projection. Check the sprocket teeth for hooking or uneven wear and photograph guide contact. If the conveyor has two strands joined by cross rods, measure chain center distance and inspect whether the rods remain square.
Before designing a new conveyor
Define product load, carrier spacing, conveyor speed, starts and stops, number of strands, attachment span, guide arrangement, environment and maintenance access. Then select a chain family and model that fits the machine envelope. For customized attachments, include a dimensioned sketch showing where the load acts on the carrier.
Need help with chain selection?
Send your dimensions or conveyor drawing and the operating conditions. We can help you compare models before quotation.
Use the technical library in the order a machine is designed
Confirm chain geometry
Start with pitch, hollow bore, inner width, roller arrangement and chain envelope. These dimensions determine whether the chain can fit the sprocket, guide and attachment.
Define the attachment
Add cross-rod diameter, carrier position, retention method, strand spacing and unsupported span. The attachment is part of the load path.
Check operating duty
Speed, starts/stops, load, alignment, contamination and lubrication influence wear and the suitable chain family.
Control the replacement record
Store the final chain model, length, sprocket data and drawing revision so future maintenance does not need to reverse-engineer the conveyor.
Technical questions we can review from a drawing
A clear conveyor drawing lets us compare chain pitch, sprocket, guide and attachment in one view. For replacements, add the old chain dimensions and photos. For new designs, add the planned rod or carrier, chain-centre distance, speed, load and environment. The more complete the machine interface, the less likely a dimensionally similar but unsuitable chain will reach the quotation stage.