Technical Data  Drive chain  Drive chain

Roller chain construction

Basic construction

The plate bears the tension acting on the roller chain during transmission . Usually this is a repetitive load, but sometimes it is accompanied by shock. Therefore, the plate must have not only great static tensile strength, but also must be dynamically

The pin is subject to shearing and bending forces through the plate. At the same time, it configures a bearing part, together with the bush, when the roller chain articulates and engages the sprocket. Therefore, the pin needs high shear/bending strength

The bush is subject to complex forces via all parts, especially from the repetition of shock loads when the chain engages the sprocket. Therefore, the bush needs extremely high shock fatigue strength. In addition, the bush acts as a bearing coupled with

The roller is subject to impact load as it strikes the sprocket teeth during chain engagement with the sprocket. After engagement, the roller changes its point of contact and balance. It is held between the sprocket teeth and bush, and moves on the tooth face while receiving a compression load. Therefore, it must be resistant to wear and still have strength against shock, fatigue, and compression.
Note) RS15, RS25, RS35 and RS11-SS do not have rollers.

The two bushes are press fitted into two inner plates, and rollers are inserted to allow rotation around the outside of the bush. This is the same for single-strand and multi-strand chain.

The outer link consists of two pins that have been press fitted into two outer plates. For multistrand roller chain, a middle plate is added to the outer link. Slip fitting is used for the middle plate of standard RS Roller Chain (*1) and press fitting f

Three basic dimensions		*1 Slip fit		*2 Press fit
The pitch, roller diameter, and inner width of the inner link are referred to as the three basic dimensions of roller chain. When these dimensions are identical, a roller chain and sprocket are dimensionally compatible.		This will always fit with a clearance when the shafts and holes are fitted together. The hole tolerance range is larger than that of the shaft (pin or bush).		With this type of fit there is continuous interference when the shafts and holes are fitted together. The hole tolerance range is completely under the shaft (pin or bush) tolerance range.

Assembly parts

Roller Chains are usually made up of a number of connected links in an endless formation, or used by fixing the chain ends, but connecting links are necessary (dedicated connecting links for hanging applications). Although offset links can be used when t

Chain type	Connecting link type	Pin–connecting link plate fitting	Connecting plate fastening	Notes
RS roller chain	M-type connecting link	Slip fit	Clip Cotter pin Spring pin	・M-type connecting link plates are ring coined1) ・For multi-strand chain using M-type connecting links, make sure the plate with ring coining1) is on the outermost side when assembling RS35 chain or larger. ・F-type connecting links are recommended for the shaded areas of the kW ratings tables and for lifting applications. ・F-type connecting link plates are black.
	F-type connecting link	Press fit	Clip・Cotter pin Spring pin T-pin
Lambda chain	M-type connecting link	Slip fit	Spring clip Cotter pin	・Can be used in all areas of the kW ratings table for Lambda Chain. ・Connecting link plates are ring coined1).
Super chain Super-H chain	M-type connecting link	Slip fit	Spring pin	・Connecting link plates and middle plates are ring coined1).
	F-type connecting link	Press fit	Spring pin	・Use under extreme conditions (e.g., high shock, very high load, or possible side force).
Ultra Super chain	F-type connecting link	Press fit	Spring pin	・Use exclusive connecting links.
RS-HT chain	M-type connecting link	Slip fit	Cotter pin Spring pin	・M-type connecting link plates are ring coined1)
	F-type connecting link	Press fit	Cotter pin Spring pin	・Use under extreme conditions (e.g., high shock, very high load, or possible side force). ・F-type connecting link plates are black.
Other roller chains in catalog	M-type connecting link	Slip fit	Clip・Cotter pin Spring pin T-pin・Z-pin	・Refer to the product pages. ・NP, NEP, KT, and SNS chains are ring coined1).

Note)
1.	Refer to the dimensional tables for roller chain types and sizes applicable for offset links.
2.	The kW ratings and maximum allowable tension of offset links can be reduced compared to the chain itself.