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The universality of the drop forged rivetless chain makes it an integral part of most conveyor systems. There are millions of feet of this chain in use invarious types of industrial plants globally because of their reliable 24/7 service. A rough estimate of 90% of all of the conveyor chain in use with overhead trolleys is of the drop forged rivetless type. For this particular use, it has replaced almost all of the other kinds of chain for the overhead trolley operations.

There are three main components of drop forged rivetless chain: center links, side links, and pins. The simplicity of the design and construction of the chain makes it easy to replace links or sections without loss of time; assembling or disassembling is a simple, speedy operation. In addition to the main components, a variety of trolleys, attachments and pusher dogs can be used to fit the specific needs of a plant’s conveyor line.

The trolleys are the wheels that are mounted on the chain that enable it to ride on an I-beam or in a steel channel. Necessary attachments can be secured to the chain to allow parts to latch on to the conveyor line for processing. Pusher dogs are involved in key places on the system to allow specific events to take place.

The parts can be easily reversed allowing assembly or disassembly without special tools or equipment to prolong the chain’s life with reduced replacement cost. Furthermore, the design and manufacture of the chain keeps disconnection while in service a thing of the past. This same design and construction makes for ease of installation. The chain is normally shipped in ten-foot chunks, which are fed into the system, and then linked to each other by turning a conveyor pin.

Drop forged rivetless chain can be used overhead, or on the floor. When used overhead, the chain hangs from an I-beam with the trolleys above, and the load below. Chain that is used on the floor is referred to as inverted, as the trolleys are below the chain, while the load rides above it. The chain is propelled by conveyor drives, which engage the chain and move it through the system. Because of its flexible design, rivetless chain will operate over irregular paths with both horizontal and vertical changes in direction.

All rivetless conveyor chains are not exactly alike. They can be made of differing qualities of metallurgy, forging, broaching, and controlled heat treatments, all providing the drop forged rivetless chain with unique attributes. They will also sport different finishes, like zinc, dichromate or black diamond giving them the ability to perform well in several different applications.

Rivetless chain is available in the following sizes: X698, X678, X458 and X348. The larger the chain, the heavier the load it can sustain. Heavy-duty applications will likely call for X678 chain, which rides in 6-inch track and can have an ultimate tensile strength in excess of 125,000 pounds. Light manufacturing facilities may utilize X348 chain, which goes into 3-inch track and typically has an ultimate tensile strength of less than 40,000 pounds.

Because of its capability to satisfy a broad variety of requirements, drop forged rivetless chain is the go-to chain for many manufacturing companies. No less important is its ease of use and low cost of maintenance. These factors ensure the chain to remain a major technology in several areas of the manufacturing arena.

Visit Wilkie Brothers Coveyors for more information on conveyors or to order Daifuku Chain, Saginaw Conveyors or any other related replacement parts.

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