Forklift Mast Chain - Leaf Chains consist of several functions and are regulated by ANSI. They are used for lift truck masts, for low-speed pulling and tension linkage, and as balancers between counterweight and head in certain machine devices. Leaf chains are at times also referred to as Balance Chains.
Construction and Features
Leaf chains are actually steel chains with a simple pin construction and link plate. The chain number refers to the pitch and the lacing of the links. The chains have certain features like high tensile strength for each section area, that allows the design of smaller machines. There are B- and A+ kind chains in this series and both the BL6 and AL6 Series comprise the same pitch as RS60. Finally, these chains cannot be driven with sprockets.
Selection and Handling
Comparably, in roller chains, all of the link plates maintain higher fatigue resistance due to the compressive stress of press fits, while in leaf chains, just two outer plates are press fit. The tensile strength of leaf chains is high and the maximum permissible tension is low. When handling leaf chains it is vital to confer with the manufacturer's catalogue in order to guarantee the safety factor is outlined and utilize safety guards at all times. It is a good idea to exercise extreme care and use extra safety guards in functions where the consequences of chain failure are severe.
Higher tensile strength is a direct correlation to the use of a lot more plates. Because the use of much more plates does not improve the maximum allowable tension directly, the number of plates can be limited. The chains require frequent lubrication because the pins link directly on the plates, generating a very high bearing pressure. Making use of a SAE 30 or 40 machine oil is often advised for nearly all applications. If the chain is cycled more than one thousand times day by day or if the chain speed is over 30m per minute, it would wear extremely rapidly, even with continuous lubrication. Hence, in either of these situations the use of RS Roller Chains would be a lot more suitable.
The AL-type of chains should just be utilized under certain situations like if wear is really not a huge concern, if there are no shock loads, the number of cycles does not go beyond a hundred every day. The BL-type would be better suited under various situations.
If a chain utilizing a lower safety factor is selected then the stress load in components would become higher. If chains are utilized with corrosive elements, then they can become fatigued and break quite easily. Doing frequent maintenance is vital when operating under these types of conditions.
The kind of end link of the chain, whether it is an outer link or inner link, determines the shape of the clevis. Clevis connectors or also called Clevis pins are constructed by manufacturers but normally, the user provides the clevis. A wrongly constructed clevis could decrease the working life of the chain. The strands must be finished to length by the producer. Check the ANSI standard or phone the manufacturer.
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