About Chain & Sprockets
If you are a bit unsure about the various chain number options when you’re trying to replace a part for your machines, you’re certainly not alone. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed a range of standardized requirements for excellence in chains, with the numeric indicator helping define the information you need to know about a chain quickly including the pitch, tensile strength, plate height and thickness, width and more. Each of these measurements helps ensure that you are getting exactly what you need for safe and long-term work from your machinery. Here’s what you need to know to understand the ANSI roller chain numeric system.
Specifics of ANSI Numbering
Finding a chain with number on it might be a bit challenging, especially if you're dealing with aging machinery. Fortunately, you can easily equate the exact size of a chain to an ANSI numeric indicator with only a few measurements. For instance, a 40R roller chain has a pitch (P) of 0.250 in., roller width (W) of 0.125 in. and a pin diameter (D) of 0.091 in.. With these measurements in hand, you can safely identify the correct part for your project. The full range of specifications that make up ANSI standards are:
- Pitch (P)
- Roller Width (W)
- Roller Diameter (R)
- Plate Height (H)
- Plate Thickness (T)
- Pin Diameter (D)
- Overall Width Over Regular Pin (F + F)
- Overall Width Over Connecting Pin (F + G)
Along with these size-related measurements, roller chains also are measured by their Average Tensile Strength (measured in Lbs.) and their Average Weight Per Foot (measured in Lbs./Ft.). These vital measurements can help ensure you are utilizing the correct type and weight of chain for your particular application.
Range of the ANSI Standard Roller Chain Number System
If you're measuring your chain and find that your dimensions don't exactly match one of our ANSI standard roller chain sizes, there's always a possibility that you have a non-standard roller chain or an ISO British (Metric) Standard Chain.
While roller chains are complex parts of a machine, the friendly service professionals at PEER Chain are always ready and willing to provide assistance and insight to keep your project moving. You can learn more about the various chains with a number on them in our online resources section or by calling us at 800-523-4567 or sending an email to [email protected]. We provide a wide range of products that are used in industries from agriculture to lumber and sewer treatment facilities and take pride in being able to quickly provide the right chains and attachments to keep you moving
