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Hollow Pin Chains for Conveyor Technology and Drives

Hollow pin chains are equipped with continuous pins for the flexible integration of additional attachments. They enable versatile customisation and are ideal for modular conveyor systems and individual transport solutions.

Hollow Pin Roller Chains for Flexible Conveyor Systems

Hollow pin roller chains are conveyor chains whose bearing pins contain a continuous bore. Cross rods, flights, carriers and other attachments can be mounted directly through these hollow pins, allowing the chain to be adapted to the product and the required conveying process.

MOVET supplies TSUBAKI hollow pin chains in single-pitch and double-pitch designs. Different materials, pitches and roller configurations are available for modular conveyor systems, handling equipment and application-specific transport solutions.

How Does a Hollow Pin Conveyor Chain Work?

The hollow pin is positioned at the centre of the chain articulation. As a result, the distance between two mounted attachments remains constant while the chain travels along a straight section and while it wraps around the sprocket.

Cross rods or fastening pins can be inserted through the hollow pins and secured outside the chain. When two parallel hollow pin chains are connected by cross rods, the attachment load can be distributed between both chain strands.

Depending on the attachment design, conveying elements can be replaced, repositioned or adapted without replacing the complete conveyor chain. The attachments must not restrict articulation or interfere with the sprockets and chain guides.

Single-Pitch or Double-Pitch Hollow Pin Chain?

MOVET offers standard ANSI hollow pin roller chains with single pitch as well as long-link double-pitch hollow pin chains. The appropriate design depends on the required attachment spacing, conveyor length and mechanical operating conditions.

Chain design Available sizes Pitch range Typical use
Single-pitch hollow pin chain RS 40, RS 50, RS 60 and RS 80 12.70 to 25.40 mm Compact conveyor systems and shorter distances between attachments
Double-pitch hollow pin chain RF 2040, RF 2050, RF 2060 and RF 2080 25.40 to 50.80 mm Longer conveyor sections and wider spacing between cross rods or flights

A longer pitch reduces the number of chain joints over a given conveyor length but also changes the dimensions and operating movement of the chain. The selected pitch must correspond to the sprockets and the attachment spacing of the conveyor construction.

Steel, Stainless Steel or Lube-Free Hollow Pin Chains?

The appropriate product family depends on the operating environment, corrosion exposure and lubrication requirements. The MOVET range includes the following principal designs:

Product family Characteristics Typical selection criteria
Steel Robust standard design for industrial conveying duties Dry or controlled environments where regular lubrication is possible
Stainless Steel SS Corrosion-resistant chain manufactured primarily from AISI 304 stainless steel Moisture, regular cleaning and selected corrosive operating conditions
TSUBAKI Lambda Designed for operation without regular external relubrication Restricted maintenance access or applications where additional chain oil is undesirable

A stainless steel or lube-free hollow pin chain must still be inspected regularly. Permissible load, operating temperature, chemical resistance and lubrication conditions should be checked using the technical information for the exact product selected.

Mounting Cross Rods, Flights and Custom Attachments

The bore through the hollow pins provides flexible mounting options for different conveyor components. Two parallel chains can be connected using cross rods carrying support plates, mesh, flights, product carriers or application-specific fixtures.

The hollow-pin diameter, cross-rod diameter, attachment method and distance between the two chain strands must be coordinated. The rod and its securing components must remain clear of the chain guides, sprockets and neighbouring attachments throughout the complete conveyor path.

For individual cross rods, hole patterns, flights and product carriers, MOVET also supplies conveyor chains with special attachments for customised handling and transport processes.

S-Type and R-Type Double-Pitch Hollow Pin Chains

Depending on the chain size, double-pitch hollow pin chains are available with an S-type bush or an enlarged R-type roller. The appropriate version depends on how the chain is supported and guided within the conveyor.

Design Construction feature Typical use
S type Smaller bush or roller diameter Compact chain guides and conveyors where the chain does not run directly on enlarged rollers
R type Enlarged roller diameter Conveyor systems in which the chain rollers travel along a supporting rail

For example, an RF2040 hollow pin chain has a diameter of 7.92 mm in the S version and 15.88 mm in the R version. The guide rail, sprocket arrangement and available installation space must match the selected roller design.

ANSI Hollow Pin Chains According to DIN 8188

The hollow pin chains in the MOVET range use American ANSI dimensions according to DIN 8188. In addition to the chain designation, the pitch, inner width, roller or bush diameter and hollow-pin bore must be checked.

Selection feature Available range
Pitch 12.70 to 50.80 mm
Roller or bush diameter 7.92 to 28.58 mm
Inner width 7.95 to 15.88 mm
Dimensional standard DIN 8188 / ANSI dimensions
Strand configuration Simplex

Standard sprockets of the corresponding ANSI size can generally be used for single-pitch hollow pin chains. Double-pitch versions require sprockets suitable for double-pitch roller chains. Existing sprockets should be inspected for the correct pitch, tooth count, wear and alignment before fitting a replacement chain.

Selecting, Installing and Inspecting Hollow Pin Chains

Connecting links must match the chain size, product family and material design. A connecting link intended for a standard steel chain should not be installed on a stainless steel or TSUBAKI Lambda hollow pin chain without checking its technical compatibility.

During operation, inspect chain tension, alignment, articulation, elongation and the attachment fasteners regularly. Loose cross rods or flights can create unequal loading, chain distortion or contact with the sprockets and supporting guides.

Use the product filters to select hollow pin roller chains by product family, ANSI chain size, pitch, roller diameter and inner width. Additional conveyor chains with an extended pitch are available under double-pitch roller chains .

Advice & Contact

We will be happy to advise you personally.
This is how you reach us:

Phone: +49 (0) 71 81 - 980 32 00
Email: info@movet.de

Or use our contact form.