Corrosion-resistant chains

Corrosion-Resistant Roller Chains for Demanding Environments

Corrosion-resistant roller chains are used in drive systems exposed to moisture, cleaning agents, outdoor conditions or corrosive substances. Depending on the application, the chain may be manufactured from stainless steel or protected by a nickel-plated or specially treated surface. The appropriate design depends on the specific medium, temperature, mechanical load and cleaning conditions.

The MOVET range includes corrosion-protected and corrosion-resistant roller chains from TSUBAKI. Available product families include nickel-plated NP chains, surface-treated Neptune chains and stainless steel roller chains from the SS and AS series. Compatible connecting links and offset links are also available in different chain sizes.

Which Corrosion-Resistant Chain Is Suitable for the Application?

The different TSUBAKI anti-corrosion chain series are designed for different environmental and mechanical requirements. The following comparison provides initial guidance:

Nickel-Plated TSUBAKI NP Roller Chains

TSUBAKI NP roller chains are based on standard carbon steel chains whose components are nickel-plated. The coating provides light corrosion resistance and an even, visually attractive finish. Nickel-plated roller chains can be considered for outdoor equipment or applications exposed to occasional water and moisture.

An NP chain is not equivalent to a roller chain manufactured entirely from stainless steel. Where the drive is exposed to persistent moisture, aggressive cleaning agents or corrosive chemicals, a Neptune, SS or AS chain should be considered. The maximum allowable load of the TSUBAKI NP series is 15% lower than that of the corresponding standard roller chain.

TSUBAKI Neptune Chains for Moisture and Alkaline Cleaning

TSUBAKI Neptune roller chains are carbon steel chains with a specially developed multi-stage surface treatment. The link plates, bushes, pins and rollers are treated to increase their resistance to corrosive operating and environmental conditions.

Neptune anti-corrosion roller chains are suitable for wet machinery, alkaline cleaning processes and outdoor applications exposed to seawater, acid rain or adverse weather conditions. Their kilowatt ratings correspond to those of the comparable TSUBAKI standard chain. The specified operating temperature range is −10 to +150 °C; above +60 °C, a suitable high-temperature lubricant is required.

TSUBAKI SS Stainless Steel Roller Chains

TSUBAKI SS stainless steel roller chains are intended for environments requiring a higher level of corrosion resistance than nickel-plated or surface-treated carbon steel chains. The principal chain components are manufactured from SUS304 stainless steel, while the spring clips are made from SUS301.

SS chains can be used in wet, underwater, acidic or alkaline environments and within a specified temperature range of −20 to +400 °C. Actual suitability still depends on the substance, its concentration, temperature, exposure time and mechanical load. Stainless steel should therefore not be interpreted as being resistant to every chemical or operating condition.

TSUBAKI AS Stainless Steel Chains for Increased Loads

The TSUBAKI AS series combines stainless steel materials with increased mechanical performance. Its pins, bushes and rollers are manufactured from precipitation-hardened SUS600 stainless steel, while the link plates are made from SUS304.

AS roller chains are suitable for demanding drives that require corrosion and heat resistance together with greater strength than a standard SS chain can provide. Their corrosion resistance is slightly lower than that of the SS series, so AS is not automatically the preferred option for particularly aggressive chemicals. The series is primarily intended for heavy-duty applications where the load capacity of a conventional stainless steel chain is insufficient.

Roller Chains to DIN 8187 and DIN 8188

MOVET supplies corrosion-resistant drive chains in European and American dimensional series. DIN 8187 covers BS-type roller chains with designations such as 08 B, 10 B and 16 B. DIN 8188 covers ANSI-type chains with designations such as 40, 50, 60 and 80.

In addition to the standard, the pitch, roller diameter, inner width and number of strands must match the existing drive. Simplex, duplex and triplex chains are available. Chains with a similar nominal inch pitch may still have different dimensions under DIN 8187 and DIN 8188 and are therefore not automatically interchangeable.

Selecting and Maintaining Corrosion-Resistant Drive Chains

Corrosion-resistant roller chains still require correct alignment, tension and application-specific lubrication unless they are explicitly designed for lube-free operation. Selection criteria include transmitted power, speed, shock loading, temperature and the type and concentration of any substances in contact with the chain.

Sprockets, connecting links and offset links must match the chain standard, size, number of strands and product series. Use the product filters to narrow down the range by TSUBAKI product family, DIN standard, chain designation, pitch and strand configuration. Where corrosion protection must be combined with operation without regular external relubrication, maintenance-free roller chains such as TSUBAKI Lambda Neptune should be considered.