Low-Noise Chains for Industrial Drives
Low-noise chains reduce vibrations and noise emissions in drive systems. They have been specially developed for environments with high requirements for low operating noise, e.g. in packaging and conveyor technology.
TSUBAKI Low-Noise Roller Chains for Industrial Drives
TSUBAKI low-noise roller chains are designed for industrial drive systems where the strength and positive power transmission of a roller chain are required, but operating noise should be reduced. The SNS series is particularly suitable where the engagement between the chain rollers and sprocket teeth contributes noticeably to machine noise.
MOVET supplies low-noise ANSI roller chains for packaging machinery, conveyor systems, automated equipment and other industrial applications. The range includes simplex chains in several ANSI sizes together with suitable connecting and offset links.
How the TSUBAKI SNS Low-Noise Chain Works
Unlike a conventional industrial roller chain, the TSUBAKI SNS chain uses specially designed spring rollers. When the chain engages with the sprocket, each spring roller deforms slightly and absorbs part of the impact force between the roller and sprocket tooth.
This cushioning effect reduces impact noise without replacing the positive engagement of a chain drive. According to TSUBAKI, the noise level can be 6 to 8 dB lower than that of the corresponding standard ANSI roller chain under comparable operating conditions.
Available ANSI Low-Noise Roller Chain Sizes
The MOVET range includes single-strand low-noise chains in four common ANSI sizes according to DIN 8188. The pitch and all relevant chain dimensions must correspond to the installed sprockets.
| ANSI chain size | Pitch | Nominal designation | Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-1 ANSI | 12.70 mm | 1/2" × 5/16" | Simplex |
| 50-1 ANSI | 15.875 mm | 5/8" × 3/8" | Simplex |
| 60-1 ANSI | 19.05 mm | 3/4" × 1/2" | Simplex |
| 80-1 ANSI | 25.40 mm | 1" × 5/8" | Simplex |
Search terms such as 40 chain, 50 chain, 60 chain or 80 chain describe only the basic ANSI size. Before ordering, the complete chain designation, inner width, roller dimensions and product series should be compared with the existing drive.
Applications for Low-Noise Industrial Roller Chains
Low-noise drive chains are suitable for machines in which conventional roller-chain engagement creates undesirable impact noise. Typical applications include packaging machines, printing equipment, roller conveyors, automatic doors, test equipment, stage machinery and automated production systems.
The chain can be particularly useful in working areas where employees remain close to running machinery or where large acoustic enclosures would restrict access. The actual benefit depends on whether the chain and sprocket engagement is a significant source of the total machine noise.
Low-Noise Roller Chain, Belt or Silent Chain?
Belts are sometimes used to reduce drive noise, but they differ from roller chains in strength, elongation behaviour, slip and operating conditions. A TSUBAKI low-noise roller chain retains the positive transmission principle of an ANSI chain while reducing the impact noise at the sprocket.
The term silent roller chain is sometimes used when searching for a quiet chain drive. However, the TSUBAKI SNS product is still a roller chain with spring rollers. It should not be confused with an inverted-tooth silent chain, which has a fundamentally different tooth and link design.
Replacing a Standard ANSI Roller Chain
TSUBAKI states that the SNS low-noise chain is directly interchangeable with the corresponding standard ANSI roller chain. A suitable existing drive can therefore often be converted without changing the nominal chain pitch or the basic sprocket design.
Standard ANSI roller-chain sprockets can generally be used. Before fitting the new chain, the sprocket teeth should nevertheless be inspected for wear, damage and correct alignment. Worn sprockets may increase noise and accelerate wear on the replacement chain.
Temperature, Speed and Lubrication Requirements
TSUBAKI specifies an operating temperature range from −10 to +60 °C and a maximum permissible chain speed of 200 m/min for the SNS low-noise series. The final chain selection must also take account of transmitted power, shock loading, operating time, sprocket size and installation conditions.
A low-noise roller chain is not automatically maintenance-free or lubrication-free. Suitable lubrication must reach the articulation area between the pin and bush. Where sufficient lubrication cannot be provided, TSUBAKI recommends using sprockets with hardened teeth. For drives intended to operate without regular external relubrication, maintenance-free roller chains should be considered instead.
Select and Buy Low-Noise Roller Chains
Use the product filters to select the required ANSI roller chain by chain size, pitch, roller diameter and inner width. The selected roller chain connecting link or offset link must match the chain size, strand configuration and product series.
Noise reduction should always be assessed across the complete drive system. Correct chain tension, sprocket alignment, lubrication, guides and machine rigidity all influence the resulting sound level. MOVET can assist with selecting a TSUBAKI low-noise chain for an existing ANSI drive or a new industrial application.