For applications in the steel industry, engineering components distributor BMG recommends the use of Japanese manufacturer Tsubaki’s ‘Match & Tag’ chain service for lifting functions in accumulator towers.

Modern machinery often requires chains of precisely the same length to operate in pairs or other multiples. BMG reports that the Match & Tag service guarantees a maximum chain length difference of 0.50 mm between paired chains, irrespective of total chain length. The chains are measured using Tsubaki’s chain length measurement technology to support accurate machine actuation.

BMG Power Transmission business unit manager Carlo Beukes says that, when chains run in parallel for conveyance purposes, minimal differences in length are critical.

“If non-matched chains are used, operational challenges can arise, including errors, twisting and slippage. These problems occur because the chain length has not been checked link by link,” he explains.

Beukes notes that difficulties increase as chains wear over time. Although re-tensioning can offer temporary improvement, repeated re-tensioning reduces chain life. “This can result in lower productivity, unplanned downtime and premature component replacement, with associated costs,” he says.

He adds that, while industry standards set tolerances for the manufacture of individual chain components, they do not regulate the assembly of those components into complete chains.

“This means there is a possibility that a significant error can [occur] if several links in a chain are only just within tolerance. Some manufacturers address this by sorting their components into two or three classes of greater accuracy, but the possibility of accumulated errors remains,” he says.

To address these concerns, Tsubaki pre-stretched chains supplied by BMG are provided in matched-length pairs and tagged for identification and installation accuracy.

BMG states that the service is available for BS single pitch sizes RS08B to RS32B, ANSI single pitch sizes RS40 to RS100, including the Heavy-Duty Series, and ANSI double pitch sizes RF2040 to RF2100 with R-roller, S-roller and HP configurations.

While the service is recommended for steel industry lifting applications, Beukes concludes that it is also suited to packaging machines, food and beverage production and carpet manufacturing.