Forklift Mast Chains - Leaf Chains consist of various applications and are regulated by ANSI. They are meant for tension linkage, forklift masts and for low-speed pulling, and as balancers between head and counterweight in certain machine gadgets. Leaf chains are at times also referred to as Balance Chains.
Construction and Features
Leaf chains are actually steel chains utilizing a simple link plate and pin construction. The chain number refers to the pitch and the lacing of the links. The chains have particular features like high tensile strength per section area, which allows the design of smaller devices. There are A- and B- kind chains in this series and both the BL6 and AL6 Series include the same pitch as RS60. Finally, these chains cannot be powered with sprockets.
Handling and Selection
Comparably, in roller chains, all of the link plates maintain higher fatigue resistance due to the compressive stress of press fits, whereas in leaf chains, only two outer plates are press fit. The tensile strength of leaf chains is high and the utmost acceptable tension is low. If handling leaf chains it is vital to confer with the manufacturer's handbook so as to guarantee the safety factor is outlined and use safety measures all the time. It is a great idea to carry out extreme caution and utilize extra safety measures in applications wherein the consequences of chain failure are serious.
Using much more plates in the lacing leads to the higher tensile strength. For the reason that this does not improve the most allowable tension directly, the number of plates utilized may be restricted. The chains require regular lubrication since the pins link directly on the plates, producing a very high bearing pressure. Utilizing a SAE 30 or 40 machine oil is normally advised for nearly all applications. If the chain is cycled more than 1000 times day by day or if the chain speed is more than 30m for each minute, it would wear extremely rapidly, even with continuous lubrication. Therefore, in either of these situations utilizing RS Roller Chains would be more suitable.
The AL-type of chains must just be utilized under certain conditions such as if wear is not a huge issue, when there are no shock loads, the number of cycles does not exceed 100 day by day. The BL-type will be better suited under different situations.
If a chain utilizing a lower safety factor is chosen then the stress load in components will become higher. If chains are utilized with corrosive elements, then they can become fatigued and break quite easily. Doing frequent maintenance is really essential when operating under these types of conditions.
The type of end link of the chain, whether it is an inner link or outer link, determines the shape of the clevis. Clevis connectors or likewise called Clevis pins are constructed by manufacturers but often, the user provides the clevis. An improperly made clevis can decrease the working life of the chain. The strands must be finished to length by the maker. Refer to the ANSI standard or contact the producer.
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