The universality of the drop forged rivetless chain makes it an integral part of most conveyor systems. There are millions of feet of this chain in use invarious types of industrial plants globally because of their reliable 24/7 service. A rough estimate of 90% of all of the conveyor chain in use with overhead trolleys is of the drop forged rivetless type. For this particular use, it has replaced almost all of the other kinds of chain for the overhead trolley operations.

The three main components of the drop forged rivetless chain are center links, side links and pins. This design is so simple and the building of the chain is so simple that it allows links to be replaced in sections with no loss of time, along with this, assembly or disassembly can be done in an equally easy and rapid manner. A variety of trolleys, attachments and pusher dogs round out its components making it suitable for the specific requirements of any conveyor line.

The trolleys are the wheels that are mounted on the chain that enable it to ride on an I-beam or in a steel channel. Necessary attachments can be secured to the chain to allow parts to latch on to the conveyor line for processing. Pusher dogs are involved in key places on the system to allow specific events to take place.

The parts of this chain are simply and quickly reversed without special tools or equipment to allow for assembly or disassembly of the chain to increase their life and lower the cost of replacement. Furthermore, the design and manufacture of the chain stops it from becoming disconnected while in operation. Installing the chain is also relatively simple. Normally, the chain will be shipped in ten-foot lengths, which are fed into the system. They are then connected to each other by the turn of a conveyor pin.

Drop forged rivetless chain can be used overhead, or on the floor. When used overhead, the chain hangs from an I-beam with the trolleys above, and the load below. Chain that is used on the floor is referred to as inverted, as the trolleys are below the chain, while the load rides above it. The chain is propelled by conveyor drives, which engage the chain and move it through the system. Because of its flexible design, rivetless chain will operate over irregular paths with both horizontal and vertical changes in direction.

There are differences between conveyor chains. The factors of metallurgy, accurate forging, precise broaching, and well-controlled heat treatment give the particular qualities to the drop forged rivetless chain. High carbon steel, high alloy steel and microtuff materials are all common metals used in its manufacture. There are also several finishes utilized in its making like zinc, dichromate, or black diamond. These finishes are applied to the chain to enable it to operate well in differing environments.

The chain comes in the sizes of X698, X578, X458 and X348. For heavy loads the large-sized chain is used, e.g. the X678 size of chain, which will ride in a 6-inch channel and may have a maximum tensile strength greater than 125,000 pounds. The light manufacturing processes can use the X348 chain, which moves along a 3-inch channel and usually has a maximum tensile strength below 40,000 pounds.

Due to its ability to meet a wide variety of needs, drop forged rivetless conveyor chain is an attractive choice to many manufacturing companies. Furthermore, its ease of use and low maintenance costs will continue to make it an important technology in many fields.

To learn more about Chain Pusher Dogs, Dropforged Rivetless Chain, or other conveyor related parts, please visit Blue Water Manufacturing.