Roller chain drives perform efficiently and economically in a wide range of appl

ications. Roller
chain drives are commonly used in drives in industrial conveyors and processing
equipment, in
construction and agricultural equipment, on bicycles and motorcycles, in oil wel
l drilling rigs, and
in large stationary engines. Some typical drives using single-strand and multipl
e-strand roller chains
are shown in Figure 5-1.
SCOPE
This chapter covers selecting roller chain drives with only one driver and one d
riven sprocket using
American National Standards (ANS) roller chains conforming to ASME B29.1, Precisi
on Power
chains covered in ASME B29.1. Many manufacturers also make double-pitch drive ch
ain covered
in ASME B29.3. Although not covered by any ASME standard, many manufacturers als
o make
high-strength, sealed joint, and corrosion-resistant chains that run on standard
ASME B29.1 sprockets. Double-pitch and nonstandard drive chains are beyond the
scope of this chapter, so the designer
should consult an ACA roller chain manufacturer for help in selecting drives usi
ng chains not
covered by ASME B29.1.
The following guidelines and procedures are intended to help a drive designer ma
nually
select a suitable roller chain drive as quickly and efficiently as possible. Som
e manufacturers
offer roller chain drive selection software. These programs eliminate much of th
e work in selecting
a roller chain drive, but be sure to read and follow all of the cautions and res
trictions that come
with such software.
GENERAL ROLLER CHAIN DRIVE SELECTION GUIDELINES
SELECTION OPTIONS
Several different chain and sprocket combinations usually can be found for a par
ticular application.
It is good practice to make two or three alternative selections and then make a
final selection based
on cost, space, and weight constraints, required life, or other important factor
s.
The chain normally should be the weakest component in a chain drive because the
chain usually
is the least costly component to replace. Be careful not to select a chain and s
procket combination
with too much capacity. The more expensive bearings and shafting may then become
the weakest
components in the drive.
CHAIN PITCH
The smallest pitch, single-strand chain that will transmit the required power at
the speci fied speed
usually is the best selection. Higher speed generally requires a smaller p