What is a Roller Chain Used For?
Oct 16, 2025|
View:262In the realm of industrial manufacturing and mechanical transmission, roller chains stand as indispensable components for efficient and durable power transfer. Whether in heavy-duty machinery, agricultural equipment, or automated production lines, roller chains ensure stable and reliable performance, underpinning the operational efficiency of modern industries. This article explores the diverse applications of roller chains, focusing on different specifications (e.g., 40 roller chain, double roller timing chain, 35 roller chain, 60 roller chain, 80 roller chain, 50 roller chain) to help customers understand their value and make informed choices.
1. Core Function of Roller Chains: The "Backbone" of Power Transmission
Roller chains consist of inner/outer plates, pins, rollers, and bushings, enabling power transfer through meshing with sprockets. Their key strengths include high load capacity, low friction loss, and longevity, making them ideal for applications requiring precise transmission ratios. For example, in motorcycle engines, the double roller timing chain synchronizes crankshaft and camshaft rotations, ensuring accurate valve timing and preventing engine failures.
2. Applications by Roller Chain Specifications
Roller chain specifications (e.g., 40, 35, 60) are defined by pitch size, directly influencing their load capacity and suitability.
2.1 Light-Duty Applications: 35 Roller Chain & 40 Roller Chain
35 Roller Chain: With a smaller pitch (~9.525mm), it excels in low-torque, high-speed scenarios like office equipment (printer drives) and small agricultural machines (lawn mower transmissions). Its lightweight design reduces energy consumption while maintaining stability.
40 Roller Chain: Featuring a 12.7mm pitch, this "universal chain" is widely used in conveyors, packaging machinery, and bicycle drivetrains. SHINING’s 40 Roller Chain undergoes heat treatment to enhance fatigue resistance, extending service life.
2.2 Heavy-Duty Applications: 60 Roller Chain & 80 Roller Chain
60 Roller Chain: With a 19.05mm pitch, it handles substantial loads in mining equipment and construction machinery. For instance, concrete mixers rely on 60 Roller Chains to transmit high torque, ensuring efficient material blending.
80 Roller Chain: Boasting a 25.4mm pitch, this ultra-heavy-duty chain is critical for cranes and port loaders under extreme loads. SHINING’s 80 Roller Chain uses alloy steel and reinforced pins to withstand shock impacts.
2.3 Versatile Applications: 50 Roller Chain
50 Roller Chain (15.875mm pitch) balances load capacity and flexibility, ideal for food processing lines and woodworking machines requiring moderate torque. Corrosion-resistant coatings are available for humid environments like seafood processing plants.
3. Maintenance & Selection Tips
Load Matching: Choose chain specifications based on torque requirements to avoid premature failure.
Lubrication & Cleaning: Regularly apply specialized lubricants and install protective covers in dusty environments.
Tension Adjustment: Maintain 2%-4% slack to prevent skipping (over-loose) or accelerated wear (over-tight).
SHINING’s roller chains comply with ISO 9001 standards, offering end-to-end support from selection guidance to post-sale maintenance.

4. Why Choose SHINING as Your Roller Chain Supplier?
As a seasoned manufacturer, SHINING prioritizes technical reliability and customer-centric solutions. Our product range spans 35 to 80 roller chains, with customization options (e.g., heat-resistant, corrosion-proof chains) for specialized needs. Whether for standard applications or harsh environments, SHINING delivers cost-effective solutions to minimize downtime and boost productivity.
Contact SHININGtoday for tailored roller chain solutions! From light-duty systems to heavy machinery, and from standard to custom requirements, we combine expertise and quality to empower your operations. Choose SHINING—your trusted partner in reliable power transmission.











