Tsubaki colour-coded chain wear indicator cuts unexpected breakdowns
New wear indicators are now available from Tsubakimoto Europe for both BS (British Standard RF06B to RS16B) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute RS35 to RS80) chain.
These handy and easy to use indicators are designed to measure roller chain condition and determine their level of wear. In use, one end is shaped to fit flush to a roller while the tip of the other end indicates the degree of wear by highlighting the total elongation over a number of links.
The indicators work on a simple 'traffic light' principle. If the tip of the indicator does not yet fit in between the rollers of the chain, there is no or limited wear (less than 0,7%). This is usually only found on new or little-used chain.
When the green area of the indicator lines up with the chain, there is between 0,7% and 1,5% elongation. This degree of wear is acceptable, and it is OK to continue using the chain. However, it is also indicative of continuing wear, so users should start planning for its replacement.
If the chain link hits the red zone, elongation is 1,5% or greater and it is time to change the chain. This work should be done as soon as practical, in order to maintain the host machine in efficient and reliable working order. It is inevitable that roller chain will stretch with use, and equally it is inevitable that the sprockets with which it engages will also wear. An underestimated threat is that elongated chains (over 1,5%) wear down sprockets.
Replacement of sprockets is far more time consuming (production stop) than the replacement of chains. Applying the Tsubaki Chain Wear Indicators therefor can cut maintenance costs significantly and can even contribute to a higher productivity (shorter production stops).
Wear elongation also allows the chain to ride up the teeth of the sprocket, causing a jumping effect which creates shock loads thus accelerating further wear and equally important: increase the risk of chain breakage (= not planned production stops).
Plant engineers need to check their chain drives regularly and should schedule pre-emptive maintenance and replacement before problems arise. The new Tsubaki indicators make this task simple, rapid and foolproof; they provide an effective means for avoiding unexpected downtime and consequential loss of production.
The gauges are made of quality material and are resistant to corrosion. Their robust construction ensures accurate measuring every time. They are available upon request from Tsubaki.