What is Chain Supply UK - CSUK?

BS & ANSI Roller Chains British Engineered Excellence Since 2005 UK manufacturer & supplier of British Standard (BS) and American Standard (ANSI) roller chains, shaft mounted gear units (SMGU/SMSR) & industrial drive solutions. Serving Mining, Food Processing, Agriculture & Manufacturing from Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

🇺🇸Fast international shipping to the USA. ANSI-standard chains in stock.

UK: +44 1709 878 282

Chain Failure Glossary

Failure mode

Chain Elongation

Also known as Wear stretch, pitch growth

What chain elongation is

Elongation is not stretching of the steel. It is the gradual increase in pitch caused by material being removed from the pin and bush bearing surfaces as the chain articulates. Once elongation passes roughly 1.5 percent of pitch, load is carried higher up the sprocket teeth and the drive starts to run rough.

Common causes

Running without adequate lubrication so metal contacts metal at each joint
Abrasive dust or grit entering the pin and bush clearance
Overloading the drive beyond its rated working load
High sprocket tooth counts and small pitch diameters that increase articulation angle

Warning signs

Chain rides high on the sprocket teeth and shows light between chain and tooth root
Audible rumble or surge in the drive
Chain hangs slack on the return side that take-up cannot correct
Worn, hooked or sharpened sprocket teeth

Prevention and correction

Lubricate on a defined interval matched to speed and environment, not at breakdown
Measure elongation every 500 running hours against the original pitch
Replace chain at 1.5 percent elongation before sprockets are damaged
Fit sealed or stainless chain in dusty, washdown or corrosive areas