Advantages of Using Stainless Steel Chains in Manufacturing
Stainless Steel Chains are utilized in a wide range of sectors, including automotive items, agricultural chains, and sprockets.
Depending on the use, an industrial chain can have one or more strands and be constructed of materials such as nylon, polypropylene, toughened steel, stainless steel, or a combination of these. The actual material used will be determined by a variety of considerations, including noise and heat generation, horsepower transfer impact, ambient conditions, and cost. In many cases, however, a stainless steel chain will be the better option.
Where Stainless Steel Chains Are Better?
- A stainless steel chain has various features that make it appropriate for usage in particular situations:
- It is very resistant to corrosion and is frequently favored for usage in acidic or alkaline conditions where other materials degrade.
- The material can resist tough circumstances and is quite easy to clean. As a result, it is frequently employed in the food processing or pharmaceutical sectors, where sanitation and cleanliness are critical.
- Unlike other materials, stainless steel can endure severe temperatures (up to 400°C and down to -20°C) and remain functional without shattering.
- It has low magnetic permeability which makes it ideal for applications requiring the usage of materials that are difficult to magnetize.
- Stainless steel chains can be heat-treated and pre-stressed, although they are not as robust as carbon steel and may wear out sooner. This provides significantly greater thermal resistance and prevents straining and early fracture.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Chains
Corrosion Resistance:
One of the key advantages of employing stainless steel chains in industrial applications is their high corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is an alloy that includes at least 10.5% chromium. This element produces a passive coating on the metal’s surface which protects it against rust and other types of corrosion.
This passive layer also makes stainless steel chains very resistant to discoloration and pitting. These features make stainless steel chains appropriate for usage in severe locations including chemical plants, offshore drilling rigs, and maritime applications.
Stainless steel chains can tolerate severe chemicals, seawater, and other corrosive substances without deterioration. This feature allows stainless steel chains to live longer than standard carbon steel chains in similar environments.
Strength and durability:
Another major advantage of stainless steel chains is their great strength and longevity. Stainless steel has a greater tensile strength than carbon steel of the same size, which allows it to bear more stress before breaking.
Stainless steel chains are also robust, and able to withstand deformation and fracture under severe weights or impact. These characteristics make them appropriate for use in demanding industries such as mining, construction, and heavy machinery.
Stainless steel chains have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than other materials. They are also resistant to wear and tear which makes them a good choice for organizations trying to save overall maintenance expenses.
Hygiene:
In businesses like food processing and pharmaceuticals, sanitation and hygiene are crucial. Stainless steel chains are non-porous, which means they do not absorb bacteria, germs, or other dangerous microbes that might contaminate food, medications, or other items.
Stainless steel is simple to clean and disinfect which makes it an excellent material for use in these sectors. The simplicity of cleaning and resistance to bacterial development can result in fewer recalls and a lower risk of contamination, saving businesses money and protecting their reputation.
Making an informed decision
Stainless steel chains are ideal for a variety of applications, notably in the culinary, medical, and chemical sectors, but they are not always the best option. They may wear faster than their carbon steel counterparts unless they are heat-treated. They can also retain more heat which reduces their tensile strength and resistance to wear.
The wear life of a roller chain must be determined to prevent future breakages and production downtime. Because this may be influenced by the quality of the product and the materials used, it is always advisable to select high-quality products from trustworthy brands.
Lifton Chains & Tackles Pvt Ltd. is one such brand that makes industrial lifting chains and equipment using high-quality materials. Learn more about our products by browsing our product section.
