The Impact of Technology on Industrial Metal Chain Manufacturing

The metal chain has been used for a long time for rigging operations. However, with time, the technology has further improved the process of load lifting applications have also advanced. Talking about the heavy-duty industrial metal chain, it is highly used in the construction and marine industries. Once, manufacturing metal chains used to be a labor-intensive, precision-demanding process, but now it has undergone a massive change. Innovations have redefined the way the chains are produced. In this post, we will understand the way industrial chains are being produced in the modern manufacturing process. 

• Automation:

Gone are the days when the metal chains were forged, welded by hand. Not just that, after the process was completed, the precision of the chain was also checked by the laborers themselves by hand. It required a lot of time, thus the output was less. However, now the times have changed. The automated welding machine, the CNC bending machine, and the robotic assembly lines ensure precise manufacturing of the chains and also increased output. It leads to high productivity, low labour cost, and improved consistency.

• Advanced Materials:

Manufacturers these days are well aware of the metallurgical properties of the metals. Now, there is integration of high-strength alloys, corrosion-resistant coatings, and other composite materials, which extends the lifespan of the metals. There is are versatile range of loading lifting options like stainless steel option for marine applications, heat-treated alloys for mining and heavy-lifting, and polymer chains have chemical resistance properties, which makes them apt for the chemical industry.

• High-Tech Computerized Designs:

This is an essential process even before the manufacturing process kicks starts. The CAD (Computer Aided Design) software allows for to creation of precise and sturdy designs of chains which can function under extreme conditions. It allows the manufacturers to optimize the link geometry, stimulate the real-world stresses, and customize the chain as per the application requirements. The CAD method leads to fast prototyping and also reduces the operational cost. 

• Quality Control:

This has been a very important aspect in the manufacturing of the industrial metal chain, as accuracy will lead to fewer chances of accidents. With the advanced technology, manufacturing of the chains is a much easier process than ever. The tech-driven process leads to:

1. X-ray and ultrasonic testing for internal flaws
2. Laser measurement tools lead to dimensional accuracy

• Sustainability:

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword but an important part of the industrial manufacturing process. The same goes for the metal chain manufacturing industries. The smart production process has reduced the wastage of resources as it allows recycling of the metal scrap and the use of energy-efficient heating solutions. Not just that, it will also enhance the brand reputation and lower the carbon footprint.

• Smart Manufacturing:

Smart production process with IoT (Internet of Things) and cloud-based data sharing is used to ensure quick and precise production of the metal chains. The data-driven production process leads to increased overall equipment effectiveness.

Wrapping Up…

Though the industrial metal chain may look simple, it needs efficient manufacturing so that it is of high quality and can perform operations efficiently. In the case of load lifting chains, quality is of utmost importance as there is a lot of stress on the chain. A bad-quality and weak one will collapse in a stressful situation, leading to mishaps. The precision of  ‘Lifton Chains’ is unmatched. Not only do they use the best quality metals and advanced technologies to create precise products, but they also go through rigorous testing to ensure that each piece is of high quality. Invest in the best metal chains to ensure efficient and safe rigging operations.