Leaf chains are the simplest of steel chains, consisting only of link plates and pins. This kind of chain generally has greater tensile strength than roller chains and runs over sheaves rather than sprockets. They are suitable for hanging, balancing, or motion-transmitting applications and are ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Leaf chains are often used as counterweight chains for machine tools, elevator and oven doors, forklift truck masts, spinning frames, and similar lifting or balancing applications as they can be used as forklift chains and forklift mast chains. The leaf chain withplastic guides can be used as a forklift leaf chain and prevent wear on the hydraulic cylinders on forklifts. Discover what is a leaf chain in detail here!
Features of Leaf Chains
One of the features of leaf chain is that it’s manufactured from a minimum of 0.35mm diameter high carbon steel plate. The plates are mounted together to form an arc so that they overlap at their ends by more than half their length. The ends of each plate are then given a crimp by ultrasonic welding with a specialized tool to create a smooth finish which allows it to run smoothly along its entire length without catching on anything else such as pulleys etc..
Leaf chains are often used as counterweight chains for machine tools, elevator and oven doors, forklift truck masts, spinning frames, and similar lifting or balancing applications. They are also used as a guide for small parts in general product lines and in the assembly of large structures.
Types of Leaf Chain
Leaf chains can be split into two categories, AL and BL. The AL type is for applications without impact, and the BL type is for applications that require more impact. Let’s see the details of these categories.
The AL type is used in applications where you will not be impacting your leaf chain frequently—say, once a week or less. The BL type is used in applications where you will be impacting your leaf chain frequently—say, daily or more often than that.
AL Series leaf chains consist of link plates that are thicker and larger in contour than the AL Series link plates of the same pitch. The link plates have the same thickness as the link plates of the next larger pitch size in ANSI G8 roller chains. The pins have the same diameter as those of ANSI G8 roller chains of the next larger pitch.
BL Series leaf chains consist of link plates that are thinner and smaller in contour than the AL Series link plates of the same pitch. The link plates have the same thickness as those of AL Series link plates, but they have a smaller contour than those of ANSI G8 roller chains with a larger pitch or size. The pins have the same diameter as those of ANSI G8 roller chains with a larger pitch or leaf chain size.
How Does the Leaf Chain Work?
Leaf chains are used for applications that require strong flexible linkage for transmitting motion or lift. Specially selected steel and unique heat treatment assure high strength and durability. The first number or numbers in leaf chains identify the chain pitch, and the last two numbers identify the chain’s lacing. The numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7 are commonly used for leaf chains with pitches of 4 mm to 6 mm (1⁄8 to 1⁄4 in). The number 2 is not commonly used because it has very poor quality control and is prone to breakage.
The second number is referred to as the lacing count. It refers to how many leaves are on each individual link of the chain. For example, on a U-shaped leaf chain with three leaves per link, there would be three links per side of an individual U-shape link (one side is longer than the other). The third number is referred to as the width of each individual link of a leaf chain (the distance between adjacent contacts). If a leaf chain has five leaves per side, then each individual contact would be approximately 6 mm wide (1⁄2 in).
Signs to Tell If A Chain Needs Replacement
Leaf chains are vital for ensuring the safe operation of any form of safety-critical materials handling equipment, such as forklift trucks or telehandlers. Their safety property help prevent accidents and consequently the health of workers. By doing so, downtime of your whole facility can be significantly reduced.
Some signs of leaf chain wear are obvious: turned pins are an indication that a leaf chain needs to be replaced as a matter of urgency. But other forms of leaf chain wear may not be visible—and that means regular measurements are needed to ensure that it is not exceeding the acceptable percentage of elongation. Over-reliance on leaf chain elongation is also not something to be missed when you check your leaf chain
What is important is to take into account all the operational factors that can have an impact on leaf chain wear. If your chain starts to elongate (or if you see wear marks on the surfaces), you should replace it immediately so its performance doesn’t degrade over time.
You can see “MAKELSAN CUSTOM MADE CHAINS CATALOG” for more detailed information about the leaf chains that we manufacture!
Leaf Chain FAQ
A leaf chain is constructed of steel link plates mounted side-by-side on pins. The contour of the link is the same figure-eight shape found on standard roller chains. The chain can flex at each pin.
The first link is usually made of a special alloy that has been hardened to allow it to take a beating and keep its shape for years. The second link is made from another alloy, but with a lower hardness. This low level of hardness makes the chain more flexible. As a result, the chain will wear less and it can easily be replaced.
The most important thing to know about chain leaf performance is that it needs regular lubrication. This ensures that the pin doesn’t wear out and the inner link plate doesn’t get stretched out, which can lead to premature failure of the chain.
The next most important thing is to keep lubricant between the inner link plate and the sliding portion of the pin. This helps reduce friction and wear on these parts. Leaf chains should also be used in a corrosive environment because the oil will help protect them from corrosion. They shouldn’t be used in extremely high temperatures or if there’s a lot of mud or salt water nearby, either.
