Drop forged rivetless chain is the universal chain used in conveyor systems. Millions of feet are in use in thousands of different types of industrial plants throughout the world, giving steady, reliable service every day. Roughly 90% of all conveyor chain used with overhead trolleys is of the drop forged rivetless type. Over its life, it has replaced practically all other types of chain for this particular use.

The main components of drop forged rivetless chain are these three: center links, side links, and pins. The lack of complexity in its design and manufacturing means that links or sections can be replaced with no loss of time. The chain can be assembled or disassembled very easily and rapidly. There are, besides the three main components, a number of different trolleys, attachments and pusher dogs able to be used to suit the exact requirements of the plant’s conveyor line.

A trolley is essentially a wheel that mounts to a conveyor chain to enable it to move on an I-beam or in a steel channel. The chain may be equipped with attachments to allow parts to attach to the conveyor line for processing. Pusher dogs are engaged at key points along the system to initiate specific events.

The parts of this chain are simply and quickly reversed without special tools or equipment to allow for assembly or disassembly of the chain to increase their life and lower the cost of replacement. Furthermore, the design and manufacture of the chain stops it from becoming disconnected while in operation. Installing the chain is also relatively simple. Normally, the chain will be shipped in ten-foot lengths, which are fed into the system. They are then connected to each other by the turn of a conveyor pin.

Drop forged rivetless chain can be used overhead, or on the floor. When used overhead, the chain hangs from an I-beam with the trolleys above, and the load below. Chain that is used on the floor is referred to as inverted, as the trolleys are below the chain, while the load rides above it. The chain is propelled by conveyor drives, which engage the chain and move it through the system. Because of its flexible design, rivetless chain will operate over irregular paths with both horizontal and vertical changes in direction.

All rivetless conveyor chains are not the same. It is the factors of metallurgy, accurate forging, precise broaching, and controlled heat-treating which give drop forged rivetless chains their qualities. Some common metals used in rivetless conveyor chain are high carbon steel, high alloy steel, and microtuff. Furthermore, several finishes, such as zinc, dichromate or black diamond, can be applied to conveyor chain to allow it to perform well in many different environments.

Rivetless chain is available in the following sizes: X698, X678, X458 and X348. The larger the chain, the heavier the load it can sustain. Heavy-duty applications will likely call for X678 chain, which rides in 6-inch track and can have an ultimate tensile strength in excess of 125,000 pounds. Light manufacturing facilities may utilize X348 chain, which goes into 3-inch track and typically has an ultimate tensile strength of less than 40,000 pounds.

Because of its capability to satisfy a broad variety of requirements, drop forged rivetless chain is the go-to chain for many manufacturing companies. No less important is its ease of use and low cost of maintenance. These factors ensure the chain to remain a major technology in several areas of the manufacturing arena.

To learn more about Trolley Attachments, Chain Conveyors, or other conveyor related parts, please visit Wilkie Brother Conveyors.