Conveyor chains (traction)

What a conveyor (traction) chain is

A conveyor (traction) round-link chain is the traction element of continuous transport machinery. It transmits force from the drive to the working element and moves cargo or material: in bucket elevators, chain and scraper conveyors, on sawmill, sorting and packaging lines. It differs from a load-handling chain in its duty cycle: not individual lifts, but constant operation within the mechanism — the chain runs around sprockets and pulleys, takes alternating loads and wears against the engagement.

In imported practice two families are standardised for such tasks: DIN 762 — long-link proof-tested chains with a 5d pitch for chain conveyors and bucket elevators, and DIN 764 — short-link calibrated chains with a pitch of about 3.5d for chain conveyors. Both families are used specifically as traction chains.

Our position: both plant lines

GZC manufactures conveyor chains to the plant's current technical specifications; both lines apply:

• TU 25.93.17-001-06515248-2020 (TU-001, strength class 3) — for standard conveyors: long-link and short-link class 3 versions, including calibrated;
• TU 25.93.17-002-06515248-2026 (TU-002, class 8, T8) — for heavy-duty conveyors and severe duties: short-link calibrated chains of increased strength.

The specific class and size are selected by drive calculation and the link parameters — pitch, calibration, outer width and rod diameter. A match of the gauge with an imported size does not by itself confirm applicability: the decision for each mechanism is confirmed by a technologist.

Standards of the Russian Federation for conveyor chains

The Russian regulatory framework divides traction round-link chains by strength and duty:

• normal strength — GOST 2319-81 “Round-link load and traction chains”: type A — short-link, type B — long-link; version 1 — calibrated (consistent pitch for work with sprockets), version 2 — non-calibrated. Our basis for standard conveyors is TU-001 (strength class 3), including calibrated versions;
• high-strength for severe duties — GOST 25996-97 (ISO 610-90) “High-strength round-link chains for mining equipment”: calibrated electric-welded chains for chain conveyors (including heavy scraper conveyors), chain-and-belt conveyors, gate and development transfer conveyors, ploughs, shearers and cutting machines, bucket elevators. The standard covers gauges from 14 to 30 mm; our line for such tasks is TU-002 T(8) — within the current range. If the task requires a chain specifically to GOST 25996-97 or a gauge outside our standard range, the availability is clarified with a manager and a technologist.

For comparison with imported chains: heavy-duty versions (DIN 762 part 2 — class 5) correspond to GOST 25996-97 as the basis; standard calibrated versions (DIN 762 part 1, DIN 764) — to GOST 2319-81, version 1.

Important: a high-strength conveyor chain is a traction element, not a load-handling device. GOST 25996-97 explicitly states that such chains are not intended for use in lifting devices — cranes and slings. For lifting tasks, the appropriate versions are used; the requirements and documents are agreed with a technologist.

Why calibration and pitch matter

A traction chain engages with a sprocket or runs around a pulley. The stability of the pitch determines how evenly the link enters the teeth and seats in the groove: calibrated chains hold the pitch within a narrow tolerance — the conveyor runs without jerks, wear and noise are reduced, and the sprocket's service life increases.

• long-link version (pitch 5d, DIN 762 type) — for conveyors and bucket elevators with a coarse engagement pitch;
• short-link calibrated (pitch about 3.5d, DIN 764 type) — for precise engagement and compact sprockets.

The material is carbon steel; the version and coating, including galvanic zinc plating for wet and aggressive conditions, follow the customer's specification.

Industry applications

Bucket elevators, chain and scraper conveyors, sawmill, sorting and debarking lines, packaging and filling lines, grain and feed production, lifting and transport equipment.

How to order

Send us the chain parameters — gauge, pitch, link width, class, coating, required length — or a drawing (sample). We supply in measured cut lengths and in whole links; non-standard versions are made to the customer's parameters — the Custom chain manufacturing service. We carry out the selection of a traction chain for a drive together with a technologist: provide the mechanism data — traction force, duty, sprocket parameters.

Catalogs of both lines: general-purpose round-link chains (class 3) and T8 lifting chains. Measured-length packaging — round-link chains on reels.