Double surfaced chains
Double surfaced chains
Keywords Tsubaki, Marine corrosion, Steel, Corrosion resistance
Tsubaki's WP chain (Plate 5) is thought to be novel in that it is a carbon steel chain designed to last in wet conditions, including those where salt is present. According to Tsubaki this means that users in industries where moisture is a problem, (i.e. water treatment and food processing) no longer have to specify costly oversized stainless steel chains to overcome problems where chains are failing frequently due to excessive corrosion.
Plate 5 WP chain from Tsubaki
WP chain claims the same high tensile strength and impact resistance of carbon steel chain, but also has double surface finish, which is applied prior to assembly. This finish is thought to greatly improve its corrosion resistance compared to standard roller chains, nickel plated chains and even zinc plated chains.
WP chain is said to provide the ideal solution where carbon steel chains must be replaced frequently, due to excessive corrosion, or where nickel plated chain is flaking and causing problems. WP is also believed to solve corrosion problems where stainless steel chain does not provide the strength needed for the application, or necessitates the use of an unacceptably large chain size.
WP chain is stated to stand up to intermittent water exposure – from non-caustic indoor washdowns to outdoor elements, even salt water. In tests,standard, nickel plated and WP chains were immersed in salt water for eight days then removed for 16 hours to duplicate a typical working day. According to Tsubaki, after seven days of operation the standard roller and nickel plated chain showed signs of rust. However, the WP chain reportedly showed no signs of corrosion even after 14 days.
At the conclusion of the tests WP chain was reported to have shown to last 30 times longer than standard and nickel plated chains and 1.5 times longer than zinc plated chains. WP chain is one of a range of high-tech corrosion resistant chains offered by Tsubaki UK. It is available in both drive and conveyor (double pitch) configurations in a comprehensive range of sizes. For applications where lubricant is undesirable (i.e. clean rooms), or unacceptable (food processing),Tsubaki offers a Lambda (lube-free) version of the WP chain. Lambda WP is described as a maintenance free roller chain which, at low speeds, lasts up to 30 times longer than standard non-lubricated carbon steel chain. In tougher applications, wear life can reportedly be still be over seven times that of standard chain.
Details available from: Tsubaki UK, Tel: +44 (0) 1949 838554; Fax: +44 (0)1949 839135.
