What is Double Roller Chain Used For?
Think of all the reasons you love – or maybe just respect in a professional sense – roller chain. Now double that. That’s some of what you can do with double strand roller chain.
Double roller chain is just what it sounds like: two strands of roller chain connected side by side into a single unit. The two strands pass over sprockets with two rows of teeth. This arrangement does more than increase the tension the chain can handle. You could accomplish that just by using a heavier single chain. Securing the chain to two sets of teeth makes the chain – and, therefore, the entire assembly – more stable. This makes double roller chain a valuable option for processes involving heavy vibration, unstable loads or an unstable surface (e.g., maritime). Or, conversely, in stable environments that require high levels of precision in aspects like positioning or cam timing.
Even at double the width, roller chain does not require much space and has an incredible power-to-weight ratio. The second strand does not cut into the mechanical efficiency of a chain-based drive system. Nor does the additional chain add much in terms of lubrication, inspection and maintenance.
A double strand chain can allow you to dramatically increase the load being transmitted without affecting the overall arrangement of components within your system. Upgrading from a single to double strand could be as simple as replacing the sprockets and then installing the new chain.
MDS supplies double roller chain with pitches from 3/8″ to 1-1/4″. Chains come in 10′ lengths, or you can buy individual chain units for replacement or expansion.
If you’re on the fence about whether you should go for a heavier single strand or a double strand, get in touch and we’ll give you our perspective built on years of experience in mechanical power transmission.
