It’s a little-known fact that the humble roller chain, a critical component to recycling plants, was first conceived by Leonardo da Vinci in the 1500s.
However it wasn’t until 1880 that the roller chain was actually invented and the Indianapolis Chain and Stamping Company was founded in 1890. The first US domestic roller chain producer was focused on a chain for the safety bicycle.
The Diamond chains then went from strength to strength, partnering with Henry Ford for the automotive drive chain and being used by Wright Brothers for the first flight.
In 1901, the company was renamed to the Diamond Chain Company and is now widely differentiated as a leader in providing precision roller chain for select mechanical power transmission applications.
Diamond today, is reliant on support from CBC in Australia to provide it with best in class wear life on its roller chains for select mechanical power transmission applications. Some of the benefits at a glance are industry leading technical expertise, a commitment to customer and strategic national account growth and a low total cost of ownership.
Troy Markland, CBC Product Manager, says that recycling plants are diverse in nature and thus the roller chain is suited to multiple applications.
“Diamond Chain is renowned for offering a high-performance industrial roller chain,” Troy says.
“One of the reasons it has such a long life is the attention to detail on the manufacturing of the components. Diamond use high quality steel and pre-tensions the chain up to 50% of its tensile strength. Every process of manufacturing is checked to the next stage of production.”
Whether it be municipal solid, commercial and industrial and construction and demolition waste, the applications are extensive.
The relationship between CBC and Diamond is crucial to providing the right product support. The best chain is only possible with the best materials, and Diamond Chain leverages its long-term supplier relationships to meet exacting material standards, with multiple inspection and process checks to ensure quality and performance.
Troy says that CBC draws on global factory and engineering support and design capabilities from Diamond based on the application when required.
“Given that Diamond has more than 125 years of industry experience, we’re able to tap into case studies of applications throughout the world,” he says.
“We’ll submit via email or phone conversation if we have an application and require some design assistance we’ll go to the technical centre and ask for support.”
Proper lubrication substantially extends a chain’s life. Diamond Chain applies a proprietary initial lubricant that contains special corrosive-resistant additives and has superior surface retention leading to longer wear life. The hot dip application process ensures complete internal penetration and uniform exterior coverage.
In terms of pre-loading after assembly, carbon steel chains are preloaded to 50% of their ultimate tensile strength. This exceeds the normal operating loads, with the process seating the pins and bushings, significantly reducing initial run-in and extending the life of the chain.
Troy says Diamond is a world leader in precision roller chains which offers superior wear life.
“Depending on the style of chain that exists there are a couple of reduced maintenance options,” Troy says.
When it comes to the fabrication, the more precise the components, the better the performance. The bushings and rollers have a seamless design extruded with uniform wall thickness and near perfect roundness for smooth travel. The pins are precision ground for consistent fit and smooth travel. They use a proprietary multi-step pitch hole operation to maximise the bearing surface for optimal fatigue life.
Importantly, Troy says full factory after-sales support is offered based on the customer’s requirements. Performance testing comprises fatigue and wear tests that ensure the chain performs to expectations, regardless of the application.
Read more articles like this at: www.lets-roll.com.au
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