Modern machinery used in the food and beverage sector often requires chains of the same length to be used in pairs or other multiples. For these applications, specialists from industrial equipment supplier BMG recommend Tsubaki ‘Match & Tag’ chains.

These chains guarantee a maximum chain length difference of 0.50 mm, independent of the total chain length. Advanced Tsubaki chain length measurement technology ensures smooth, accurate and reliable machine actuation.

These chains are typically used in the food and beverage sector for general packaging, chocolate and dairy applications – including yoghurt and custard filling lines, as well as bottling.

“When chains are required to run in parallel for conveyance purposes, it is critical that these chains have minimal difference in length. “If non-matched chains are used, the consequences can be challenging, with errors, twisting and slippage occurring during operation. These problems occur because the chain length has not been checked link by link,” explains BMG power transmission division business unit manager Gavin Kirstein.

He adds that the difficulties are exacerbated as chains wear and deteriorate with use.

Although re-tensioning chains does provide temporary improvement, repeated re-tensioning reduces chain life considerably, resulting in lower productivity, unnecessary downtime, premature component replacement and consequent expenses.

In a recent project, BMG was approached by a milk and dairy products supplier to solve the problem of cartons falling during packaging and contaminating filling machines. Specialists identified the cause as chains with special attachments that were not running synchronised.

After the installation of two strands of Tsubaki RS2008B-SS-ATK ‘Match & Tag’ chain, these machines are now running smoothly, with no disruptions or downtime, says Kirstein.

Although industry standards relating to the manufacture of chain components set a tolerance for the accuracy of length, regulations do not cover the assembly of components into complete chains.

This means there is a possibility that a significant error will accumulate if a chain length includes several links that are only just within tolerance.

He explains that, while some manufacturers address this by sorting their components into two or three classes of greater accuracy, the possibility of accumulated errors remains.

To alleviate these problems, Tsubaki pre-stretched chains are supplied by BMG in matched-length pairs that are tagged for easy identification and accurate installation.

“Our ‘Match & Tag' service guarantees that paired chains are the same length to within a tolerance of 0.50 mm by measuring and matching each individual component of the chain. For high accuracy, Tsubaki sets tight tolerances on the physical dimensions of each chain part,” says Kirstein.

After assembly of a complete chain length, the ‘Match & Tag' process begins by accurately checking the length. Subsequently, the chain lengths are matched and tagged together into pairs or larger groups if required.

As a result, these chains offer higher productivity, smoother operation, a cleaner manufacturing environment, minimal downtime and extended service life.

BMG’s Tsubaki ‘Match & Tag’ service is available for chains that comprise BS single pitch sizes RS08B to RS32B; ANSI single pitch sizes RS40 to RS100 – including the Heavy-Duty Series; and ANSI double pitch sizes RF2040 to RF2100 – R-roller, S-roller, HP.

Other applications for ‘Match & Tag’ chains include packaging machines in many industries, including the pharmaceutical sector and for lifting functions. For example, in accumulator towers used in the steel industry and carpet manufacturing.

BMG’s national branch network offers a technical advisory service on correct chain selection – a critical factor in any power transmission system. For specific applications, chains with special materials, coatings and lubrications are available nationally and, to meet exact requirements, chains are supplied in any length.