The manufacture of Tsubaki’s new NEP roller chain involves an innovative metal coating process that allows carbon steel chain to be used in wet conditions without corroding. The multi-layer metal coating process is modified for different components of the chain, balancing corrosion protection with wear-resistance. The coating and component materials are fully RoHS compliant and avoid the use of hazardous substances such as chromium, which have hitherto been an essential element in the manufacture of high-strength, corrosion resistant chain.
Most ‘wet’ applications for drive chain involve some exposure to atmospheric moisture and/or intermittent exposure to water based applications. Completely waterproof chain is not suitable for these applications as it is generally manufactured using a combination of stainless steel or engineered plastics, and the drawback of these materials is that they are not as strong as carbon steel chain and have to be oversized for high-load applications. Pure stainless steel chain, moreover, doesn’t perform well without being immersed in lubricant. A corrosion resistant chain based on carbon steel chain is particularly beneficial as it can operate with standard power transmission components and sizing calculations.