Feature

Why durability remains key for modern roller chains

Since the Industrial Revolution, roller chain design has remained relatively unchanged. What has evolved most are the details that make the chain stronger, longer lasting and more efficient. Each development in durability has improved safety, reduced total cost, and helped machines run longer with less maintenance.

01/12/2025 12:24:35

As far back as the 16th century, Leonardo da Vinci sketched a mechanism recognisable as an early roller chain. His drawings showed plates – a concept that would take several centuries to become practical. By the late 1800s, when steel production and machining techniques improved, the first roller chain entered industrial use.

The defining innovation was the addition of rollers mounted over each bush so that they could rotate freely. This change has reduced friction between the chain and sprocket, improving efficiency and lifespan.

Read the full article in DPA's December 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.