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More about Chains
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Chains are used for everything from safety and decoration to power transmission in heavy machinery. In industry, chain is a flexible series of interconnected rigid links or rings. It is normally fashioned from various metals, although other high-strength materials can be used (i.e., plastic).
The most common types of chain are roller chain, which is used in bicycles and many drives; and link chain, used in security and jewelry. Roller chain is comprised of two or three fairly complex units: connecting links, adding links, and add-and-connect links. Each of these links is made up of a pair of plates and a set of pins or bushings. In the case of an add-and-connect link, there is a pin and bushing. More complicated designs are also available, and may be useful in certain applications. The links of a segment of roller chain overlap, so that the pins of a connecting link are held inside the bushings of two different adding links. Adding links are wider than connecting links and fit on the outside of their smaller counterpart. Roller chain is used as bicycle chain, as well as in certain motorcycles. It also finds wide usage in low- and mid-speed drives, as well in automobile camshafts. It is typically measured in American National Standards Institute (ANSI) relegated sizes, in which the first digit(s) designates the pitch of the chain and the last refers to the chain type (the number 0 is used for standard chain).
Link chain is available in many variations, although these variations share the same general design concept. That is, link chain consists of a series of sturdy, closed metal rings that have been interlocked with two similar rings. Standard straight link chain consists of interlocked rings that have been joined and then welded closed. The design provides an extremely strong, resilient and flexible piece that is used in all manner of industries. Link chain can be shaped or modified for additional strength, to meet engineering constraints, to enhance appearance, or to economize manufacturing time and cost. Variations on the link chain design include twisted link chain, loop coil chain, sash chain, register chain and chain link fence. Twisted link chain is frequently seen in necklace and other trinkets, while loop coil chain is a popular, less expensive, but weaker variant of the link chain design. Typical materials used are steel, aluminum and brass, although silver, gold or platinum chain is regularly used by jewelers.
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