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You are here: Home / FAQs + basics / What is pitch in the context of conveyors?

What is pitch in the context of conveyors?

February 19, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Roller chains are one of the most common types of transport media for conveying systems. While they’re available in many designs and variations to meet different application requirements, they all have one thing in common. To specify a roller chain, you need three basic dimensions:

The chain pitch … the roller diameter … and the width between inner link plates.

pitch
Roller chains are specified by three main parameters: pitch, roller diameter, and width between inner links. Chains that have identical dimensions in these three dimensions will work on the same sprockets. Image credit: Kobo USA

In general terms, pitch can be specified with reference to any feature — such as a hole or an edge — that is repeatable on each adjacent part.

In terms of conveyor chain, pitch is usually defined as the distance between links, as measured from the center of the roller pin on one link to the center of the roller pin on the next link.


Note that some precision link conveyors refer to the pitch as the link size.

pitch
Image credits: Motion Index Drives (top) and DESTACO (bottom)

The pitch of a conveyor chain or link is a determining factor for several performance characteristics of the conveyor. For example, there’s an inverse relationship between sprocket speed and chain pitch. Smaller pitch chains generally allow the sprocket to run at a higher rotational speed.

pitch

n = sprocket speed (rpm)

V = chain speed (m/min)

P = chain pitch (mm)

N = number of sprocket teeth

pitch
The smaller the chain pitch, the higher the permissible rotational speed of the sprocket. Image credit: Senqcia

Also note that the smaller the pitch, the more teeth will be needed on the chain sprocket. And a higher number of sprocket teeth means that more chain links will be engaged during motion. This allows the chain to travel with less speed fluctuation and a smaller articulating angle, producing less vibration and better smoothness of motion.

More sprocket-link engagement also provides less wear between the chain bushing and pin, meaning longer life of the chain. For these reasons, manufacturers generally recommend using the smallest chain pitch that satisfies the application conditions.


Wear to the pins and bushings can also cause the pitch to elongate. Manufacturers typically recommend replacing the chain when the extension of the pitch length reaches 2 to 3 percent of the normal pitch value.

pitch
Elongation of pitch length is caused by wear to the pins and bushings. Choosing a chain with a smaller pitch can reduce the amount of wear and amount of pitch elongation with it. Image credit: The Diamond Chain Co.

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Filed Under: Conveyors + linear transport systems, FAQs + basics, Featured

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