A series roller chain with cotter pin

A series cotter pin chain is an ANSI standard short-pitch precision roller chain, with its core feature being that one end of the pin is fixed by a cotter pin/snap ring, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly. It is suitable for transmission scenarios that require frequent maintenance and chain link replacement.​

I. Basic Definition and Structure​

•Standard: Complies with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISO international standards, corresponding to the national standard GB/T 1243.​

•Structure: Composed of inner chain links, outer chain links, pins, bushings, and rollers; one end of the pin of the outer chain link is open, locked with a cotter pin/elastic snap ring, which is different from conventional riveted chains.​

•Number of Rows: Single row, double row, triple row (the number of multiple rows is generally ≤4 to avoid uneven force).

III. Key Features​

✅ Easy Assembly and Disassembly: Fixed by cotter pins, chain links can be quickly assembled/disassembled without tools, ensuring high maintenance efficiency.​

✅ Strong Versatility: Compatible with standard A series sprockets, with good interchangeability.​

✅ Suitable for Long Shaft Distance: The shaft distance is usually ≤4m, the number of chain links is adjustable, and the arrangement is flexible.​

⚠️ Weak Stability: The cotter pin structure has lower impact/vibration resistance than the riveted type; caution is required in high-speed, heavy-load, and strong vibration scenarios.​

⚠️ Regular Inspection Required: Cotter pins are prone to loosening and need regular inspection and replacement.​

III. Material and Technology​

•Common Materials: 40Cr, 40Mn, 45Mn, 40Mn2 (carbon steel); SUS304, SUS316 (stainless steel, corrosion-resistant).​

•Heat Treatment: Pins, bushings, and rollers are mostly subjected toquenching + tempering to improve hardness and wear resistance; chain plates are mostly subjected to quenching and tempering treatment.​

•Surface Treatment: Black oxide (blueing), shot blasting, galvanizing, nickel plating, etc., for rust prevention and aesthetics.​

IV. Typical Application Scenarios​

•Conveyor lines and assembly lines that require frequent chain link replacement​

•Agricultural machinery, construction machinery, packaging machinery, textile machinery​

•Transmission systems with low speed, medium load, and limited maintenance space​

•Stainless steel cotter pin chain scenarios requiring corrosion resistance, such as food and chemical industries​

V. Selection and Usage Points​

1.Select Pitch According to Load: Under the premise of ensuring load-bearing capacity, choose the smallest possible pitch to reduce sprocket size and impact.​

2.Selection of Number of Rows: For heavy loads, double/triple rows are preferred; no more than four rows are recommended.​

3.Lubrication: Regularly add lubricating oil to reduce wear and extend service life.