B Series Single-Row Short-Pitch Roller Chain

The B series short-pitch single-row chain is a standardized transmission chain that complies with ANSI (American National Standards Institute), ISO international standards, and the national standard GB/T 1243. Its core positioning is an efficient power transmission component for medium-low speed and medium-light load scenarios. With the advantages of simple structure, strong versatility, and high cost performance, it is widely used in various general mechanical transmission systems and is one of the most commonly used chain types in industrial production.

I. Basic Structure and Core Definition

The B series short-pitch single-row chain belongs to the short-pitch precision transmission chain. “Short-pitch” refers to the relatively compact distance (pitch) between the centers of two adjacent pins, which is suitable for small-size sprockets and provides better transmission stability. “Single-row” means the chain only contains one row of inner and outer chain links, with a simple structure and light weight, suitable for transmission scenarios with limited space and moderate load.

Its core structure consists of five major components: inner chain plates, outer chain plates, pins, bushings, and rollers. All components work together: the rollers are sleeved on the outside of the bushings to reduce friction with the sprocket teeth; the bushings are fixed to the inner chain plates, and the pins pass through the bushings to connect with the outer chain plates, forming flexibly rotatable chain links. The overall structure has no redundant parts, ensuring high transmission efficiency and convenient maintenance.

Compared with the A series chain, the B series chain has slightly smaller chain plate thickness and pin diameter, and the pitch is consistent with the corresponding model of the A series (e.g., both 10B and 10A have a pitch of 15.875mm). It is compatible with the corresponding specification of B series sprockets, has strong interchangeability, and can be flexibly selected according to the equipment design requirements.

II. Core Features

• Simple Structure, Convenient Maintenance: The single-row design has no complex redundant components, making assembly and disassembly simple. Daily maintenance only requires regular inspection of chain tension and supplementary lubrication to extend service life and reduce maintenance costs;
• High Standardization and Versatility: Following unified international standards, B series short-pitch single-row chains of the same model produced by different manufacturers are interchangeable. They are compatible with standard B series single-row sprockets, facilitating procurement and replacement;
• Stable Transmission, Low Noise: The short-pitch design reduces chain jitter during operation, and the rolling friction cooperation between the rollers and sprocket teeth effectively reduces transmission noise, suitable for scenarios with certain requirements for operation stability;
• Outstanding Cost Performance: With a simple structure and mature production process, it has lower cost compared with multi-row chains or special material chains, can meet most medium-light load transmission needs, and balances practicality and economy;
• Wide Application Range: Suitable for medium-low speed and medium-light load transmission, it can work stably in normal temperature and dry environments without complex protective devices, and is compatible with various general machinery.

III. Material and Technology

• Common Materials: 40Mn and 45# carbon steel are selected for conventional scenarios, which have high cost performance and wear resistance to meet medium-light load needs; SUS304 stainless steel can be selected for special scenarios (such as mild corrosion and high hygiene requirements) to improve corrosion resistance;
• Heat Treatment Process: Pins, bushings, and rollers are subjected to quenching + tempering treatment to improve hardness and wear resistance and extend service life; inner and outer chain plates are subjected to quenching and tempering treatment to ensure the toughness and tensile strength of the chain and avoid chain breakage during transmission;
• Surface Treatment: Black oxide (blueing) treatment is usually adopted to play a role in rust and corrosion prevention, suitable for ordinary industrial environments; galvanizing and nickel plating can also be selected according to requirements to improve rust resistance and appearance texture.

IV. Typical Application Scenarios

Due to its simple structure and strong adaptability, the B series short-pitch single-row chain is widely used in power transmission of various general machinery. Common scenarios include:

• General Machinery: Power transmission of reducers, blowers, water pumps, conveyors, elevators and other equipment;
• Light Industry Machinery: Packaging machinery, printing machinery, textile machinery, food processing machinery (stainless steel material is suitable);
• Agricultural Machinery: Transmission systems of small agricultural machinery (such as seeders and harvesters), suitable for medium-light load working needs in fields;
• Other Scenarios: Simple transmission of small machine tools, warehousing equipment, office equipment (such as printers and copiers), and various customized transmission equipment with medium-low speed and medium-light load.

V. Selection and Usage Notes

1. Selection Points: Select the corresponding chain number according to the working load and speed of the equipment, ensuring that the ultimate tensile load of the chain is 1.2-1.5 times greater than the actual working load; the pitch selection should match the sp