Experimental Analysis of Load and Drive Chains to Optimize the Product Life

Abstract

Together with a well-known chain manufacturer, the Institute for Material Handling and Logistics (IFT) developed and built a chain wear test rig for load and drive chains in an AIF funded research project to check newly developed chains in short test phases under a standardized environment for their life and wear resistance. Due to rising raw material costs and the ever increasing competitive pressure in the area of chains there is a great need for the development of new more efficient products. The novelty of this project idea is the first use of alternative materials and construction combined with new wear-resistant coating processes for long-chain components to store lubricants in the long run and to release them demand-actuated.