Welded Steel Chain Specifications

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Welded Steel Chain Specifications

These specifications cover properties and grades of welded steel chain for industrial and commercial uses produced to accepted commercial tolerances. Special products such as sprocket chain, pocket wheel chain, etc., are not covered by this specification. For specific applications, the user should consult the manufacturer for recommendations as to size and grade.

Grade 100 Alloy Chain Premium quality, highest strength alloy chain, heat treated, used in a variety of sling and tie down applications. For overhead lifting applications, only Alloy Chain should be used.
Grade 80 Alloy Chain Premium quality, high strength alloy chain, heat treated, used in a variety of sling and tie down applications. For overhead lifting applications, only Alloy Chain should be used.
Grade 70 Transport Chain A high quality, high strength carbon steel chain used for load securement. Not to be used in overhead lifting.
Grade 43 High Test Chain A carbon steel chain widely used in industry, construction, agricultural and lumbering operations. Not to be used in overhead lifting.
Grade 30 Proof Coil Chain General purpose, carbon steel chain. Used in a wide range of applications. Not to be used in overhead lifting.
Machine Chain Short pitch straight link or twist link, general utility chain made of carbon steel. Not to be used in overhead lifting. Coil Chain Long pitch straight link or twist link, general utility chain made of carbon steel. Not to be used in overhead lifting.
Passing Link Chain Short, wide link chain which resists kinking or tangling, made of carbon steel. Not to be used in overhead lifting.
Stainless Steel Chain A corrosion-resistant chain manufactured from stainless steel, used in food processing, chemical, marine, and high temperature environments.

Chain related definitions

Working Load Limit (WLL)
The "Working Load Limit" (rated capacity) is the maximum load that shall be applied in direct tension to an undamaged straight length of chain.

Proof Test
The "Proof Test" (manufacturing test force) is a term designating the minimum tensile force which has been applied to a chain under a constantly increasing force in direct tension during the manufacturing process. These loads are manufacturing integrity tests and shall not be used as criteria for service or design purposes.

Minimum Breaking Force
The "Minimum Breaking Force" is the minimum force at which the chain during manufacture has been found by testing to break when a constantly increasing force is applied in direct tension. Breaking force values are not guarantees that all chain segments will endure these loads. This test is a manufacturer's attribute acceptance test and shall not be used as a criterion for service or design purposes.

Overhead Lifting
That process of lifting that would elevate a freely suspended load to such a position that dropping the load would present a possibility of bodily injury or property damage.

Overload
Any static or dynamic load in excess of "Working Load Limit."

Material – Carbon Chain
The selection of the base steel is left to the judgment of the individual chain manufacturer provided the steel meets the following criteria: Carbon, 0.35% max.; Phosphorous, 0.040% max.; and Sulfur, 0.050% max.

Material – Alloy Chain
The selection and amounts of the alloying elements in the steel are left to the judgment of the individual chain manufacturer provided the steel meets the following criteria: Carbon, 0.35% max.; Phosphorous, 0.035% max.; Sulfur, 0.040% max. Nickel must be present in an alloying amount (0.40% min.), and at least one of the following elements must be present in an alloying amount: Chromium (0.40% min.) or Molybdenum (0.15% min.).

Material – Stainless Steel Chain The material shall be a 300 series austenitic stainless steel.

Welding Process
Steel chain shall be made by electric welding or gas welding process.

Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturer will select suitable manufacturing methods such that the chain complies with the requirements contained within this specification.

Sources:

National Association of Chain Manufacturers