A significant portion of industries are outfitted with machinery and similar equipment. Consequently, similar issues will arise, such as the wear and tear of certain equipment components, necessitating the selection of suitable spare parts to safeguard these installations and their users.
Presently, steel is preferred at various levels for safeguarding and enhancing these industrial equipment, despite the fact that metal properties may not be entirely suitable in this context. A specific instance of premature wear occurs in conveyor chains and their associated guides when they are made of steel. This situation gives rise to several issues, such as early chain and guide deterioration. Therefore, it is essential to prevent metal-to-metal contact. Explore the advantages of UHMW chain guides through the following details!
1. What is a chain guide?
A chain guide is a machinery part used to guide different types and sizes of chains, such as cutting chains or chains used for conveying individual loads on conveyors. The purpose of the chain guide is to keep the chain in position, maintain its alignment, and facilitate smooth movement during wood cutting or other material processing. Natural UHMW is the primary material used for designing plastic chain guides, chosen for its exceptional properties that make it a highly efficient option.
2. In what contexts is it used?
Chain guides are commonly utilized in multiple industries, particularly in connection with the conveyors employed within them.
Conveyors are essential industrial equipment employed for the automated transportation of goods from one place to another. They serve as the core of processes in diverse enterprises, particularly those specialized in raw material processing. Such industries include wood processing, fiberglass, aluminum, and pulp and paper, which 
collectively form the natural resources sector. Examples of businesses in this sector encompass sawmills, foundries, aluminum smelters, mines, as well as other sectors like printing and machining facilities.
Furthermore, chain guides are indispensable in distribution centers and transportation companies, where they streamline and enhance the work of employees at various levels.
3. The benefits
Many companies opt for plastic UHMW chain guides due to their outstanding performance properties.
Réduction de l’usure: L’utilisation de l’UHMW pour concevoir des guides de chaînes permet de limiter les contacts métal contre métal entre la chaîne et son guide, ce qui en fait un choix idéal pour les composantes qui sont soumises à d’importantes frictions. En effet, le plastique du guide de chaîne est non seulement plus résistant qu'un guide de chaine en acier sur la durée mais préservera aussi la chaîne plus longtemps. Ce qui nous amène au point suivant.
Cost-effective maintenance : One of the key advantages is the reduction in maintenance expenses achieved through decreased downtime during maintenance and less frequent replacements. This is primarily attributed to the ease of handling and machining UHMW parts, making their replacement more straightforward compared to steel components. As a result, the machinery's non-functional periods are minimized, leading to less disruption in production. Additionally, UHMW chain guides have a prolonged lifespan due to their lower friction coefficient, resulting in reduced financial impact in the short term, as the chain's effect on the guide is minimized.
Noise reduction : Due to the significant impacts and friction involved in conveyor systems, the generated noise can pose potential dangers to workers. However, by opting for UHMW chain guides, it is possible to significantly diminish the noise levels in various installations that utilize chains and chain guides.
Clogging reduction: Clogging can pose a significant issue in different types of conveyors, often resulting in expensive production stoppages. For example, when wood sawdust infiltrates the chain guide, it can impede the chain's proper movement. By utilizing a UHMW chain guide, the tendency for sawdust to cause clogging is considerably lower compared to conventional steel chain guides.
Feel free to reach out to us for further information on the topic or to request a quote for chain guides!
→ Click here to download the UHMW catalog
For additional insights into plastics used in industrial settings, explore the articles provided below:
