User:KDS4444/types of chain

Mooring chain comes in two varieties: Studlink chain: this kind of chain consists of a series of interlinked ovals with a vertical bar or "stud" through the middle of each. Jewelers sometimes call this mariner chain or fugigucci chain when it is reproduced in necklaces and bracelets.

Studless chain: chain in the same shape of the studlink variety but without any studs. Such chains are often called cables or cable chains. Sometimes called anchor chains.

Industrial chain size is generally described in terms of the diameter of the material (often steel) in millimeters at the bending area.

Machinists have their own set of chain types, including the following, based on shape: Plain link chain (as per studless chain), twisted link chain, jack chain (single jack and double jack), ladder chain, ring and link chain, rope chain, rolled link chain.

The earliest roller chains were called "cog" chains. Soon followed the cast detachable chain and then the cast pintle chain. Today the four main types of roller chains include the roller chain itself, the inverted tooth or silent chain, the engineering steel chain, and the flat-top chain.

A silent chain consists of a series of "links" formed by stacks of identical pin link plates. Each plate contains two holes, and the links are joined to each other by pins running through these holes in alternating pin link plates. The stacks are then sealed at the ends by guide link plates. Silent chains allow for the smooth transmission of power from a sprocket to the chain and have very little side-to-side flexibility.

A roller chain size can usually be identified by the following measurements: The pitch - this is the distance between the centers of the pins The inside width - this is the distance between the innermost sideplates The roller diameter - this is the diameter of the roller

A ladder chain, once described as "what is often used on cheap grades of jewellery as for holding ladies' fans and similar articles," is composed of a series of identical links that resemble open horseshoes with the ends bent up, back, and then parallel to each other while joining with the bottom of the previous link.

A ball chain is a type of chain consisting of small metal balls connected together via short lengths of wire.

Jewelers use a wide variety of jewellery chain including trace, rope, curb], belcher, Prince of Whales, Singapore, anchor, [[Figaro chain|Figaro, snake, herringbone, briloette, bead or ball, wheat or spiga, rolo, box, omega, and Byzantine.


 * Rolo chain is composed of simple round interlocking links that are uniform in shape and thickness all the way around.
 * Wheat chain is composed of alternating oval and twisted oval links which are connected and intertwined (see diagram).
 * Box or Venetian chain is composed of flat box-shaped wires that connect in simple links.
 * Rope chain is a compound trace chain in which each new link engages and passes through the two or more previous links so that the links advance spirally. It is essentially two regular chains woven together into a spiral.
 * Curb chain is composed of oval-shaped twisted links that have been diamond cut to lie flat.
 * Singapore chain is composed of a series of flat intertwined concentric loops.
 * Figaro chain is composed of curbed rectangles and circular links usually set as one long rectangular link to every three short circular ones.
 * Foxtail chain is woven of two rows of round or oval links set at a 45 degree angle to each other connected by a center row of flat rings that have been set flush. The effect is of a rope-looking chain.
 * Herringbone chain was patented in 1862 by Eduard L. Paniazek. .  is composed of a series of short, flat, slanted parallel links set in two or more rows with the slant of the links alternating from row to row creating a flexible but uniformly flat top and bottom surface and reminiscent of a herring spine. (ibid)
 * Marina chain is composed of close-set, round, diamond-cut links

See also: http://www.suncorstainless.com/chain