Double-pitch Chain Roller Types
What are Double-pitch Chains ?
A double-pitch chain is built the same way as a standard chain, but its pitch is twice as long. This makes the chain lighter and less expensive per meter. It works well in conveyors and low-speed drives where the distance between shafts is long. Double pitch chains meet ISO/ANSI standards, but for the best performance and lifespan, they should be used with matching double-pitch chain sprockets.
Why Chain Roller Type Matters
Changing the roller type alters:
· Contact area and load distribution (affects wear and fatigue)
· Guidance and tracking behavior (important for narrow or guided conveyors)
· Noise and friction(plastic rollers can reduce noise)
· Corrosion resistance and cleanability (stainless vs. coated steel)
Choosing the wrong roller can reduce chain life, cause product damage, or lead to excessive noise and increased maintenance.
Roller Types
Standard Rollers (S-rollers) Double Pitch Chain
·Description: The default roller diameter and width matched the side plates.
·Best for: General conveyors and drive applications where nothing unusual rests on the chain.
·Pros: Simple, economical, broad availability.
·Cons: Limited contact area for guided or heavy loads.
(Manufacturers: standard stock item across suppliers.)
Oversized Rollers (R-rollers)
·Description: Rollers larger in diameter or width than standard often extend beyond the side plates.
·Best for: Conveyors where items sit on the rollers, or where the chain runs in a groove or needs larger rolling contact to reduce wear.
·Pros: Lower unit pressure, reduced wear, better rollability for conveyed items.
·Cons: Heavier; may require more clearance and custom sprockets/guide rails.
Outboard/Side Rollers (including brake rollers)
·Description: Rollers mounted on extended pins outside the chain side plates (can be arranged every link or staggered). Some variants include brake-style rollers for indexing or part-holding.
·Best for: Free-flow conveyors,small-object conveyors (so items ride on external rollers), or applications needing lateral guidance.
·Pros: Excellent for product handling without extra fixtures; can create low-profile conveying surfaces.
·Cons: More complex mounting and potential for higher lateral forces on pins.
Top Rollers (including brake rollers)
·Description: Rollers fixed above the chain body(often used to reduce friction between the conveyed load and the chain).
·Best for: Flat transport where the load rides directly on the chain(e.g., light trays or bottles). Top rollers are commonly available in plastic or steel.
·Pros: Reduce wear on the chain and smooth product flow.
·Cons: Might require more frequent inspection in abrasive environments.
Plastic Rollers (engineering plastics such as POM)
·Description: Rollers made of acetal/polyoxymethylene or other engineering plastics.
·Best for: Noise-sensitive environments, lightweight conveying, or where metal-to-product contact is undesirable.U.S.Tsubaki and others offer plastic top/transport rollers for double-pitch chains.
·Pros: Quieter, lighter, corrosion-resistant, sometimes lower friction.
·Cons: Lower load capacity vs steel; limited high-temperature performance.
FAQs
Can I replace a double-pitch roller with a standard roller chain on the same sprocket?
Generally, no — double-pitch chains often need matching sprockets to avoid poor tooth contact and premature wear.
Are plastic rollers suitable for food processing?
Yes, many plastic rollers (POM, acetal) are used in food lines. Choose FDA-approved materials and validate temperature limits.
Which roller is best for high-humidity, washdown lines?
Stainless steel rollers or stainless chain with plastic rollers are the safest choices for corrosion resistance and hygiene.
Double Pitch Chain & Sprocket
CTS | Professional Chain & Sprocket Manufacturer
Double-pitch roller chains offer enormous flexibility through roller selection. The right roller choice can extend service life, reduce noise, simplify conveyor design, and improve product handling.
As an experienced industrial chain and sprocket manufacturer, if you need help selecting a chain roller type, we can: run load calculations, recommend materials, supply matching chain sprockets, and produce custom attachment rollers to fit your application.
If you have any questions about roller chains, please contact us.
Key reference sources
Key reference sources(for further reading/verification)
· IWIS—Double Pitch Roller Chains. iwis.com
· U.S.Tsubaki—Double Pitch/Outboard Roller chain product pages. tt-nettsubakimoto.co.jp
· PEER Chain/PeerChain product specs(oversized rollers). PEER Chain
· Renold (Renold Jeffrey)—Double Pitch chain technical PDF. renoldjeffrey.com
· U.S.Tsubaki—Double Pitch chain with large plastic rollers(CAD/drawings). U.5.Tsubaki Inc
