The Guide to ANSI Roller Chains: Standard, Type & Applications
ANSI roller chains comply with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications, ensuring consistent pitch, combined plate geometry, and tensile strength ratings. These standards enable global equipment compatibility and safe, reliable operation.
ANSI Chain Numbering Explained
The chain number indicates pitch in eighths of an inch:
ANSI 40 means 4/8 = 1/2 pitch, 1/2"=12.7 mm
ANSI 80 means 8/8 = 1 pitch, 1"=25.4 mm
ANSI Roller Chain Size
How To Choose Roller Chain Size
| ANSI Chain Size | Chain Pitch | Common Application |
| #25 | 0.250" | Light-duty machines, electronics |
#35 | 0.375" | Small conveyors, robotics |
#40 | 0.500" | Conveyors, packaging, light power transmission |
#50 | 0.625" | Industrial machinery, agriculture |
#60 | 0.750" | Heavy conveyors, elevators |
#80 | 1.000" | Consruction, mining, sawmills |
#100 | 1.250" | Crushers, mixers, high load drives |
#120 | 1.500" | Steel mill, heavy-duty conveyors |
#140-#240 | 1.750"-3.000" | High torque, low-speed equipment |
Accurate measurements are essential, whether you're maintaining industrial equipment or replacing an old roller chain. Poorly measured roller chains can lead to inefficiency, wear, and even safety hazards.
ANSI Roller Chain VS. Metric Roller Chain
| Standard | ANSI B29.1 | ISO 606/DIN8187 or 8188 |
Even if the pitch seems close, other dimensions—like roller width, plate height, and pin diameter—can vary enough to:
Causes improper sprocket engagement, increases wear and vibration, and leads to premature failure
For example:
ANSI #40 chain has a pitch of 12.7mm (0.5"), but ISO 08B chain also has a 12.7mm pitch. However, roller diameters and plate dimensions are not the same.
Roller Chain Type
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We offer various industrial chain options: roller chains, conveyor chains, stainless steel chains, heavy-duty roller chains, double-pitch roller chains, roller chain attachments, etc.
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