Stainless steel chain
As stainless steel chains is called stainless or at least very corrosion resistant in the vernacular chains . The definition of stainless steel is specified in EN 10020 . So-called stainless steel chains can be found in the following areas: jewelry , drive / roller and round steel / round link chains . The area of round steel chains can be divided into the following groups:
- unwelded or welded stainless steel chains
- Anchor chains
- Chain slings for lifting loads
- Hoist chains
- Conveyor chains
- Meter chains
- Pump chains
In view of the constantly increasing requirements for corrosion resistance in the following areas:
- Water / wastewater technology
- hygiene
- Food machines
- Butchery supplies
- Power plant technology
- environmental engineering
- Military technology
round link chains in "stainless steel" are finding ever greater variety of applications. The selection of steel grades and their processing requires an intensive exchange of information between manufacturers and users of stainless steel chains. Stainless steel chains are made of different materials and offered in different quality classes. This is especially true in the area of lifting loads with so-called chain slings and pump chains. Stainless steel chains in grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 are currently being produced.
A major disadvantage of using high-alloy steels (stainless steel) for chains is the considerable reduction in the rheological properties compared to conventional carbon steels. Here, it must be assumed that the load-bearing capacity of the chains is reduced by up to 70%. Alternatively, chemical and galvanic coating processes are used in order to avoid this disadvantage with simultaneous corrosion protection.