Configure Your SERAPID Chain System

To select your SERAPID chain system, just follow the steps outlined below.  For details, please consult the PDF files linked  below for each of the steps.  For a total appreciation of the SERAPID chain, we recommend that you read the entire brochure.

1. Determine the total load.  In addition to the weight of the items moved, friction, acceleration and deceleration forces have to be considered.  Please see System Design.
   
2. How can the chain be stored?  The location of the chain storage has consequences on the overall system layout as well as on the choice of the chain (see How the Chain Moves a Load).  The various possibilities for storing the chain are shown in Techniques of Chain Storage.
   
3. System design.  A standard rigid-chain system may comprise just one chain or two chains working in parallel.  Dual-chain systems provide excellent solutions for large load applications because the force is equally distributed on the two chains and the extra stability may make it unnecessary to guide the load.  With single-chain systems, the load has to be guided.  See Basics of System Design.
   
4. Can the chain be guided?  If possbile, the chain should be used with guides.  There are two standard guiding systems available (see Guiding the Chain).  Guided chains maintain their nominal capacity over any length.  However, guiding may not be feasible in some environments.  Without guides, the capacity depends on the orientation of the chain and the length of the stroke.
   
5. Which type of chain?  The SERAPID chain is available in a variety of designs to satisfy various application needs.  See Chain Types and Capacities for an overview.  The capacity of unguided chains depends on whether they can be coiled in an upward or downward direction, and, consequently, operate with their 'shoulders' down or up.  The capacity also depends on the length of the stroke.  Consult the capacity charts in Chain Types and Capacities.  If you use guides or the stroke does not exceed 1m, select your chain according to the maximim capacity specified in the far left columns of both charts.
   
6. Look up your chain in the catalog.  Once you have the appropriate chain type and decided on the location and method of storing, consult the catalog of Technical Diagrams.  The catalog provides detailed information on dimensions and weights of chains, guides, and drive and redirection housings.  Technical drawings are presented for all the products.
   
   The drawings can also be obtained on CD-Rom by calling or emailing Trans-Quip Inc.
   
7. Calculate the length of the chain.  See Calculating Chain Length for instructions.
   
8. Choose an attaching device.  For exclusively pushing operations, it may not be necessary to attach the chain's end to the load.  For other operations, there are several ways of attaching.  See Guiding the Chain and Attaching the Load.
   
9. Calculate the drive power.  See Attaching a Gear Motor for the formulas to use.  If you wish, we can supply the motor.
   
10. Fill out the SERAPID Application Questionnaire.  Describe your application and desired solution in as much detail as necessary, then send the questionnaire back to us.  You will promptly receive your quotation.  If you still have questions or require special equipment, please contact us.