Self-lubrication materials are used in a conveyot chain that combines the performance advantages of stainless steel and engineering plastics.

Wyko has introduced Poly-Steel Chain (PC) from Tsubaki that combines the performance advantages of stainless steel and engineering plastics. It offers a load capacity close to that of standard stainless steel chain, but costs less, and is approximately 50% lighter. The chain provides the ideal solution for applications where a quiet, clean and lube-free drive or conveyor chain is required.

Poly-Steel chains need no maintenance, as the material of the inner link is self-lubricating, giving excellent characteristics to the chain itself and virtually eliminating wear on guide rails and sprockets.

The chain's Polyacetal inner links are joined by '304' stainless steel outer links and pins for a combination of strength and lightness that makes this chain valuable in a variety of end user applications.

For example: in the food, electronic and business machine industries.

Because of lower initial costs, and the savings achieved through the reduced power consumption needed to drive them, Poly-Steel chains are more cost effective than all-metal chains.

Noise levels with the chains are reduced, being as low as 5dB.

This is because the light weight of the chains enables the engineering plastic inner links to engage with the sprocket wheels with far less driving noise.

In addition, since there is less friction where plastic and steel surfaces meet, the wear and elongation common with many types of steel chain are greatly reduced.

The benefit of this to the user is that chain replacement is less frequent.

The flexibility of the Poly-Steel design means that other materials can be substituted in the chain construction for the purpose of gaining additional corrosion resistance.

Two plastics are offered for bushing links.

The first of these is electro-conductive and prevents static electricity from being transmitted back to conveyed products.

The second is a special anti-corrosive white plastic that resists caustic agents of the type used in the electronics industry.

The capability of PC chain to be used in arduous environments can be further enhanced with pin and pin plates supplied in 316 stainless steel or a titanium alloy.

Both of these materials guarantee the maximum in corrosion resistance even in the most severe applications.

Poly-Steel chains are manufactured by Tsubaki and designed for use on standard sprockets at maximum speeds up to 70m/min and in the temperature range -250C to + 800degC.

As well as supplying the range, Wyko also provide a full specification and installation service for Tsubaki products and can supply chains with a full range of stainless attachments, pre-assembled for immediate installation.

The Poly-Steel series forms part of Wyko's comprehensive stock of specialist chains.

Other products available include low elongation, corrosion resistant, attachment and clean environment chains as well as a broad range of general transmission components and accessories.

The chains form part of a comprehensive range of torque transmission equipment and components available from over 140 Wyko branches nationwide