Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Stainless Steel Chains for Industrial Use
The stainless steel chain is an essential part of manufacturing industries, especially for rigging operations. The strength of the chain makes it apt for heavy-duty operations. It can also withstand extreme climatic conditions. Having said that, selecting the stainless steel chain for industrial use requires careful consideration. If you end up buying the wrong kind of load lifting chain, then it can lead to inefficient operations, increased maintenance, and increased costs of operations. So, avoid these costly mistakes.
- Wrong Grade of Stainless Steel Chains:
You need to understand that not all stainless steel chains are created equal. There are different grades, which specify the strength and sturdiness of the load lifting chain. So, you should choose the one that is best for your operations.
304 Stainless Steel Chain: It offers great corrosion resistance and strength, apt for indoor operations.
316 Stainless Steel Chain: It consists of molybdenum, which makes it corrosion resistance especially in humid areas.
So, always keep in mind the surrounding environment that your rigging equipment will come in contact with during the operations. For a highly humid and toxic environment like the chemical and cargo industries, 316 grade chain is best. Whereas for general operations 304 grade is reliable.
- Avoiding the Capacity Factor:
Each of the load lifting chains comes with a work load limit (WLL), which is also specified by the high-quality chain manufacturers. It means that the chain can lift only that much amount of weight safely. So, always ask the manufacturers for the capacity of the equipment, so that there are no mishaps. It should align with your everyday maximum expected load lifting operations.
- Chain Standards and Certifications:
The high-quality industrial chains are manufactured according to standards like ISO (International Organization for Standards). It represents the material quality, performance, and reliability. It will ensure smooth and efficient operations, so always buy the chains from certified suppliers. Always ask for the documentation of the compliance, and go for the manufacturers that provide ISO marked products only.
- Budget:
We understand that budget is one of the main concerns when it comes to buying any equipment, and a cheap one looks attractive. But cost is not the only thing that you should consider when deciding on buying the load lifting chain. It is also essential to evaluate its performance and specifications. But you do not want to burn a hole in your wallet, so go for the total cost of ownership. It means you should consider not just the cost price, but also the future maintenance cost, replacement frequency, and potential downtime that can be caused due to machine failure. It will help you understand whether the machine is cost-effective in the long run or not.
- Environmental Conditions:
The exposure of the machine to the environmental conditions can greatly impact the efficiency of the machine. So, temperature control, humidity, heat, and exposure to chemicals are some of the things that you should think about before buying the stainless steel chain. Check whether the coating of the chain is according to the environmental needs. If you need the chain for operations in a highly volatile environment like the chemical industry, then select the chains with additional coatings like electropolishing.
- Overlooking Design:
It is one of the most overlooked factors when choosing the load lifting operations. However, do you know that stainless steel chains are available in various designs like roller chains, welded link chains, and conveyor chains, among others? Each one is apt for a specific application. It is essential to understand the usage and then choose the chain that is designed for the specific application. If you want the rigging tool for hosting operations, select the grade 80 or 100. On the other hand, you can go for roller chains for conveyor operations.
- Not Considering Chain Length Tolerance:
The industrial load lifting chains should be of appropriate length to precisely move the objects. The wrong length can cause malfunctions or mechanical failures. Do not buy any cut-length chain; deal with manufacturers that guarantee chain length tolerance and consistency during the operations. Always check the measurements before the installation, especially for timed systems or load-bearing operations.
- Mishandling Before Operations:
The load lifting chains are delicate and are affected by the surrounding area. So, if it is mishandled or not stored properly before the operations, it can malfunction, leading to scratches and wear and tear. So, better inspect the chain properly for damages, so that you do not end up investing in contaminated chains.
Wrapping Up…
Buying a stainless steel chain is not as easy as buying vegetables. There are so many factors to consider so that the operations are efficient. There are so many factors, like environmental factors, load requirements, apart from budget factors. Here are the key takeaways you can take away from this post:
- Don’t let price be the only deciding factor.
- Select the reputable manufacturers like ‘Lifton Chains and Tackles Pvt Ltd’
- Pay close attention to the ratings and compliance with the industrial standard.
With thoughtful planning, you can avoid unnecessary risks and get the most reliable load lifting chains, fulfilling the various material handling needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why Stainless Steel Chain is Best for Load Lifting Operations?
- They are corrosion-resistant and thus they can handle extreme climatic conditions.
- These chains have high tensile strength, allowing them to lift heavy loads.
- There are various applications, like hoisting and material handling.
What are the Applications of Stainless Steel Chain?
- Food processing industries are easy to clean and chemically resistant.
- Chemical industries, as a chain, can withstand the harsh and humid environment.
- Shipyards and cargo operations can withstand a harsh environment.
- Construction industries for moving heavy loads, concrete, and building anchors.
What is the Price of the Stainless Steel Chain?
As already told above, there are various grades of stainless steel available. Each one has different specifications and features. You can select the one according to your needs, and the price will also differ accordingly.