The ‘CC’ has given way to ‘LF’ as Rexnord upgrades its popular case conveyor chains, the CC600 and the CC600TAB with new low-friction versions – the LF600 and LF600TAB.

The move to low friction conveyor chains has been gaining momentum in recent years, according to Troy Markland, National Product Manager for Power Transmission at Industrial Solutions Australia.

“The market is evolving. Every plant is looking for chains that last longer and wear less frequently. When you consider that a typical plant replaces between 500 to 1000 feet of conveyor chains per maintenance cycle, the cost savings become significant with longer-lasting chains,” says Troy.

The premium low friction case conveyor chains by Rexnord are manufactured in The Netherlands and are now available in Australia through Industrial Solutions Australia’s businesses – namely CBC, BSC and Webster BSC. “Our customers had heard about these chains being available overseas, and now we have them available locally across all of our branches,”
says Troy.

Case conveyor chains have long been a reliable and robust method of transporting heavy crates and containers efficiently in either straight lines or around corners. These chains can be found in dairies, bakeries and poultry plants – anywhere where simple cases and crates need to be transported effectively with minimum down time and maintenance.

The Rexnord LF600 and LF600TAB chains use Rexnord’s proven LF® Low Friction acetal, ensuring low friction running combined with the extra strength of acetal.

Polyacetal, also commonly known as acetal or polyoxymethylene (POM) is a conveyor chain stalwart with an inherent strength easily surpassing comparable chain materials such as polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PBT).

Matt Crehan, National Product Manager at Rexnord Australia, says the lower friction additives included in the patented Rexnord LF® Low Friction acetal used in these chains offer immediate advantages to conveyor systems.

“The reduced wear between chain and wearstrips helps extend the chain life. Lower resistance between chain and products also means better chain accumulation, which also reduces damage and marking on product,” says Matt.

“The reduced friction between the chain and the wearstrip also assists with chain pull so that tension at the headshaft is also alleviated. The lower coefficient of friction in a conveyor run also means there is less chance of chain jam ups or issues with obstructions. So overall, you have smoother running chains,” he adds.

Further, Matt points out some additional features that make the chains easier to handle.

“These premium chains feature an extremely tight minimum turning radius of 457 millimetre. This, and the improved pin fastening, make handling heavy loads over a small footprint easily achievable.

“And while the non-tab version will travel around bends without difficulty, the addition of the solid tab version allows cornering with a positive hold down force in each radius, ensuring chains do not lift and can achieve higher loads and speeds as they turn.”

Chain cleaning is another parameter taken into account, Matt says.

“The open top and solid side bars of the LF600 and LF600TAB chains make cleaning and maintenance easier than other conventional “slat” type chains, making these chains perfect for food and high-hygiene plants.”

With high stock levels around the country, Troy says the Rexnord LF600 and LF600TAB chains can be relied upon for full plant maintenance upgrades. “All CBC, BSC and Wesbter BSC branches are ready to help customers with information on the new Rexnord chains.  Simply contact your local branch and we will be happy to help.”