Tough roller chains offer high performance and extended service life in dusty, high-humidity installations
BMG has expanded its power transmission portfolio with the introduction of the new Fenner Zintek Plus roller chain and O-ring roller chain, designed for dependable use in aggressive, high-wear and high-contamination environments.
These durable corrosion-resistant transmission chains have been developed by Fenner as a long-life alternative to conventional chain that experiences premature failure due to corrosion and abrasive wear.
“The new Fenner Zintek Plus chain is engineered to prevent premature failures in tough production environments, where conventional carbon steel, zinc-plated or nickel-plated chains do not deliver acceptable service life,” says Leon Alberts, Manager – Internal Operations, Mechanical Power Transmission Division,BMG. “Corrosion and abrasive wear are primary causes of premature chain failure in dusty, high-humidity installations. Important benefits of this new roller chain include extendedservice intervals, reduced unplanned downtime and improved maintenance planning.
“This durable chain combines two complementary protective technologies to enhance durability under load. All plates, rollers and components are treated with a high-performance zinc-aluminium coating that provides extended resistance to red rust in wet, humid, chemical and outdoor environments. This coating also offers strong adhesion characteristics, reducing the risk of flaking or peeling under mechanical stress, while eliminating hydrogen embrittlement to maintain full mechanical strength. To ensure environmentally responsible protection, the treatment is free from harmful heavy metals.
“In addition to surface protection on the chain body, the Fenner Zintek Plus range incorporates chemically nickel-plated, hardened pins with a surface hardness of approximately 67 to 68 HRC. This compares with conventional chain pins and rollers typically rated between 58 and 62 HRC.
“The higher hardness level improves wear resistance on critical load-bearing components, reduces elongation over time and extends operational life in abrasive and high-cycle applications. Enhanced corrosion protection at the pin interface further supports reliability in sugar production, where moisture and contaminants accelerate degradation.”
BMG’s recent introduction of the new Fenner O-ring chain also provides an important reliability improvement for use in difficult environments – particularly where equipment operates outdoors or in dusty conditions and where maintaining correct lubrication schedules for conventional roller chain is difficult.
The Fenner O-ring chain design addresses these challenges by sealing lubrication inside the chain where it is needed most, while protecting internal components from contamination. The result is a robust chain that offers high performance over extended operating periods.
Fenner O-Ring chain incorporates precision-engineered elastomer O-rings positioned between the inner and outer side plates of each link. These seals trap factory-applied lubricant within the critical pin-and-bush interface, ensuring continuous internal lubrication throughout the service life of the chain. The sealed design prevents the entry of dirt, dust, water and other contaminants that would normally cause internal wear.
In conventional roller chains, lubrication applied to the outside must migrate into the pin-and-bush interface to reduce friction and wear. In harsh environments this lubricant is frequently washed away or contaminated, leading to elongation, increased friction and eventual failure.
Consistent lubrication of the new Fenner O-ring chains ensures smoother operation and reduces premature chain failure, helping operators maintain uptime in demanding production environments. Another benefit of the sealed configuration is the clean external condition of the chain during operation. Because there is no need for repeated external lubrication, the chain remains dry on the outside surface. This prevents the build-up of abrasive dust and debris that typically accumulates on oil-coated chains in dusty environments. The cleaner operation is particularly advantageous in applications where contamination of surrounding equipment must be avoided.
BMG’s new Fenner Zintek Plus chains are suitable for use in sugar production, mining and quarry operations, cement and aggregate plants, agriculture and fertiliser equipment, materials handling systems, outdoor installations and coastal or high-humidity environments. Although these chains are not intended for direct food contact, they perform effectively in food-related and washdown environments, where corrosion resistance is an important requirement.
Fenner O-Ring roller chain is suited to a wide range of industrial applications where harsh environmental conditions or restricted maintenance access make conventional chain maintenance difficult. Typical installations include agricultural machinery, like harvesters, balers and conveyors, as well as equipment used in mining and quarry operations. The chain is also well suited to timber processing equipment, recycling facilities, materials-handling conveyors and outdoor installations exposed to weather and airborne contaminants.
Fenner 12B and 16B Zintek Plus and O-ring chains are now available throughout Africa, from BMG’s extensive distribution network.
