Stenter Chain Maintenance and Lubrication

Why maintenance decides chain life

Maintenance is essential to the service life of the chain. Two chains of the same specification, on the same machine type, will differ in life by years depending on whether the annual clean actually happens.

The routine is short: clean the guide and chain at least once a year, and add a high temperature grease such as DuPont, Miller or Kluber.

What a stenter chain is made of

A chain consists of connectors, U-shaped connectors, pins, PEEK bushes, PEEK dust cover screws, wear sleeves and other components. Each wears at its own rate, and bushes and sleeves go long before the connectors do.

Because these parts are sold individually, most chains can be serviced rather than replaced. Replacing what has worn is far cheaper than replacing what has not.

Choosing a chain oil

Four properties matter. Viscosity and adhesion, because a high viscosity oil with good adhesive properties stays on the chain longer and reduces sling-off, especially at high speeds. High temperature resistance, because the machinery operates at elevated temperatures and the oil has to stay stable there.

Anti-wear and anti-corrosion additives, which prevent excessive wear and protect against rust, especially in humid or corrosive environments. And reduced friction, which improves efficiency and extends the chain's lifespan.

When to stop servicing and replace

Gauge the chain pitch. While it is within tolerance, replacing wear parts is better value than replacing the chain. Once elongation has reached the point where the pin bed cannot be held in register, nothing but a new chain recovers it.

Tracking elongation year on year turns the replacement from an emergency into a planned job, which is worth more than any individual part choice.

Do not forget the rail

A new chain on a worn rail does not last. Inspect the guide rail at every chain service. Rail condition also decides whether PEEK sliders are appropriate or whether copper remains the better choice, because PEEK does not tolerate a scored rail as well.