Renold Heavy chains are manufactured to the same specifications as BLUEBOX in terms of solid bushings, ball-reamed holes, shot peening, optimal press fit, etc. What distinguishes these chains from standard chains is the following:
- H – The chains have about 20% thicker side washers, in most cases a given H chain has the same washer thickness as the corresponding Ansi chain which is one size larger. For example Ansi 80H has the same washer thickness as Ansi 100. The thicker washers make the chain better suited for heavy loads and a certain absorbing effect against shock loads is achieved. For simplex chains you can use standard sprockets but for duplex, triplex or multi-row the wheels must be specially manufactured as the cross-pitch changes due to the washer thickness.
- V – The chains have a hardened pin which provides increased breaking load and resistance to shock loads, however, the resistance to wear and thus elongation is slightly lower. Dimensionally, these are identical to standard chains.
- HV – The chains combine thicker side washers with a through-hardened pin, which provides excellent resistance to both heavy and shock loads. For multi-row chains, the sprockets must be specially manufactured due to the thicker washers. Further improvement in chain drive life can be achieved by using sprockets with hardened teeth.