Many people often are confused and wonders about the difference between electric wire rope hoists and roller chain lifting mechanism.
Vertical lifts, popularly called freight lifts or mezzanine lifts, seem to become extremely popular as organizations understand the increasing demand to deliver orders faster.
The objective of a vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC), for anyone who doesn’t realize it, is to transport materials or commodities from one place to another. VRCs are not for passengers, even though they are typically known as freight elevators. In a VRC, only goods and raw materials can be transported.
The lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the level is amongst the most important aspects of a VRC.
Mini electric wire hoist and roller chains are the two forms of hoisting systems. In this article, we’ll focus on the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as which is better for which circumstances.
But before that, let’s take a look at how wire ropes and roller chains are manufactured.
How Wire Ropes and Roller Chains are Made?
Roller Chain
Numerous VRCs in the industry are using the roller chain, which is often used in agricultural and manufacturing equipment.
The roller chain has two different types of links that alternate — inner links and outer links, as per Wikipedia.
Two inner plates are kept together by 2 sleeves or bushings in the inner links, which revolve around two rollers. The outermost links are made up of 2 outer plates joined by connectors that pass through the bushings of internal links.
When compared to simpler designs, the roller chain concept lowers lubrication, which leads to improved efficiency and much less wear.
Wire Rope
Multi-wire strands, Metal wires that form a single strand, lubrication, and a wire core- these four components make up the wire rope.
Multi-wire strands are mainly composed of metal wires, the lightest and smallest part of the wire rope. Metal wires are available in a range of grades.
Multi-wire strands are made up of multiple metal wires usually two or more that have been coiled and put in a helical manner around the core.
The electric wire rope hoists core passes through the middle of the rope. It protects the strands by supporting them and assisting them in maintaining their position despite weight or tensile loads.
Lubricant that is added during the production process seeps into the core of the wire rope. Lubricant lowers friction while also preventing corrosion.
Important Comparison on Wire Rope and Roller Chain
Cost
In reality, the price really shouldn’t be a consideration. The type of lifting system required should be determined by the nature and usage. When considering wire rope and chain, price is variable. Wire rope has a higher cost than a chain. Chains, on the other hand, have higher maintenance costs. The significant thing you would want to do is overuse your lift or have to cope with pricey and time-consuming failures or equipment breakdowns as a result of choosing the incorrect lift for the job.
Load Capacities, Strength, and Work Environments
Generally, HITACHI electric wire rope hoist outperforms chain. Wire rope is made up of multiple strands of continuous wires, whereas a chain is made up of links. The weakest element of a chain is the joints, which can break under tremendous pressure.
Wire ropes are not only stronger than chains, but they also perform better in high-stress situations. Wire ropes are more resistant to hostile conditions and high temperatures. Both, however, can be employed in outdoor spaces.
Vertical Lifts that are using mini electric wire hoist give significantly better performance than chains in high-duty cycles. Heat is produced in engines and parts during high-duty periods; wire rope distributes heat better than a chain. In these high-heat settings, using a chain will almost certainly result in equipment breakdown and disruption.
Similarly, chains cannot be used in excessively dirty or polluted areas. The lubricant on the chain will absorb these particles, resulting in an abrasion compound that will wear down the chain sooner.
Wire-rope vertical elevators need very little maintenance. Wire ropes, unlike chains, don’t really need lubrication, which is a difficult and time-consuming job. Both the wire rope and the chain have to be changed over the unit’s lifetime. Chains are typically more likely to wear and tear, although wire ropes will also be subjected to it. Degradation, cracks, or ripping, tensile failure, or fatigue breakdowns can all occur in wire ropes.
To Sum Up-
Whether it’s a crane, hoist, or vertical material lift, the lifting device will use either a roller chain or wire rope. It’s critical to perform your analysis before purchasing a vertical material hoist or any other lifting mechanism. It is not necessary to choose one over the other; what matters is that the proper lifting technique should be used for the task.