Roller Chain Tensioner

A roller chain tensioner is a tensioning mechanism that effectively reduces any slack on a roller chain and ensures that the drive torque is transmitted uniformly. More importantly, it can significantly extend the service life of the roller chain by reducing wear. Without adequate tension, the chain will start sagging, causing vibration and transmission noise, and no longer properly engage with the sprocket. When that happens, the chain will no longer be able to run smoothly. On the other hand, when the tension is too tight, it can cause the chain to wear out prematurely or cause it to elongate. Both of these results will inevitably lead to increased costs and downtime.

Types of Roller Chain Tensioner

There are different types of roller chain tensioners available.

Floating Roller Chain Tensioner

The floating roller chain tensioner is a self-adjusting tensioning system that is mounted directly on the chain drive. It is typically used with two sprockets or pulleys installed opposite each other, with adjustable straps that apply a constant amount of tension. Compared to other types of roller chain tensioners, this device is considered the most versatile as well as the most economical. It can be used in a variety of applications including food processing, agricultural, and other chain applications that require tensioning.  Using a floating roller chain tensioner does not require lubrication and much maintenance. It can help reduce vibration and lessen chain wear, prolonging the service life of your chain.

Roll Ring Tensioner 

The roll ring tensioner is an innovative, self-adjusting tensioning mechanism that can be used in almost any application. It features a toothed ring made of a specially formulated polymer that is fitted between the strands of the chain. Once the drive is running, the ring will be compressed by the chains, allowing it to absorb any slack in the system as well as dampen vibrations. The roll ring tensioner is highly resistant to wear and tear, easy to install, and does not require any maintenance. It works independent of the rotational direction of the drive which makes it an ideal option for applications that require reversible operation.

Spring-loaded Roller Chain Tensioners

Like what the name implies, a spring-loaded roller chain tensioner is a tensioning mechanism that features a built-in spring that takes up slack and applies constant tension on the roller chain. It is typically installed near the drive sprocket to keep the slack strand as short as possible. A spring-loaded roller chain tensioner can feature one to three springs, depending on how much tensioning pressure is required. Aside from improving drive performance, this type of tensioner is able to absorb shock and reduce vibration. 

Manual Roller Chain Tensioners

As the name implies, these are tensioning mechanisms that require manual operation. There are two main types of manual roller chain tensioners - adjustable-arm and adjustable screw. 

With an adjustable-arm roller chain tensioner, the operation will need to adjust the position of the arm in order to apply tension to the chain. The arm can typically be positioned at any point in a 360 arc. An adjustable-screw roller chain tensioner, on the other hand, requires the operator to move the adjustment screw in order to apply tension.