Spiral chains are metal ovals linked together for lifting or pulling heavy loads. They have been replaced by wire rope but are still used in docks and construction sites. Captive link chains have added strength and are used in aquatic applications. Synthetic materials are becoming popular but coil chains are preferred for heavy-duty applications.
Spiral chains are formed from metal ovals that are linked together to form long chains; metals consist of straight bars of iron or steel that are bent and then welded. There are a number of industrial uses for coil chains, especially for lifting or pulling heavy loads. A variant of the spiral chain is the pin chain. Coiled chains have been replaced by wire rope or cable applications that require more flexibility and tensile strength than what a coiled chain can offer.
A coil chain is one of the oldest members of the chain family and is especially useful for carrying or pulling heavy weights. When lifting large and heavy objects, the force exerted on the spiral chain by gravity is dissipated due to the linked design of the chain. The same goes for pulleys; mechanical power exerted by an engine, or similar source of power, is transmitted through the chain of coils without compromising the integrity of its internal strength. Large chains of steel coils can be seen at work at the docks where large containers need to be moved onto cargo vessels. Similar spiral chains are also widely used on cranes on construction sites.
The coil chain design can be slightly modified to give the structure greater strength and protection against deformation. A captive link chain, for example, uses an extra bar or pin along the length of each link. These bars give the coiled chain added strength and protect it from common chain-related deformation such as kink, which is the extreme twisting of the chain links. Captive link chains are also less prone to fouling, a common problem when coil chains are used in aquatic applications. This is why captive link chains are widely used in ship anchors and other seaworthy equipment.
A number of new synthetic materials have been developed whose properties rival those of ancient metals such as iron and steel. For heavy-duty applications, the proven coil chain is often preferred to synthetic polymer cables or wire ropes. New age materials are becoming increasingly popular, however, in applications where flexibility and light weight are more important than sheer strength. However, coil chain will most likely continue to be used in various areas.
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