Understanding Conveyor Chain Standards: British vs. American

There is a huge variety of conveyor chains available, each one suitable for different applications and industries. Yet one of the most important, yet overlooked, factors when selecting the right chain is the difference between British and American conveyor chain standards. At John King Chains, we have been manufacturing high-quality chains to both specifications for decades. We’re always on hand to help our customers make the right choice for their specific equipment, industry, and performance requirements.

Why Do Different Standards Matter?

Conveyor chain standards relate to a wide range of factors, including dimensions, pitch, pin diameter, roller diameter, and tensile strength. These features ensure that chains, sprockets, and other related components function reliably within a system, regardless of where they are sourced.

Selecting the wrong standard of product can lead to compatibility issues and other problems, including accelerated wear and even system breakdowns. When this happens, businesses can be affected by costly downtime and loss of productivity. So, as you can see, it is essential to know the key difference between conveyor chain standards.

What are British Standard Chains?

British Standard Chains, often designated under BS or ISO standards (such as BS 4116 or ISO 1977), are widely used in the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, and other regions. In comparison to their American standard counterparts, British standard chains are typically manufactured with a larger pitch and often feature a solid bush construction to increase strength and wear resistance.

Some key features of British Standard conveyor chains include:

• Pitch sizes in metric units.
• Solid bushes for better lubrication retention and longer service life.
• Commonly used in industries such as cement, mining, timber, and bulk material handling.
• Designed to suit British Standard sprockets for a precise fit.

At John King Chains, our British Standard chains are rigorously produced at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and tested to meet or exceed industry performance requirements.

What are American Standard Conveyor Chains?

As you might have guessed, American Standard chains, often referred to as ANSI or ASME (such as ANSI B29.1), are more commonly used in North America and in industries and equipment built to US specifications.

Key features of American Standard chains include:

• Pitch and dimensions follow imperial measurements.
• Typically lighter in construction compared to British standard chains.
• Widely used in sawmills, timber processing, food production, and recycling operations.
• Compatible with ANSI-standard sprockets.

John King Chains manufactures a range of top-quality American Standard chains, including heavy-duty and specialty options, including sharp top chains for the timber industry and food-grade chains for applications where hygiene is paramount.

Choosing the Right Standard

The right standard for your requirements can depend on a number of factors, including:

• The equipment you use: Always check the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Regional preferences: Some industries prefer a specific standard.
• Availability of matching sprockets and replacement parts: It may be harder to get hold of certain products in some places.
• Application demands: Certain standards may be better suited to managing heavy loads or abrasive conditions.

At John King Chains, our team of experts are always on hand to help you assess these factors and recommend a suitable product to suit your operations. Whether you need British Standard, American Standard, or even custom-designed conveyor chains, we can deliver.

With nearly a century of experience in manufacturing, we are renowned for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to ensure every chain meets the highest standards of strength, precision, and performance.

Get in Touch Today

Choosing between British and American Standard chains doesn’t have to be confusing. Choose a trusted conveyor chain manufacturer to take the guesswork out of your decision. For more information about our wide range of products, give us a call on 01977 681 910 or fill in our online enquiry form today.