Subject: Kinematics of Machinery

Topic: Belts, Chains and Brakes

Difficulty: Medium

Following are the advantages and disadvantages of chain drive over belt or rope drive:

Advantages:-

1. As no slip takes place during chain drive, hence perfect velocity ratio is obtained.
2. Since the chains are made of metal, therefore they occupy less space in width than a belt or rope drive.
3. The chain drive may be used when the distance between the shafts is less.
4. The chain drive gives a high transmission efficiency (up to 98 percent).
5. The chain drive gives less load on the shaft.
6. The chain drive has the ability to transmit motion to several shafts by one chain only.

Disadvantages:-

1. The production cost of chains is relatively high.
2. The chain drive needs accurate mounting and careful maintenance.
3. The chain drive has velocity fluctuations, especially when unduly stretched.