Chain Length Calculator

The Chain Length calculator solves for either the length of a chain or center distance between two sprockets.

To calculate chain length or center distance:

1.	Select Machine Design > Chain Length Calculator.

The Chain Length Calculator dialog box opens.

 

Parameter	Description
Chain and Sprocket Data
Find	Select whether to calculate the Chain Length or the Center Distance between sprockets
Std.Chain No. (Pitch)	Select the pitch of the chain
N1	Enter the number of teeth of sprocket #1
N2	Enter the number of teeth of sprocket #2
Center Distance or Chain Length	If calculating the chain length, enter the Center Distance; if calculating the center distance, enter the Chain Length
Chain Length or Center Distance	Depending on the Find selected, the chain length or center distance calculation is displayed
Placement Options
Place chain on drawing	Inserts the continuous chain onto the drawing, based on the specified and calculated values
Place sprockets on drawing	Inserts the two sprockets onto the drawing based on the specified and calculated value
Group the objects	Select to group the objects when inserted onto the drawing; if deselected, the objects are ungrouped when inserted onto the drawing and are editable in the Object Info palette
Place data on drawing	When selected, inserts the calculated data onto the drawing

The Chain Length value can be entered based on the number of pitches multiplied by the pitch value.

2.	Enter the known values, and then click Solve.

The chain length or center distance value displays.

If the center distance value is unknown, leave the field blank, and then click Solve. The minimum distance is displayed. Click Solve again to solve for the chain length based on the minimum center distance.

3.	Select the desired placement options.

4.

Click OK.

5.	If placement options were selected, the cursor changes to a bull’s eye. Click in the drawing to insert the chain and/or sprockets. If Place data on the drawing was selected, click again to insert the calculated data.

6.	Click OK to close the calculator.