We have amassed vast design and application knowledge over our 40 year history. We understand the affects chain pull, speed, torque, bulk density, and temperature can have on a conveyor’s performance. We know the layout configurations that will provide optimum performance and longevity. We engineer the detailed components into our conveyors that make inspection and maintenance easy over the lifetime of the conveyor. Like our chain, our conveyors are designed and built to last. Each conveyor we engineer will deliver the best performance at the lowest cost of ownership.
All CDM conveyors are engineered on a per-suit basis to ensure compatibility with the specific application. Our conveyors are manufactured to withstand the rigors of the harsh industrial applications they were designed to serve. We believe it is important to understand the true difference in a CDM system in design, materials of construction, quality of workmanship and QA/QC procedures.
The data presented below are the results of an independent lab chemical analysis. The analysis was performed using 10 different industry available drag chains currently selling in the industrial market. Of the 10, we show 6 here because 4 were not even alloy steel making them an unequal comparison to the CDM Systems Chain Formula. The 6 manufacturer’s chain assemblies that use an alloy steel are shown below.
Micro-Structure | CDM | A | B | C | D | E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Identification Din. Desig.: | 20MnCr5 | 18MnCrB5 | 20NiCrMo5 | 20MnCr5 | 20MnCr5 | 25CrMo4 |
Core Hardness (BHN): | 300-400 | 300-400 | 300-400 | 415 | 300-400 | 355 |
Case Hardness (BHN): | 550-650 | 550-650 | 550-600 | 535 | 500-550 | 550-650 |
Effective Depth of Case: | .035 | .022 | .025 | .010 | .012 | .055 |
The most important feature of any drag chain formula is the effective case hardness depth. Once this case is worn through, elongation will accelerate and become a significant factor in maintenance. However, case depth is not unlimited and not the only factor in building a strong chain. The right formula or case hardness and ductility are critical. Too hard, as with a depth noted above of .055 and the ductility and impact resistance will be compromised and cause failures.