ISO 1977:2006

Overview

ISO 1977:2006 - "Conveyor chains, attachments and sprockets" - defines dimensional, mechanical and control requirements for conveyor chains and their associated components. The standard covers bush, plain and flanged roller chains of both solid and hollow bearing pin types intended for general conveying and mechanical handling duties, plus associated sprockets (6–40 teeth), K attachments and deep plates. Its primary aim is to ensure interchangeability of complete chains and individual links for repair and maintenance.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Chain types & nomenclature: Designation system (e.g., M80 for a 80 kN solid-pin chain; MC224 for a 224 kN hollow-pin chain) and optional suffixes for bush, flanged, plain or small roller types.
• Dimensional tables: Detailed dimensions for solid-pin and hollow-pin chains (pitch, roller/bush/pin diameters, plate depths, widths) to guarantee compatibility across manufacturers.
• Interchangeability: Maximum and minimum chain/link dimensions specified to permit repair with matched parts.
• Tensile testing: Test length minimum (three free pitches); failure-adjacent-to-shackle results disregarded; test method at manufacturer’s discretion.
• Length accuracy & measurement: Finished chain length accuracy to within 0.25% of nominal when measured under specified conditions (standard measurement length ~3 000 mm with odd number of pitches, supported throughout, measuring force = 1/50 of tensile strength).
• Cranked links, attachments & deep plates: Specifications for cranked link dimensions, K attachment types (K1, K2, K3) and deep-plate heights for conveyor applications.
• Sprocket control criteria: Dimensional and control requirements for sprockets (6–40 teeth) including diametral dimensions, tooth gap form, rim profile, run-out limits and bore tolerances to ensure correct meshing and load transmission. (Note: controls do not automatically define detailed sprocket design parameters.)

Applications and who uses it

ISO 1977:2006 is essential for:

• Conveyor and material-handling equipment designers and OEMs specifying chain drives and sprockets.
• Chain and sprocket manufacturers ensuring parts are interchangeable and conformant.
• Maintenance, procurement and plant engineers selecting replacement chains, attachments and sprockets.
• Standards committees and spec writers aligning procurement and safety documentation.

Typical applications include industrial conveyors, bulk handling systems, packaging lines and mechanical handling equipment where reliable meshing, load transmission and easy repairability are required.

Related standards

• ISO 286-2 (system of limits and fits - holes and shafts) is a normative reference used for sprocket bore tolerances.
• Prepared by ISO/TC 100 (Chains and chain sprockets for power transmission and conveyors).

Keywords: ISO 1977:2006, conveyor chains, sprockets, K attachments, deep plates, chain interchangeability, tensile testing, flanged roller chain, hollow bearing pin, chain dimensions.