A tensioning mechanism is required in conjunction with any chain drive. A roller chain is generally tensioned using a chain tensioner or a chain tensioning pulley. Chain tensioners significantly extend the service life of a chain drive, in some cases by as much as up to 30%. A good chain tensioner counteracts ageing and wear of the chain while also enabling stable chain circulation.
A chain tensioner is quite easy to install. The chain is then automatically tensioned during the entire service life.
As already mentioned, a chain can also be tensioned using a chain tensioning pulley, which typically consists of a sprocket and a deep groove ball bearing. Chain tensioning pulleys are used to compensate for the elongation of the chain and are generally made from steel or plastic (polyamide), whereby plastic wheels in particular enable noiseless operation.
The presence of a tensioning mechanism is important not only for chain drives, but also for belt drives. A tensioner can also be used for these drives to tension the belt.
Belt tensioners are also used in this scenario to compensate for elongation of the belt and to prevent slippage in the drive, thus ensuring less wear on the belt and pulley.
