Independent Study Confirms Premium Roller Chains Deliver Up to 13× Longer Life
A new peer reviewed study from researchers at the University of Kaiserslautern Landau (RPTU) and Ruhr University Bochum has delivered a breakthrough finding for industrial operators worldwide: premium-grade roller chains like Renold can last up to 13.3 times longer than lower-spec alternatives, while maintaining higher efficiency and requiring less frequent lubrication. The research highlights the decisive role of manufacturing precision in determining friction, wear, and long-term sustainability.
Using advanced tactile measurements and full-system efficiency testing, the scientists found that only the premium chain specimen featured “almost ideal cylindrical bushings,” while lower-cost chains showed significant deformation and constriction at the plate seats. These geometric flaws created localized pressure spikes, accelerated wear, and reduced efficiency. In contrast, the premium chain maintained stable friction behavior and reached the experiment’s 0.2% elongation wear value only after 2,000 hours, compared to 150–500 hours for the other variants.
Renold’s Blue and their other high specification roller chains embody the exact characteristics identified in the study: seamless, tapered bushings; precision matched components; and consistent internal geometry after assembly. These engineering advantages translate into dramatically lower total cost of ownership, fewer replacements, less frequent lubrication, and a significantly smaller carbon footprint over a system’s life.
For more than 160 years, Renold has led the industry in high specification chain technology. This independent research confirms what Renold customers have long experienced in the field: true premium chains deliver superior performance, longer service life, meaningful sustainability gains, and offer the lowest total cost of ownership.
Learn more at: https://sites.google.com/view/renold-lowest-ownership-cost/home