Definitions of
Commonly Used Terms
Working Load:
The "Working Load Limit" is also commonly abbreviated as
"WLL". It is the maximum load in pounds which
should ever be applied to a chain or accessories when
the load is uniformly applied in direct tension to a
straight length of chain.
Weissenfels does not accept
any liability for damages or injuries resulting from the
use of chain or accessories in excess of the "Working
Load Limit" or "WLL".
Proof Test:
This term describes a specific tensile test which the
chain has been subject to during or subsequent to the
process of manufacture. It is the load in pounds
at which the chain has been pulled in a direct tension
on a straight length of chain using a standard chain
testing machine.
Minimum Ultimate
Load: The minimum load in pounds at which
chain, in the condition it would leave the factory, has
been found to break when tested with a constantly
increasing force applied in direct tension to a straight
length of chain. A standard chain testing machine is
used for this test.
WARNINGS AND
CAUTIONS:
- Never exceed the
WLL "Working Load Limit" of the chain and
accessories.
- The working load
limit (see definition) refers to a load that is
uniformly applied in direct tension to the product.
It can be significantly reduced if not used in the
proper application. The following are some
examples of improper use and should be avoided when
using chain and accessories.
Twisting or tying
the chain in a knot.
Jerking or shock loading the
load
Gouging, bending or other disfigurement of
chain links and attachments
Environments with
high corrosion or other extreme conditions.
Any
use or purpose for which the product was not
designed or intended to be used for.
- Use ONLY
WEISSALLOY GRADE 80 ALLOY chain and accessories for
overhead lifting.
- Always inspect
chain before and after using it.
SPECIFICATIONS
All our chains are made
in accordance with the current A.S.T.M. and the N.A.
C.M. norms. Note that these norms specify
different safety factors for different types and grades
of chains and accessories. For the most commonly
sold chains these are:
Working Load Limit
(WLL) to Ultimate load
1:4 GR-80 ALLOY
1:4 GR-70
TRANSPORT, GR-30 PROOF COIL, TRAWL CHAIN.
1:3 GR-43
HIGH TEST
INSTRUCTIONS
REGARDING ATTACHMENTS
All attachments and
accessories are designed for use with the appropriate
size chain. Always make sure that the attachment
is at least equal to the strength of the chain. A
CHAIN ASSEMBLY SHALL ONLY BE RATED TO THE CAPACITY OF
THE WEAKEST COMPONENT IN IT.
HALLMARKING
All our products
conform to U.S. CUSTOMS laws requiring that the country
of origin be marked on all import products. In
addition all grades of chain are marked at various
intervals the following way:
Grade 30 Proof Coil
marked PC3
Grade 43 High Test marked HT4
Grade 70
Transport marked 70
Grade 80 Alloy marked W 8, month
and year of manufacture, and H-37 (identification number
given to Weissenfels by the German testing bureau D.I.N.
VARIATIONS IN FINISH
OR HEAT TREATMENT
The mechanical
properties listed in this catalog apply only to the
various chains in their standard finish and heat treat
condition. Finishes such as hot galvanizing or
electrogalvanizing may reduce the strengths.
Weissenfels should be consulted for recommendations
before any of our products are subjected to additional
heat treatment or finishes.
GRADES OF CHAIN
THE MEANING OF CHAIN
GRADE NUMBER
The grade numbers which Weissenfels
and many other manufacturers use are actually one tenth
of the actual grades. Therefore, our grade 80 is 800,
grade 70 is 700, and so on.
The grade refers to the
tensile strength of the chain. This is expressed in
newtons per square millimeter (a newton is approximately
0.224805 lbs). The tensile strength is calculated by
multiplying the grade times the area of the two cross
sections of a link (see below).
(Area) 157.08 mm2 x 800 n
(Grade)=125,664 newtons ultimate breaking strength
125,664 newtons x .224805=28,250 lbs ultimate breaking strength
125,664 newtons÷1000=125.66 kn (Kilonewtons)
