X-ring chain

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Difference between X-ring and regular O-ring chains. The seals are red in color. O-ring and X-ring type chains.png
Difference between X-ring and regular O-ring chains. The seals are red in color.

The X-ring chain is a specialized type of sealed roller chain used to transfer mechanical power. Like the standard O-ring chains it is also used in high-performance motorcycles. It uses X-ring seal to keep lubricant (usually grease) in place.

Contents

It has higher performance (in terms of durability, lifetime, and power loss) than O-ring chains as it has less friction while providing adequate lubrication and protection against foreign elements which also increases reliability. [1] It can last twice as long as the O-ring chain under some circumstances. [2]

Development

The X-ring chain is developed from O-ring chain which in turn is developed from non-O-ring chain. While the regular O-ring chain has high durability, it also has more friction (compared to other types of roller chains) due to distortion of the O-ring due to pressure from the inner and outer chain plates. [3] This results in loss of power in the transmission. Therefore, X-ring chain was developed by replacing O-ring seal with X-ring seal which greatly reduced friction and increased durability. [1]

Design

Like the O-ring chain it has sealing rings which keep the contaminant (dirt) out, and lubricant in between the pins and bushings. This is known as internal lubrication. However, unlike O-ring chain, it has X-shaped seal which does not experience increased surface area (which is in contact with the chain plates) when under pressure. Therefore the friction in X-ring chain does not increase much when pressure is applied by the chain plates. Due to their unique shape, they have two additional sealing surfaces to a traditional O-ring. [4]

Comparison between Standard roller chain, X-ring, and O-ring chain. [5]
Chain typeStandard rollerO-ring chainX-ring chain
LubricationExternally lubricatedSelf lubricating (Internal)Self lubricating (Internal)
DurabilityLowHighVery High
EfficiencyHighRelatively lowVery High
MaintenanceFrequentLess frequent, special careLeast frequent, special care
StretchingRegularLimitedLimited
CostRelatively cheaperRelatively expensiveRelatively expensive

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "O Ring and X Ring Chains ¦ Motorcycle Chains ¦ Technical Help ¦ Bike Torque Racing". www.biketorqueracing.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2017-09-29. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  2. ↑ "O-Ring vs.X-Ring and Patching Tires | Ask the Geek". Sport Rider. Archived from the original on 2016-12-31. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  3. ↑ SevenRockCityCycles. "WHAT's THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN O-RING and X-RING CHAINS? – Rock City Cycles". Archived from the original on 2019-06-19. Retrieved 2019-06-19.
  4. ↑ "O-Ring vs.X-Ring and Patching Tires". Cycle World. Retrieved 2019-06-19.
  5. ↑ "Drive Chains: O Ring/ X Ring Vs Non-O Ring Standard Chains » BikesMedia.in". www.bikesmedia.in. Retrieved 2017-09-29.



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