Space-saving miracle Linear Chain – ideal for a lifting table

Lifting and transporting heavy loads – that's our daily business. However, the available space is often limited. Especially in such cases, the versatile Linear Chain is the first choice for our customers

Philipp Schmalzhaf - Sales Manager - GROB Antriebstechnik GmbH

by Philipp Schmalzhaf, Sales Manager

Scissor Lift Table moved by a Linear Chain - GROB Drive Technology GmbH

Let's take the scissor lift table as an example. For the lift table to retract as low as possible (for minimal built height), it needs space under the platform. Three types of drives are possible here:

  1. A spindle drive: This is not an option if minimal built height is required because the drive sits directly under the platform.
  2. A hydraulic drive: This option is often ruled out because of the risk of leaks, and in the food industry, special oil is required.
  3. Linear Chain drive: The Linear Chain is the optimal option because it requires little installation space and can be coiled up.
linear chain housing - GROB Drive Technology GmbH

The Linear Chain can be coiled up in the housing

This is the technology behind the scissor lift table: The drive for the Linear Chain, usually an electric motor, is mounted on the base frame of the lift table. The other end of the Linear Chain is attached in a vertical position at the fixed bearing side of the lift table. The Linear Chain takes care of raising and lowering the work platform, ensuring a consistent speed throughout the entire lift.

The big advantage of the Linear Chain is that it can be deflected and coiled up at a 90° angle on one side (at the bottom of the lift table). This minimizes the built height when retracted.

Another benefit of the Linear Chain for such applications is its ability to position very accurately and repeatably. We can handle forces up to 35,000 N (with a single Linear Chain) with a maximum lift length of 20 meters (the chain must be guided). We can, of course, handle larger forces by using 2, 4, 6, or even more Linear Chains.

The Linear Chain: simple solution for tight spaces

Scissor lift tables are reliable aids in many operational processes. They can easily be integrated into assembly lines or used for loading and unloading goods. They greatly simplify the handling of heavy loads and facilitate the feeding of machines as well as palletizing, stacking, and transporting finished goods.

Further typical applications for the Linear Chain include:

  1. Conveyor systems for opening and closing hall roofs
  2. Raising and lowering floors and platforms in stage construction
  3. Extending and retracting galleries
  4. Vehicle lifts
  5. Load platforms
  6. Container handling
  7. Inserting material into hardening furnaces
  8. Lift platforms in workshops

FAQs about Linear Chains

A Linear Chain is a type of chain that can be both pulled and pushed. When the chain links are pushed together, they stay stable and rigid, allowing you to move things forward. It’s often used in machines to lift or push objects.

What a Linear Chain is and where it is used - GROB GmbH chevron_right

Depending on the size, the driving speed is usually below 50rpm.

Yes, lifting systems with multiple chains connected together are common.

The chain of the Linear Chain consists of links that rest on the shoulders and pins of the succeeding link. The chain of the Tower Chain is constructed with U-shaped chain links, providing greater stability and enabling unguided strokes of over 4m.

In standard applications, Linear Chains can be operated with a speed of 250mm/s. Special applications have already been implemented with speeds exceeding 800mm/s.

Yes, the use of stainless steel materials is a common practice for environments with aggressive media.

Yes, depending on the proximity to the product, the chain can also be completely made of stainless steel.

  1. When under pressure load: depending on the control, 100% repeatability can be achieved.
  2. Under changing loads: the control system must consider the backlash at the sprocket and manufacturing tolerances in the chain links.
  1. The load must always be guided
  2. Acceleration should be controlled via a ramp
  3. The chain cannot perform a swiveling movement
  4. The permissible buckling length must not be exceeded

No, within the buckling range, Linear Chains can also be used without guidance.

  1. Electronic bridge: If each lifting element of the system is driven by a motor, electronic synchronization can be achieved through encoders.
  2. Mechanical linkage: More cost-effective and fail-safe are cardan shafts and bevel gearboxes, which can connect all lifting elements of a system together.

The polygon effect occurs when a chain is positively driven by a sprocket. In this case, the chain cannot run perfectly circularly on and off the sprocket, causing deviations in the path of the traction medium. The speed of the chain then fluctuates periodically around a mean speed, which can manifest as vibrations in the chain.

Since the chain undergoes radial movement due to the polygon effect, the guide plates are extended, and minimal play is allowed. This helps mitigate this effect.

No, swiveling movements are not possible with the Linear Chain.

65% with chain magazine, 80% with free chain.

No, the load must always be guided.

There is no calculation basis for this. The buckling length has been determined through tests. You can find a corresponding diagram for horizontal applications here: General Catalog 2023 (grob-antriebstechnik.de). For vertical applications, please contact us.

No, a Linear Chain can never take over the guiding itself. The load must be guided.

  1. Lubrication system: attached lubrication brushes extend the lifespan.
  2. Chain magazine: the chain can be rolled up behind the housing.
  3. Reduction gear: especially useful in lifting systems to reduce torque through gears.
  4. Force sensor: for measuring axial load and protection against overload.

We always recommend using our standard link to connect your load. Utilize all the holes to ensure proper loading of the chain. Dimensions for the front link can be found here: General Catalog

As standard, GROB chains are galvanized. For environments with aggressive media, stainless steel chains can be used.

  1. Standard: 180°C (356°F)
  2. High-temperature continuous: 550°C (1022°F)
  3. High-temperature short-term (under 2 minutes): 1050°C (1922°F)
  1. The load must be guided
  2. The Linear Chain size must be chosen correctly
  3. It should be driven over a ramp

Yes, hardened chain links achieve a lifespan four times longer.

  1. A chain magazine winds the chain in multiple circular paths. Advantage: greater space saving.
  2. A chain cover protects the chain attached to the housing. Due to the attachment, the chain aligns itself and thus halves the stroke length. Advantage: more cost-effective.

Yes, the chain can be stored perpendicular to the lifting movement, such as 90°, or even 180° (parallel) to the lifting movement, as in the case of tool tables. The lift then operates on the table, while the storage runs parallel underneath it.

The T-guide was developed when space for the standard rail above the sliding surface was lacking. In one application example, the customer needed to maneuver with a forklift. The T-guide rail was then embedded in the floor, allowing the vehicles to continue maneuvering undisturbed.

No, you should provide a brake on the motor.

Check for dirt or worn-out parts. Thorough cleaning and, if necessary, replacement of damaged components may solve the problem. If the Linear Chain is noisy after acquisition, system tensions could be responsible.

The different installation positions do not affect the usability of Linear Chains (e.g., through oil sight glasses or similar). By simply changing the mounting side of the mounting brackets, the mounting sides can be adjusted as needed.

There's no calculation basis for this. Tests have shown that for standard chains, 250,000 cycles, and for hardened chains, 1,000,000 cycles represent realistic values.

Question not included?

You can find more application examples and drive solutions here

Linear Chain - GROB Antriebstechnik GmbH

What is a Linear Chain?

Discover the basics of Linear Chains and the impressive technology behind them in our beginner article. We explain how Linear Chains work and the important role they play in various applications. Dive in and learn why Linear Chains are a key component for precise linear movements.

Learn more

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Thomas Moeschle

Thomas Möschle, Key Account Manager