Tower Chain: Large strokes and heavy loads in a compact space up to 100 kN
The Tower Chain is an advancement of the existing Linear Chain. By changing the chain geometry, higher strokes and forces without guidance are now possible.
3 reasons why the Tower Chain could be perfect for your application:
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4,000 mm stroke with 100 kN load *
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Custom configuration
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Extremely robust and low maintenance
Customers from all over the world trust the Tower Chain
Are you familiar with these problems?
In applications requiring vertical movement, the lack of guides and supports leads to instability and inaccurate movements.
In environments with limited space for integrating drive systems, it's challenging to find a suitable solution for vertical movements without occupying too much space.
In applications requiring particularly long vertical lift distances, drive systems reach their limits, as they're not designed for nearly infinite extension.
How to solve these problems with the Tower Chain
Stability in the vertical direction
The Tower Chain TC is particularly well-suited for vertical applications. It can achieve lift movements of up to 4 meters without guide rails. It provides stable and precise vertical movements and ensures reliable performance.
Space-saving integration
Due to its compact design, the Tower Chain TC can be integrated into tight spaces. It allows for vertical movements in limited space without occupying much room.
Infinitely extendable for long lift lengths
The Tower Chain TC can be extended nearly infinitely, making it ideal for particularly long vertical lift movements. Its extendable capability makes it especially suitable for applications such as lift platforms, automated parking systems, or scaffolding.
Endless upward stroke: This drive tower outperforms all others
The Tower Chain is specifically designed for vertical applications and has been developed to expand the performance range of the Linear Chain. It enables machine builders to achieve strokes of more than 4 meters without the need for cumbersome guiding rails – depending on the applied load, even higher strokes are achievable. An ingenious design allows for flexible extension of the chain length, while the chain itself forms a stable tower.
The dependence on raw material lengths and special transports due to overlength becomes a thing of the past. Thanks to the redirection of the chains, the Tower Chain is particularly space-saving compared to other drives capable of achieving a similar stroke length. The Tower Chain is used in stage adjustments, freight elevators, as well as in parking facilities.
Unbeatable Advantages of a Tower Chain by GROB
Low Operating Costs
Due to its robustness and the ease of replacing individual chain links, maintenance requirements are minimal, making the Tower Chain a lucrative drive solution.
Maximum Stroke Length
Stroke heights of over 4,000 mm with a load of 60 kN are possible, with maximum resistance to buckling.
Extremely Robust
The materials used make the Tower Chain extremely robust despite its compact and lightweight construction, ensuring a long service life.
Still not quite sure?
In comparison
Comparable drives
✖ Require more space
✖ Provide lower lifting force
✖ More expensive to acquire, as guidance needs to be designed for long strokes
Tower Chain by GROB
✓ Requires only a small installation space
✓ Lighter construction
✓ Higher power transmission
✓ Achievable long strokes
✓ Robust and highly stable
What customers say about our Tower Chains
Bret Hwang
General Manager
Framo Morat, Inc.
With the Tower Chain, we've finally found the perfect solution for our specific needs. The ability to customize the chain and the unlimited stroke length convinced us. This allows us to tailor it perfectly to our specific requirements. We're completely satisfied!
Guillaume Ducret
Area Manager
Fritz Kübler Sàrl
The new Tower Chain by GROB impresses us across the board! The maximum stroke length allows us to reach even hard-to-access areas safely and efficiently. The low operating costs and the extreme robustness of the chain make it a real investment in the future. Absolutely recommended!
Success Stories: How GROB's Linear Chains are transforming the industry
Linear Chain in the Automotive Industry
BMW requires a solution to an issue with wiring harnesses manufactured in Europe and used for the production of BMW Minis in Cowley, Oxfordshire. Therefore, BMW has submitted a request to develop a system that gently heats the wiring harnesses to make certain parts more flexible and easier to assemble. Click below to learn more!
Turning around 20-foot cargo containers in just 5 minutes
Every day, thousands of trucks travel our highways, transporting cargo containers. Upon reaching their destination, these containers need to be handled. Typically, this requires either a crane or a forklift—and an operator to handle these machines. This consumes time, money, and resources, making it not the most efficient option. A much more elegant solution is the space-saving marvel of the Linear Chain. Read more here.
More applications with Linear Chains can be found here:
Operating instruction
Tower Chain
FAQs about Tower 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_rightThe 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.
Depending on the size, the driving speed is usually below 50rpm.
Yes, lifting systems with multiple chains connected together are common.
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.
- When under pressure load: depending on the control, 100% repeatability can be achieved.
- Under changing loads: the control system must consider the backlash at the sprocket and manufacturing tolerances in the chain links.
- The load must always be guided
- Acceleration should be controlled via a ramp
- The chain cannot perform a swiveling movement
- The permissible buckling length must not be exceeded
No, within the buckling range, Linear Chains can also be used without guidance.
- Electronic bridge: If each lifting element of the system is driven by a motor, electronic synchronization can be achieved through encoders.
- 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.
- Lubrication system: attached lubrication brushes extend the lifespan.
- Chain magazine: the chain can be rolled up behind the housing.
- Reduction gear: especially useful in lifting systems to reduce torque through gears.
- 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.
- Standard: 180°C (356°F)
- High-temperature continuous: 550°C (1022°F)
- High-temperature short-term (under 2 minutes): 1050°C (1922°F)
- The load must be guided
- The Linear Chain size must be chosen correctly
- It should be driven over a ramp
Yes, hardened chain links achieve a lifespan four times longer.
- A chain magazine winds the chain in multiple circular paths. Advantage: greater space saving.
- 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.
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74889 Sinsheim-Steinsfurt
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Philipp Schmalzhaf, Sales Manager