
Guide Rails In addition to their actual purpose, which is to support and guide the chain or to prevent chain vibration and to reduce the effect of the drag on the running chain, the maintenance free material UHMW-PE (Material S) guide rails are capable of extending the life expectancy of the chain. Further advantage: noise reduction. Conventional guide rails made from steel or other metal are frequently responsible for excessive wear of rollers and links, particularly if insufficient lubrication is provided, since rollers usually revolve at high speed on the rails. Alternatively, if the rollers stick, wear occurs on one side of the rollers in the form of a flat. UHMW-PE (material S) on the other hand, allows the rollers, even in the absence of lubrication, to slide over the rails without noticeable wear. Chain guides are available in a variety of materials than can withstand temperatures up to 600° C (1050° F).