Introduction
The Escalator 2 Step Chain is the primary mechanical drive assembly to pull the step bands of escalators. It operates as a continuous looped strand on both sides of the escalator structure, synchronizing the movement of individual steps.
Product Specification
|
Category |
Specification |
|
Link Plate Material |
40Mn alloy steel |
|
Bushing Material |
20CrMnMo alloy steel |
|
Ultimate Tensile Strength |
120–280 kN |
|
Heat Treatment |
Through-hardening process |
|
Pin Surface Hardening Depth |
1.2–1.8 mm (induction hardened) |
|
Elongation Limit |
≤0.15% (first 5,000 operating hours) |
|
Anti-Corrosion Treatment |
Zinc-flake coating / black oxide |
|
Roller Noise Level |
≤52 dB |
|
Bearing Type |
Needle or deep-groove ball bearing |
|
Operating Temperature Range |
-20°C to +70°C |
Dimension Options
|
Item |
Specification |
|
Step Pitch Options |
133.33 mm / 135.4 mm / 400 mm |
|
Link Plate Height |
40–60 mm |
|
Material Thickness |
5.0 / 6.0 / 7.5 mm |
|
Pin Tolerance |
±0.05 mm precision-ground |
|
Drive Sprocket Compatibility |
Standard 24-tooth systems |
|
Track Compatibility |
30° / 35° escalator systems |
|
Design Type |
Modular interchangeable structure |
|
Engineering Support |
CAD + 3D STEP files available |

Applications
Target Environment: Public transit infrastructure (metro networks, railway terminals, airport hubs) with vertical rises from 4.5 to 22 meters.
Operational Capacity: Rated for continuous 20-hour daily cycles under peak passenger loads exceeding 9,000 people per hour.
Environmental Resistance: Sealed, corrosion-resistant joints designed for outdoor public escalators to prevent chain seizing and eliminate unscheduled downtime caused by de-icing salt runoff or 90%+ relative humidity.
Manufacturing Capabilities & QC
Component Consistency: Automated 400-ton high-speed progressive die stamping ensures dimensional uniformity across all link plates.
Hardness & Metallurgical Control: Multi-zone continuous mesh belt heat treatment with digital atmospheric control ensures uniform case depth. Batch-tested via Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) and grain structure profiling.
Precision Fit: Centerless pin grinding maintains a strict 8-micrometer total tolerance band to minimize initial joint play and pitch elongation.
Pre-loading: Mechanical pre-loading rigs apply up to 50% of the ultimate breaking load to eliminate initial structural stretch, reducing field re-tensioning costs during commission.
Inspection: 100% inline vision inspection during automated assembly. Synchronous dual-strand operation is secured by laser link pitch inspection, keeping cumulative length tolerance within 0.05mm per 10-foot section to prevent uneven rail wear.
Testing & Compliance: Fatigue resistance verified by 10-million cycle dynamic testing under 1.3x nominal working tension. All shipments include certified Mill Test Reports (MTR) tied to the steel heat number, fully complying with EN 115 and ASME A17.1 standards.


Commercial Terms
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 500 meters per specific chain configuration.
Lead Times: 30 days for standard profiles; 45 days for custom technical configurations; 14 days for custom CNC-machined attachment links.
Payment Terms: Irrevocable L/C at sight or structured T/T financing arrangements.
Packaging & Logistics
Chains are coated with VCI anti-rust oil and vacuum-sealed in heavy-duty polyethylene barrier bags for up to 12 months of warehouse storage.
Shipped in ISPM 15 certified, reinforced plywood boxes designed for multi-tier forklift stacking. ISTA-3A certification guarantees zero transit damage.
Crates feature gross/net weight markings, itemized packing lists, and unique barcoded tracking labels compatible with standard WMS ERP systems for rapid receiving.
Incoterms: FOB, CIF, and DDP (delivered directly to North American and European transit hubs).
After-Sales Support
Warranty: 5-year or 35,000-operational-hour structural warranty, validated by standard maintenance logs.
Technical Support: 24/7 technical troubleshooting with on-site engineering supervision available for transit modernization and capital overhaul projects.
Maintenance Kits: Shipments include wear-gauge templates, matching master links, replacement pins, and roller sub-assemblies to enable accurate onsite elongation tracking.
Parts Availability: Guaranteed OEM spare parts availability for 15 years post-delivery to secure long-term system lifecycles.
FAQ
Q: Which escalator systems is this chain compatible with?
A: Designed to integrate with Otis, KONE, Schindler, and Thyssen platforms using standard 24-tooth drive configurations.
Q: What is the expected service life under continuous metro operation?
A: Under 18–20 hours of daily operation, the chain typically delivers 8–12 years before pitch elongation exceeds the replacement threshold.
Q: What is the primary failure mode in long-term use?
A: The most common degradation is gradual pitch elongation rather than sudden fracture. Structural failure is rare and typically only occurs under severe misalignment or extended neglect of lubrication.
Q: What elongation rate should we expect in the first years of service?
A: Elongation stays at or below 0.15% within the first 5,000 operating hours. Progressive wear typically accelerates after year 6–8, depending on load intensity and maintenance frequency.
Q: Can a single worn link be replaced without dismantling the full chain?
A: Yes, the modular structure allows localized replacement of individual link assemblies without removing the full chain loop.
Q: How long does full chain replacement take on a standard escalator?
A: A two-person team typically completes a full chain swap on a 15–20m escalator in 6–10 hours. Pre-loading eliminates initial re-tensioning, cutting commissioning time by approximately 30%.
Q: What maintenance schedule is recommended in heavy-load environments?
A: Inspection every 3–6 months is recommended, focusing on elongation measurement and lubrication condition. Preventive adjustment is usually required after approximately 3,000–4,000 operating hours under heavy load.
Q: Can you dispatch emergency replacement stock for unplanned failures?
A: Standard pitch configurations (133.33mm / 135.4mm) are held in finished-goods inventory for dispatch within 7 business days. Transit modernization contract partners receive priority 48-hour dispatch from dedicated buffer stock.
Q: How does this chain compare to sourcing directly from OEM channels?
A: Lead times run 4–6 weeks versus 14–20 weeks through OEM channels, at 30–45% lower unit cost with equivalent EN 115 and ASME A17.1 certification and matched pitch dimensions.
Q: What quality documentation is provided with each shipment?
A: Each shipment includes a heat-number traceable mill test report covering material composition, hardness profile, and fatigue test results. These documents support EN 115 and ASME A17.1 compliance submission requirements.
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