Chain links
Last night I tried to plan a chain link for track. Firstly I decided, that I will mill the chain links from aluminum. Naturally I no have drawings, so I’m just planned the chain link based on pictures. I know, how many links are in a chain (there are 47pcs chain element), and I know the main dimensions of the original undercarriage.
I drew the side view of the undercarriage first and here is a sketch:
Chain system side view
As you can see, there are more than 47pcs of chain links, because in this scale I think, the “longer” chain link may cause jerky or jerker moving. The outer diameter of the idler is too small for long chain links. When I drew the track with good scaled links, the links looked so “angularly”. Finally I drew an app. 16mm length chain link which caused that there will be 52pcs chain links in a track. Little bit more than the real one but I think this compromise is necessary for the good working.
Chain links 3D
Shape and manufacturability
OK, I found the the main dimensions. The second task was the concrete shape and it’s dimension. This question contains an other task, which is the manufacturability of the chain links. When I drew and planned the shape, I continually thought about the machining and tooling. The milling is not possible with one clamping because of the difficult shape. As I counted I will use 4 or 5 tools during milling… And, during the assembly I have to weld the track link items to each other…
Here is 3D sketch of track system, where you can see the rollers, idler and sprocket.
Chain system sketch 3D
All parts which are shown on this picture will be made from aluminum, and the surface finishing will be black anodizing.
