Custom attachment roller chain — chain with bent plates, extended pins, or special attachment lugs at defined link positions — is the solution when standard chain cannot carry, position, or transfer products in the required way. It is widely used in manufacturing conveyors, agricultural feeder systems, food processing lines, and packaging machinery where the chain itself must function as both the drive mechanism and the product carrier simultaneously. Ordering custom attachment chain requires more information than a standard chain replacement and a supplier capable of manufacturing or sourcing to the exact specification. This guide covers where to order it, what information to provide, and how the ordering process works in Australia.
What Custom Attachment Chain Is and When You Need It
Standard roller chain transmits power or conveys material through the chain body itself. Attachment chain adds carrying or positioning elements — plates, pins, or lugs — that extend beyond the standard chain profile to interface with products, guides, or other machinery components. The attachment elements are manufactured as integral parts of the chain during production; they are not add-ons that can be fitted to standard chain in the field.
Common attachment types include: A-type attachments (straight plates extending perpendicular to the chain centreline, either inward or outward), K-type attachments (bent plates that form an L or Z profile for mounting brackets or cleats), and extended pins (pins that protrude beyond the outer plates to mount conveyor cross-bars, slats, or other transverse elements). For hollow pin chain, the through-bore in the pin itself serves as the attachment point — no additional plate is needed. Each type serves different conveyor and handling geometries.
Attachment Types and Their Applications
| Attachment Type | Code | Description | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bent plate — inner | K1 | One inner plate bent outward at 90 degrees at specified links | Conveyor cleats, pusher dogs, lift guides |
| Bent plate — outer | K2 | One outer plate bent outward at 90 degrees | Side guides, carrier brackets, pusher assemblies |
| Bent plate — both sides | K3/K4 | Both inner and outer plates bent — forms a U or Z profile | Wide carrier platforms, double-sided conveyor attachments |
| Extended pin — one side | A1 | Pin protrudes beyond one outer plate face | Cross-rod mounting, slat attachment on one side |
| Extended pin — both sides | A2 | Pin protrudes equally beyond both outer plate faces | Cross-rod mounting, symmetrical slat attachment |
| Straight plate — outer | G1/G2 | Straight plate extended beyond normal plate height | Side guide strips, lateral positioning elements |
| Custom geometry | C/S prefix + number | Special plate or pin geometry beyond standard types | Machine-specific handling or positioning requirements |
Where to Order Custom Attachment Chain in Australia
Specialist Chain Importers
Specialist roller chain importers with direct manufacturer relationships are the primary channel for custom attachment chain in Australia. They can translate your specification into a manufacturer order, manage first-article sample approval, arrange quality documentation, and handle international freight and customs — providing a single point of contact for what would otherwise be a complex multi-party transaction. EverPower Roller Chains Australia manages custom attachment chain orders through our established manufacturer network in China, with factory-to-door lead times of 6 to 12 weeks for standard attachment geometries and 10 to 16 weeks for fully custom plate designs.
Direct From Overseas Manufacturers
For buyers with sufficient volume and the in-house capability to manage a direct overseas sourcing relationship — typically OEM equipment manufacturers requiring continuous supply of a specific custom chain — direct ordering from a qualified Chinese chain manufacturer is an option. This requires a formal engineering drawing specifying all attachment dimensions, an approved first-article sample procedure, and a quality plan that both parties have agreed to and documented. Direct factory ordering achieves the lowest unit cost but adds complexity and requires ongoing supplier management.
What Is Not Available Locally
Custom attachment roller chain is not a standard distributor product. National industrial distributors and agricultural parts networks carry standard chain from stock but do not offer custom attachment chain. For any non-catalogue chain specification, a specialist importer or direct manufacturer relationship is the only viable supply channel.
What Information to Provide When Ordering
The quality and speed of the quotation process for custom attachment roller chain depends directly on the completeness of the specification provided. The minimum information required is:
Base Chain Specification
Chain standard (ANSI or ISO), chain number (e.g. ANSI 60), strand count (simplex, duplex), and series (standard or heavy). This defines the base chain body to which attachments are added.
Attachment Type and Code
Attachment type (A1, A2, K1, K2, custom) and the attachment dimensions — plate height, bent angle, extension length, and any hole pattern in the attachment plate.
Attachment Spacing
The link positions at which attachments appear in the chain loop — e.g. “every 4th link” or “every 152.4 mm (8 pitches of ANSI 60).” Include whether attachments appear on both sides or one side.
Total Chain Length
Total length required in metres or number of links. For pre-cut loops, state the exact link count and whether a connecting link (and what type) is included.
Quantity
Total quantity in metres or loops. Higher quantities enable better pricing and may justify tooling investment for custom plate geometries.
Reference Sample or Drawing
A physical sample of the existing chain or a dimensioned drawing of the required attachment. Even a clear photograph with handwritten dimensions accelerates the quotation process significantly.
Lead Times and Pricing for Custom Attachment Chain
Lead times for custom attachment roller chain depend on whether the attachment geometry uses a standard plate type or requires custom tooling. Standard A-type and K-type attachments in common ANSI and ISO pitch sizes: 4 to 8 weeks from confirmed specification. Non-standard plate geometry requiring new blanking tooling: 10 to 16 weeks including tooling production and first-article approval. First-article sample (strongly recommended for new custom geometries): adds 2 to 4 weeks but eliminates the risk of a full production batch with incorrect geometry.
Pricing for custom attachment chain carries a premium over standard chain of the same base specification — typically 20 to 50 percent for standard attachment types and 50 to 100 percent for fully custom geometries that require dedicated tooling. The tooling cost is amortised over the first order quantity; subsequent repeat orders of the same specification are priced without the tooling component.
EverPower Roller Chains Australia manages custom attachment roller chain orders for Australian industrial and agricultural machinery manufacturers. Contact our Sydney team with your specification details — base chain number, attachment type, spacing, length, and quantity. We will provide a formal quotation within 3 to 5 business days of receiving a complete specification.
+61 2 9708 3322 | [email protected] | 27 Harley Crescent, Condell Park NSW 2201