American Standard Hot Dip Galvanized Grade 43 High Test Chain ASTM 80

Grade 43 High Test chain is made from low carbon steel and is a general utility chain for such uses as farm, log chain, tow chain and switch chain.

G43 chain come in both long link (made to NACM specs) and short link (made to ASTM 80 specs). Long Link chain has a longer inside length to save weight and reduce cost. Both long and short link chain have the same strength ratings.

Generally short link chains are more flexible than long link chains.

The Engineering of High-Test Self Color Chain

The Grade 43 Chain Self Color Finish represents the foundation of industrial chain utility. The "High Test" designation is a reflection of the chain's superior metallurgical properties. By utilizing a specific grade of high-carbon alloy steel, the chain achieves a balance of high tensile strength and excellent ductility. This "material selection is critical because of the need to prevent brittle failure under the sudden shock loads common in towing and logging operations." The self-color finish allows the user to see the "true quality of the steel and the weld because of the lack of obscuring coatings."

Advanced Manufacturing: Electric Resistance Welding (ERW)

The structural integrity of TopOne Grade 43 chain is guaranteed by our advanced Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) process. In this automated system, the ends of the formed links are subjected to high-frequency electrical current while being pressed together. This creates "localized heating and subsequent molecular fusion because of the resistance to the electrical flow at the contact point." Unlike traditional forge welding, ERW produces a "clean, high-strength weld because of the absence of external filler metals and the precision control of the heat-affected zone (HAZ)." This ensures that the weld area is as strong as, or stronger than, the parent metal, providing a "uniform strength profile across the entire length of the chain."

The Advantages of a Self Color Finish for Fabrication

The Self Color finish is the preferred choice for engineers and fabricators. In many industrial applications, the chain must be integrated into larger structures or customized for specific environments. A self-color finish is "superior for welding because of the absence of zinc plating, which can cause weld porosity and hazardous zinc-oxide fumes." Furthermore, for applications requiring a specific color or specialized industrial coating, the self-color surface provides "maximum coating longevity because of the superior mechanical and chemical bond achieved on raw steel." This makes it the ideal "blank canvas" for custom-engineered lifting and securement systems.

Durability and Mechanical Performance

• Surface Hardness: The Grade 43 chain is designed to withstand the "abrasive environments of construction and agriculture because of the surface hardness achieved during the cold-forming and welding processes."

• Ductility and Elongation: Engineered to handle thousands of tension cycles, the chain "resists stress-corrosion cracking because of the uniform grain structure of the high-test steel," allowing it to stretch before failure as a safety indicator.

• Wear Resistance: The high-carbon content ensures that the links "maintain their dimensional integrity because of the resistance to abrasive wear in high-friction applications."

Grade of Chain: NACM (National Association of Chain Manufacturers & ASTM (American Society for Test Materials) classify chains in various grades. The higher the grade, the higher the working load limit for the same size of chain.

Working Load Limit (WLL): (rated capacity) Is the maximum working load that should be applied In direct tension to an undamaged straight length of chain.

Proof Test: (manufacturing test force) Is a term designating the minimum tensile force which has been applied to a chain under a constantly increasing force In direct tension during the manufacturing process. These loads are manufacturing integrity tests and shall not be used as criteria for service or design purpose.

Minimum Breaking Force: The minimum force at which the chain during manufacture has been found by testing to break when a constantly increasing force is applied in direct tension. Breaking force values are not guarantees that all chain segments will endure these loads. This test is a manufacturer’s attribute acceptance test and SHALL NOT be used as criteria for service and design purpose.

Overhead Lifting: The process of lifting that would elevate a freely suspended load to such a position that dropping a load would present a possibility of bodily injury or Property damage.

International Compliance and Certification

The Grade 43 Chain Self Color Finish is manufactured and tested to meet or exceed the most stringent global standards for industrial chain:

• NACM Specifications: National Association of Chain Manufacturers - The primary standard for welded steel chain in North America.

• ASTM A413 / A413M: Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Chain.

• ISO 1834: Short link chain for lifting purposes - General conditions of acceptance (Modified for Grade 43 utility use).

• ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems - Ensuring "consistent manufacturing quality because of the rigorous batch testing and process documentation."

Rigorous Testing Procedures

• 100% Proof Testing: Every foot of chain is proof loaded to 2 times the WLL during the manufacturing process. This "verifies the integrity of every weld because of the application of a controlled tensile force."

• Destructive Breaking Test: Samples from every production lot are tested to destruction to ensure they "meet the 3:1 safety factor because of the verification of the ultimate tensile strength."

• Elongation Test: The chain must demonstrate a minimum elongation (typically 15%) before failure. This "ensures the chain is ductile because of the ability of the links to deform under extreme overload, providing a visual warning before failure."

• Bend Testing: Links are subjected to a 180-degree bend test to ensure "weld ductility because of the absence of cracking in the heat-affected zone."

Safety, Maintenance, and Inspection

• Overhead Lifting Warning: Grade 43 chain is NOT approved for overhead lifting. For lifting applications, always use Grade 80, 100, or 120 alloy steel chain.

• Pre-Use Inspection: Inspect the chain for "nicks, gouges, or excessive wear because of the potential for localized stress concentrations."

• Corrosion Management: Because the self-color finish is uncoated, the chain "will develop surface rust if exposed to moisture because of the lack of a protective zinc barrier." It is recommended to apply a light oil or secondary coating if stored in humid environments.

• Wear Limits: Remove the chain from service if the diameter of any link is reduced by more than 10% of its original dimension.

• Twisting and Knotting: Never use a chain that is twisted or knotted, as this "reduces the effective strength because of the introduction of bending stresses on the links."