Rud Chains

Safe Option Solutions are pleased to offer the Rud Chains range of products including Lifting and Lashing, Snow Chains, Conveyor Systems, Military Technology, Tyre Protection Chains, Tecdos /Hoist Chains, Urban Furniture, Bins for Recycling, Precast Concrete Solutions, Waste Bins and more.  The Rud Group is a global leader in development and production of chain systems and components for a wide range of applications some of which include hoisting, pulling, driving and conveying.

Many different factors can affect the safety and strength of lifting equipment and chains. One of these factors is the exposure of the lifting equipment or chains to excessive heat. Here’s a look at how using lifting equipment around heat can affect equipment strength and longevity.

Many industries that use heavy lifting equipment operate in heat-intensive environments, including foundries, steel production facilities, forges and refineries. The combination of high heat, heavy loads, and consistent use can take a toll on lifting equipment and lead to accidents, injuries, and damage to costly equipment. The key is to be aware of the amount of heat your lifting equipment is being exposed to, as well as working efficiently to avoid unnecessarily prolonged heat exposure.

Determining exactly how much heat that your lifting equipment and chains have been exposed to can be difficult since there is usually no way to reliably check the temperature of every chain link, hoist ring, or eye bolt. High temperatures can affect the strength of the metals used to make chains and other lifting equipment, and it can also potentially compromise the working load limit (WLL) of that equipment. Temperatures as low as 200° C (392°F) can drastically reduce working load limit (WLL) of your lifting equipment, and potentially cause lifting equipment breakage or failure, putting your workers at risk of being injured.

High-quality lifting components produced by RUD Chain, Inc. are designed to withstand some of the most treacherous and stressful working environments. The RUD Company also uses an innovative heat indicating powder coating system to help workers better identify if their lifting equipment has been subjected to high temperatures.  The RUD Chain VIP line of lifting equipment utilizes specialized heat indicating pink powder coating that helps workers easily determine whether their equipment is safe to use after being exposed to high temperatures.

RUD lifting equipment will retain its original fluorescent pink color up to temperatures of 225° C (437°F).  When the temperature rises above 225° C (437°F), the equipment will begin to change color, ranging from a light pale beige color to a deep black. The darker the chain and components become after being exposed to high temperatures, the more heat related damage it has experienced. The color change indicates that the equipment has been exposed to enough heat that the strength of the steel has been compromised. Once the powder coating turns black and starts to bubble, the equipment must be removed from service. The heat indicating powder coating can help the user to safely and quickly identify potential issues and can prevent lifting equipment failure with a simple visual check.

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