ASME B29.17M-1998 (2018) PDF

Full title and description

ASME B29.17M-1998 (R2018) — Hinge Type Flat‑Top Conveyor Chains and Sprocket Teeth. Metric edition of the ASME standard that defines nomenclature, dimensional limits, interchangeability and basic design-related requirements for hinge‑type flat‑top (table‑top) conveyor chains and their mating sprocket teeth (steel and plastic link types, pins, slat widths, pitch, and related tolerances).

Abstract

This Standard specifies the geometry, numbering system, dimensional tables, minimum tensile/measurement loads and sprocket tooth form and tolerances required to ensure interchangeability and proper meshing of hinge‑type flat‑top conveyor chains and associated sprocket teeth. It covers steel (carbon and stainless) flat‑top chains and similar plastic hinge‑type flat‑top chains, pin retention methods, chain clearance and measurement procedures needed for design, manufacture and replacement of chain and sprocket assemblies.

General information

• Status: ASME B29.17M-1998 was reaffirmed in 2018 (designated ASME B29.17M-1998 (R2018)). The R2018 edition has subsequently been updated by a later reaffirmation/revision cycle (R2023), so the R2018 text is treated as the 2018 reaffirmation version and later superseded by R2023.
• Publication date: Original edition 1998; reaffirmed edition R2018 (2018). (The standard was later issued again under R2023.)
• Publisher: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
• ICS / categories: 53.040.20 (Components for conveyors — chains, chain wheels and associated components).
• Edition / version: ASME B29.17M-1998 (R2018) — metric edition; “M” indicates metric equivalents are provided alongside inch‑pound dimensions.
• Number of pages: Approximately 20–24 pages of core technical content (page count can vary slightly by PDF/print format and vendor packaging).

Scope

The Standard covers hinge‑type flat‑top (table‑top) conveyor chains and associated sprocket teeth dimensions that affect interchangeability and interconnectability. Included are nomenclature and designation rules, general chain proportions, an explanation of the chain numbering system, dimensional tables for standard chain sizes (pitch, slat/slat‑width details, curl and hinge dimensions), measuring loads and minimum ultimate tensile strengths, clearance dimensions, and recommended sprocket tooth forms and allowable runout/eccentricity tolerances for proper meshing.

Key topics and requirements

• Nomenclature and chain numbering system (how chain numbers relate to pitch and slat width).
• General chain proportions, standard pitch and slat widths (metric equivalents provided).
• Dimensional tables for interchangeable links and controlling maximum/minimum dimensions.
• Measuring load procedures and minimum ultimate tensile strength values for verification and testing.
• Clearance and hinge‑curl geometry that ensures free articulation and prevents interference between adjacent slats.
• Sprocket‑tooth form (type B/general form), pitch diameter, outside/bottom diameters and pressure angle limits for compatible sprockets.
• Maximum eccentricity and face runout tolerances for sprocket teeth to ensure reliable meshing and reduced wear.
• Guidance on steel vs. plastic hinge‑type chains (materials, pin retention methods such as press fit or knurling, and typical pin materials like stainless steel for plastic links).

Typical use and users

Used by conveyor and material‑handling equipment designers, OEMs, chain and sprocket manufacturers, maintenance and reliability engineers, procurement/specification writers and testing laboratories. Typical applications include packaging lines (bottling, canning), food and beverage conveyors, assembly and part‑handling conveyors, and any industrial system requiring interchangeable flat‑top chains and sprockets.

Related standards

Standards that are commonly referenced alongside or cover related chain/sprocket topics include other ASME B29 series documents (for example ASME B29.1 — Precision power transmission roller chains, ASME B29.27 — single/double‑pitch hollow‑pin conveyor chains and attachments, and related B29.x documents), ISO standards for conveyor/roller/flat‑top chains (for example ISO 1977 and the older ISO 4348 flat‑top chain documents), and ISO/ANSI standards covering short‑pitch roller chains (ISO 606 / ANSI B29.1 equivalents). Users often consult these for broader chain family requirements, transmission chains, and international interchangeability topics.

Keywords

flat‑top chain, table‑top chain, hinge‑type chain, conveyor chain, sprocket tooth form, chain interchangeability, chain nomenclature, measuring load, ultimate tensile strength, pitch, slat width, ASME B29.17M, metric chain dimensions.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASME B29.17M-1998 (R2018) is the metric edition of the ASME standard that defines dimensions, numbering, measuring procedures and tolerances for hinge‑type flat‑top conveyor chains and their mating sprocket teeth.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers nomenclature, general chain proportions and designations, the chain numbering system, dimensional tables for chain elements and sprocket tooth form limits, measuring loads and minimum ultimate tensile strengths, clearance/hinge geometry, and sprocket tolerance limits that affect interchangeability and reliable operation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Conveyor OEMs and designers, chain and sprocket manufacturers, maintenance and plant engineers specifying or replacing chains, procurement/specification writers and standards committees involved in chain interchangeability and conveyor design.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The text identified by the user is the 1998 edition as reaffirmed in 2018 (ASME B29.17M-1998 (R2018)). That reaffirmation was later followed by further ASME activity (a subsequent reaffirmation/revision cycle released as R2023). In other words: the 2018 reaffirmation was valid as the ASME‑issued version in 2018; check the ASME records or current ASME catalog to confirm whether you should use the R2018 text or the later R2023 revision for a specific project.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ASME B29 family of chain and sprocket standards that address various chain types (precision roller chains, hollow‑pin conveyor chains, double‑pitch chains, etc.). It is also aligned in scope with international standards (ISO) that cover conveyor and flat‑top chains.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: flat‑top chain, hinge‑type, conveyor chain, sprocket teeth, interchangeability, chain numbering, pitch, slat width, measuring load, tensile strength, ASME B29.17M.