ISO 606 is the international standard for short-pitch precision roller chains. It defines chain dimensions (pitch, roller diameter, width, plate thickness) and minimum breaking loads for B-series (European) and A-series (American) chains.

What is the safety factor for roller chains?

Typical safety factors: 7-10 for normal operation, 10-12 for shock loads. Safety factor = Breaking load / Working load. Higher factors are needed for corrosive environments, high speeds, or critical applications.

How do I read a chain designation like 12B-1?

12B-1 means: 12 = pitch in 1/16 inches (12×1.5875mm = 19.05mm), B = European series, 1 = single strand. -2 would be duplex (two strands), -3 is triplex.

What is the difference between B-series and A-series chains?

B-series (ISO 606 European) chains have different roller diameter, inner width, and plate dimensions than A-series (ANSI American) chains of the same pitch. B-series generally have larger rollers relative to pitch. Always specify B or A when ordering.

How do I calculate chain tensile load?

Effective tension F = P/(v×η), where P is power in watts, v is chain speed in m/s, and η is efficiency (~0.97-0.98). The working load must not exceed the allowable tension (breaking load / safety factor).

Free Engineering Tool #092

Roller Chain Calculator

ISO 606 roller chain dimensions and load capacity. Select chain designation and check tensile load against breaking and working load ratings.

ISO 60606B–48BDimensions & Load

Chain Designation

Number of Strands

Applied Tensile Load (kN)

Required Safety Factor

Quick presets

Results

Safety Factor Check

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Breaking Load (min)

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Allowable Working Load

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Pitch

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Roller Diameter

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Inner Width / Mass

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Safety Factor

ISO 606 B-Series Chain Dimensions

Chain	Pitch (mm)	Roller ⌀ (mm)	Inner Width (mm)	Min Breaking Load (kN)	Mass (kg/m)
06B	9.525	6.35	5.72	9.0	0.41
08B	12.70	8.51	7.75	18.0	0.69
10B	15.875	10.16	9.65	22.2	0.93
12B	19.05	12.07	11.68	29.0	1.15
16B	25.40	15.88	17.02	60.0	2.71
20B	31.75	19.05	19.56	95.0	3.70
24B	38.10	25.40	25.40	160.0	6.20
28B	44.45	27.94	30.99	200.0	8.50
32B	50.80	29.21	30.99	250.0	10.25
40B	63.50	39.37	38.10	355.0	16.35
48B	76.20	48.26	45.72	530.0	25.00

Roller Chain Calculator | ISO 606 Dimensions | Vibromera

Published by Nikolai Shelkovenko on February 15, 2026 March 5, 2026

Results

Safety Factor

ISO 606 B-Series Chain Dimensions