DIN 5685 Welded Round Steel Chain | Short-Link and Long-Link General-Purpose Chain

Product Overview

DIN 5685 welded round steel chain is intended for general-purpose, non-lifting applications where a flexible steel chain is required for barriers, retention of loose components, anti-loss arrangements, workshop organization, or comparable utility service. The chain is formed from welded round steel links and can be supplied in short-link or long-link geometry, with link diameter, inside length, outside width, finish, and delivery length selected for the installation.

For shipboard or industrial use, this product should be treated as a utility chain rather than marine lifting, anchoring, towing, mooring, cargo-securing, or hoisting equipment. The current DIN 5685 series covers non-proof-loaded welded round steel chains. Suitability therefore depends on the intended non-lifting function, environmental exposure, dimensional compatibility, and the purchasing specification.

Product Scope and Safety Limitation

• Non-proof-loaded chain → the standard does not require proof-load testing for this product family.
• Not for lifting → do not use as a chain sling, hoist chain, lifting medium, or load-bearing suspension.
• Not a substitute for anchor chain, towing chain, lashing chain, conveyor chain, mining chain, or other application-specific tested chain.
• Any supplier reference load figures must not be presented or interpreted as certified WLL, SWL, proof load, or lifting capacity.

Quick Specifications

• Standard family: DIN 5685-1 long-link, DIN 5685-2 semi-long-link, and DIN 5685-3 short-link → confirm the applicable current part in the purchase order.
• Construction: welded round steel links → simple general-purpose chain geometry without calibration for chain wheels.
• Size range in supplied data: 2 to 13 mm link diameter → covers light utility and general retention arrangements.
• Commercial link designations in supplied table: Type A short-link and Type C long-link → confirm equivalence with the required DIN edition and drawing.
• Approximate mass range: 6 to 345 kg per 100 m, depending on diameter and link pitch → relevant to handling, packing, and freight.
• Finish options: self-coloured, black painted, zinc plated, hot-dip galvanized, or project-specified coating → select according to exposure and accessory fit.
• Standard load status: non-proof-loaded → dimensional and material conformity do not create lifting approval.

Link Types and Standard Selection

Type A in the supplied schedule uses the shorter inside link length. This produces a more compact link pattern and more links per unit length. Type C uses a longer inside link length and lower mass per 100 m for the same nominal diameter in the supplied schedule.

For new orders, the designation should not rely on A or C alone. Confirm the required link drawing and applicable DIN 5685 part: DIN 5685-1 for long-link chain, DIN 5685-2 for semi-long-link chain, or DIN 5685-3 for short-link chain. The historical single-number DIN 5685 editions have been replaced by the part-based series.

Main Technical Parameters

Material, Welding and Surface Protection

• Base material: weldable steel grade to be confirmed by order; the exact grade and delivery condition should be stated on the quotation, drawing, and material certificate when required.
• Chain-steel reference: DIN 17115 is the current DIN technical delivery standard for steels used for welded round-link chains and chain components; applicability and grade selection remain subject to the ordered chain specification.
• Manufacturing form: welded round steel links; welding process, weld acceptance criteria, and inspection scope are to be confirmed by the manufacturer.
• Self-coloured or black-painted finish suits dry or controlled utility service where corrosion protection requirements are limited.
• Zinc plating or hot-dip galvanizing improves corrosion resistance, but coating thickness and internal clearances should be checked when the chain passes through eyes, brackets, or fittings.
• Stainless steel, alloy steel, high-tensile steel, heat treatment, powder coating, or special colours are not inherent DIN 5685 properties and should be treated as separate project requirements.

Inspection and Supply Control

• Dimensional inspection: link diameter d, inside length t, outside width b, and ordered length.
• Visual inspection: link shape, weld continuity, harmful sharp edges, surface condition, and coating coverage where applicable.
• Delivery verification: quantity, mass or length, finish, packaging, identification, and ordered documentation.
• Material certificate, dimensional report, coating report, or additional testing can be arranged according to the purchase order; they are not automatically included.
• Additional testing does not convert DIN 5685 utility chain into certified lifting chain unless the entire product is designed, manufactured, tested, marked, and certified to an applicable lifting-chain standard.

Selection & Inquiry Guide

Step 1: Confirm the actual use and state clearly that the chain is for a non-lifting, non-hoisting, non-anchor, and non-safety-critical function.

Step 2: Confirm the required standard part and link geometry: short-link, semi-long-link, or long-link; provide the applicable drawing when A / C commercial designations are used.

Step 3: Specify link diameter d, inside length t, outside width b, required total length, cut-length tolerance, and any connecting accessories.

Step 4: Specify material grade, finish, colour, exposure condition, and whether zinc plating or hot-dip galvanizing must comply with a separate coating requirement.

Step 5: Confirm inspection and document scope: dimensional report, material certificate, coating report, sample approval, or third-party witnessing if required.

Step 6: Provide quantity, packing method, delivery destination, required delivery time, and reference drawing or photo.

Compatibility and Use Notes

• Check the clear opening of shackles, rings, brackets, pad eyes, or retaining pins against the finished link dimensions.
• Do not force galvanized links through undersized fittings; coating damage can expose the base steel and reduce corrosion protection.
• Avoid applications involving continuous running over sprockets or pocket wheels unless a calibrated chain standard has been specified.
• Replace chain showing severe corrosion, cracked welds, distorted links, excessive wear, or damage inconsistent with the intended utility function.

Custom Attributes

• Product Category: General-purpose welded round steel chain → use for utility and retention functions rather than lifting or load-bearing service.
• Standard Family: DIN 5685-1 / DIN 5685-2 / DIN 5685-3 → select the current part according to long, semi-long, or short link geometry.
• Commercial Types: Type A short-link / Type C long-link → customer-supplied designations that require drawing and edition confirmation.
• Nominal Diameter: 2–13 mm in supplied schedule → select together with link opening and accessory compatibility.
• Construction: Welded round steel links → non-calibrated utility-chain construction.
• Surface Finish: Self-coloured / black painted / zinc plated / hot-dip galvanized / specified coating → match corrosion exposure and dimensional clearance.
• Load Status: Non-proof-loaded → not a certified WLL, SWL, lifting, towing, anchoring, or cargo-securing chain.

Applications

Industrial barriers | Retention of loose components against loss | Machine and workshop guarding | Warehouse utility arrangements | Agricultural general-purpose use | Marine deck utility service where no lifting, anchoring, towing, mooring, cargo restraint, or safety-critical load is involved

Documentation

Available documentation should be agreed before production and may include a commercial certificate of conformity, material certificate, dimensional inspection report, coating report, packing list, and traceability identification. Lifting certificates or classification society approval shall not be implied for this non-proof-loaded product.

Drawing & Photos

FAQ

Q1: Can DIN 5685 chain be used for lifting or as a chain sling?

A1: No. The current DIN 5685 family covers non-proof-loaded welded round steel chains. It should not be used as a lifting medium, sling chain, hoist chain, or load-bearing suspension.

Q2: What is the difference between Type A and Type C in the supplied table?

A2: Type A uses the shorter inside link length, while Type C uses the longer inside link length and a lower mass per 100 m for the same nominal diameter. The order should also identify the applicable current DIN 5685 part and approved link drawing.

Q3: Which surface finish is suitable for outdoor or marine environments?

A3: Zinc plating or hot-dip galvanizing is normally considered before self-colour or black paint for corrosive exposure, but the final choice depends on service environment, coating specification, required appearance, and clearance through mating fittings.