Table of contect:

• Grades
• Types of strenght classes
• Grade 8
• Grade 10 (VIP)
• Grade 12 (ICE)
• Load capacity table
• What is the significance of the H stamp?
• Marking
• Safety factor
• Temperature resistance

Grades:

The strength class of the material used is described as the quality class. Classification is based on the nominal tension. For a grade 8 chain, for example, this is 800N/mm² or around 80kg. For this reason, grade 8 is sometimes also referred to as “grade 80”.
The tempering of a sling chain refers to the process of heat treatment, where the chain is heated and then cooled in a specific pattern to improve its mechanical properties. This process can increase the hardness, strength and durability of the chain, which is particularly important when the chain is used in demanding applications such as lifting, pulling or tensioning.

Types of strenght classes:

Chain slings are available in grades 8, 10 and 12. As a general rule, the higher the grade of a chain, the higher the load capacity for the same chain diameter. The load capacity of a grade 10 chain, for example, is 25% higher than that of a grade 8 chain with the same diameter. Grade 12 chains even achieve up to 60% higher load capacities than grade 8 chains. 
This advantage of higher grades leads to a considerable weight saving, as smaller chain diameters can be used, making it more ergonomic for users. By using less material and lower energy consumption in production, higher grade chains can also be considered more environmentally friendly.

Grade 8:

Grade 8 chains are the most commonly used chains. This is partly due to the very large number of manufacturers and the associated good availability and large selection of different attachments. Furthermore, grade 8 chains are considerably cheaper than grade 10 or 12 chains, which is why chains in this grade are mainly used for simple applications.

Grade 10 (VIP):

We have been distributing grade 10 chains and chain components from the German technology leader Rieger & Dietz (RUD) since 1994. VIP stands for Verwechslungsfrei in Pink, which ensures clear color differentiation from chains of other grades.
In addition to the aforementioned weight savings and higher load capacities, special heat treatment and patented materials achieve higher wear resistance and lower sensitivity to sharp edges. In addition, service life can be extended because the surface is approx. 30% harder than that of grade 8 chains.

Grade 12 (ICE):

We have been distributing grade 12 chains and chain components from the German technology leader Rieger & Dietz (RUD) since 2007. ICE stands for Innovative Chain Evolution. The chains and chain components have a magenta-colored powder coating, which ensures a color differentiation from chains of other quality classes. ICE chains have all the advantages of the VIP chains described above. In addition, ICE chains can be used at outside temperatures as low as -60°C thanks to their improved notch impact values.

Load capacity table:

What is the significance of the H stamp?

Since the 1930s, chain slings have been given the so-called H stamp. This consists of the letter H (high-strength) and a number specified by the employers' liability insurance association. The number can be used to identify the manufacturer. Nowadays, hoist chains and chain accessories are also marked with the H stamp. Chains from quality classes 8 and 10 are stamped with an H, while the trade association has decided for certain reasons to stamp chains and components of quality class 12 with a D. Since RUD, as a technology leader, has always been the first to have its chains tested by the trade association, the stamps H1 for grades 8 and 10 and D1 for grade 12 stand for RUD.  

It is important to emphasize that the H stamp is not required by law. However, it is regarded by many manufacturers and users as proof of quality.

Marking:

Each hanger must be fitted with an identification tag that provides information on the load capacity, nominal diameter, quality class, CE marking, test date and manufacturer, among other things. If such a tag is missing, the hanger must not be used. Grade 8 identification tags are usually red and have eight rounded corners, which stand for the grade. Marking tags are usually attached to the hanger head.

The VIP and ICE identification tags from RUD are also used to test the sling chains.

Safety factor:

In lifting technology, the term “safety factor” refers to the ratio between the maximum breaking load and the actual load capacity applied. The safety factor is used to ensure the safety of lifting operations and slings by ensuring that the actual load is always well below the maximum breaking load. A safety factor of 4 is prescribed by law for chain slings. This means that the breaking force must be at least four times the approved load capacity.

Temperature resistance:

In addition to many other positive properties, the powder coating of VIP and ICE chains also serves as a HEAT indicator. The powder coatings have been developed in such a way that if the maximum temperature is exceeded, this can be recognized by the color of the powder coating. If the temperature of an ICE chain exceeds 300°C, the color changes to brown-black and the chain must be replaced immediately.

VIP chains change their color permanently to deep black at a temperature of over 380°C and the chain must also be replaced.