Our Workshop

Since we established Donghua in the UK in 2009, we have developed our workshop facilities at our Midlands distribution centre to specifically deliver bespoke in-house built attachment chain. This investment means Donghua is now one of only a few chain manufacturers to boast such technical capabilities directly in the UK.

Chain Length Measuring Machine

In 2013 we added a new chain length measuring machine making Donghua Limited one of only a few manufacturers to have this equipment in the UK. Designed and built by Donghua, the machine is exceptionally accurate measuring to within 10 microns per metre (a human hair is 80-100 microns) and is capable of measuring up to five metres of chain.

Watch a video of the Chain Length Measuring machine in use

Pre-Loading of Chain

Donghua Limited also pre-loads (pre-stretches) chain which eliminates the initial elongation often found in built ‘in-house’ attachment chain. This means Donghua’s attachment chain is ready and easy to fit from the box and has the best possible service life.

Watch a video of the Pre-Loading machine in use

Matching of Chain

In industries where precise positioning of more than two chains used in parallel is required, the chains need to be matched within a close tolerance of each other. With Donghua Limited’s sophisticated measuring equipment (accurate to 10 microns per metre), we can match chains from 3/8″ to 2″ pitch in both British and American standards up to a length of five metres. For longer lengths the chains can be supplied matched & tagged so they can be fitted in sequence to maintain the high length accuracy along the entire required length.

Due to advanced and precision production methods, Donghua chain is produced to very narrow tolerances and chain from the same production batches are, on average, within 1/3rd DIN standards. Using our chain length measuring machine, Donghua’s consistent and close production tolerances can be further improved and chains supplied matched in sets of +-0.5mm (5 metres). All matched chain can be accompanied by certificates of authenticity, on request.

Chain Cutting Service

We offer cut lengths of chain using our automatic Chain Cutting Machine. It’s the only machine of its kind in the UK, and delivers a very quick, automated cutting service. We can automatically cut Leaf Chains from ½” pitch to 11/4” pitch in AL, BL, LL, FLC series; and cut Roller Chains from ¼” pitch to 11/4” pitch in simplex, duplex and triplex!

The machine is programmed with the type and pitch of chain, whether its simplex, duplex or triplex, and the length required. The machine feeds the tensioned chain into a chamber where it is automatically cut. The process is then repeated for the desired length of chain. After each cut, the chain is automatically dispensed ready for inspection and packaging.

FREE carriage (UK mainland only) on all orders of in-house cut chain! For more detail call us on 01902 866200

Download our Chain Cutting leaflet.

Watch the Chain Cutting Machine Video

Workshop Gallery

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Cutting Large Pitch Chain

Donghua owns two 100 tonne presses which are used to cut large pitch chains and rotary chains enabling us to fulfil growing cusotmer demand for chain in specific cut lengths. One press is used to cut special length roller chain and the other is used to cut special length leaf chain.

Pneumatic Press Riveter

The Pneumatic Press Riveter is used for riveting attachment or bespoke chain to customer’s desired configuration. Maintaining uniform and consistent assembly and rivesting results, helps to increase the fatigue life of chain.

Hydraulic Cutting Presses

Our two 17 tonne hydraulic presses are used to cut our to order bespoke special attachment chain which is available in both British and American standards.

Hot Dip Lubrication Bath

Donghua Limited is proud to be the only chain manufacturer in the UK to have its own hot dip lubrication bath. Once produced, the attachment chain is dipped in a metal vat containing hot lubrication which penetrates into the bearing areas that standard lube spraying would not reach. As the chain cools, the surplus lube drains away leaving an oil deposit inside the chain providing ultimate lubrication properties – this initial lubrication is the most important a chain receives and helps significantly extend wear-life. The chain is then pre-loaded, measured and matched as necessary.

Tub Grinder

Used for accurate surface grinding of chain components and sprockets.

Fork Lift Trucks

Two new counterbalance fork lift trucks are used in the extended warehouse and workshop.

Storage & Retrieval System

Two state-of-the-art vertical Kardex storage shuttle units are installed and a third, larger unit which holds half a tonne per tray, sits alongside them. The three shuttle units provide a unique storage and retrieval system for small chain parts used within in-house chain assembly. The units contain multiple horizontal shelves that are retrieved when the operator selects the components to fulful a customer order. Watch a video of the machines in use.

We’d love to hear from you.

Whether you have a question about our products, services or prices, our UK team is ready to answer all your questions.