A continuous press chain is not selected by pitch alone. The safest replacement process starts with the installed press, the chain code and the complete mating geometry.
Start with the press identification
Record the press manufacturer, model, serial number and board type being produced. Major continuous wood-panel press families are used for PB, MDF, OSB and other panel products, but chain and rolling-element geometry is line-specific.
Confirm the chain geometry
Measure nominal pitch, roller diameters, inner width, pin diameter/length, plate thickness and any special retaining or guiding features. For paired chains, request cumulative-length data so left and right paths can be evaluated together.
Capture operating conditions
Provide production speed, temperature zone, lubrication practice, contamination and any abnormal wear pattern. General chain-selection references also emphasize driven equipment, transmitted load, shaft/sprocket geometry, center distance and unusual temperature or abrasive conditions.
Send the right RFQ package
The fastest engineering review includes the chain code, quantity, drawing, close-up photos, sprocket data and a sample if the chain is obsolete or heavily modified. When no drawing exists, mark the dimensions directly on photos and indicate which dimensions are measured versus estimated.
Procurement tip: ask the supplier to state which dimensions are controlled in the approved drawing and which values are only reference data.