Home » Philippines News » Events » The Future of Micro Power Transmission Has Arrived in the Philippines -- The World's Smallest Roller Chain "Tsubaki's Epsilon Chain"
The Future of Micro Power Transmission Has Arrived in the Philippines -- The World's Smallest Roller Chain "Tsubaki's Epsilon Chain"
How do you transmit power reliably in extremely confined spaces without sacrificing accuracy or durability?
This is where the Epsilon Chain from Tsubakimoto Chain Co. changes the game.
Recognized as the world's smallest commercially available roller chain, the Epsilon Chain delivers precise, slip-free transmission in applications where belts and wires simply cannot perform.
For Philippine engineers designing next-generation automation systems, this is not just innovation--it's opportunity.
What Makes the Epsilon Chain Different?
The Epsilon Chain features an ultra-small 1.905 mm pitch, making it the smallest roller chain in the world.
Yet despite its size, it maintains:
✔ Full roller construction
✔ 0.36 kN minimum tensile strength
✔ Stainless steel durability
✔ Positive sprocket engagement (no slippage)
Unlike belts that rely on friction, this chain ensures exact motion transfer, which is critical for precision-driven industries.
Why This Matters for Philippine Manufacturers?
The Philippines operates in a uniquely demanding industrial environment. Facilities must balance precision engineering requirements with tropical climate conditions. High humidity levels can accelerate corrosion in poorly protected components. Meanwhile, global competitiveness requires local manufacturers to adopt smarter, more compact automation systems.
Electronics and semiconductor manufacturers require highly accurate positioning for delicate components. Robotics applications demand compact actuation mechanisms that do not increase machine footprint. Food and beverage facilities need corrosion-resistant materials that withstand washdowns and humid production floors. Medical device assembly lines depend on consistent, repeatable micro motion systems.
The Epsilon Chain directly supports these evolving needs. By combining compact design, stainless steel construction, and mechanical engagement accuracy, it enables Filipino engineers to design smaller systems without sacrificing reliability.
Advantages of the Epsilon Chain
|
Advantage |
Description |
Benefit for Philippine Industries |
|---|---|---|
|
Ultra-Compact Design |
1.905 mm pitch allows installation in extremely tight machine layouts | Enables smaller, smarter machines for robotics, electronics, and automation |
|
Slip-Free Transmission |
Positive engagement with sprockets eliminates belt slippage | Ensures precise motion control in semiconductor, electronics, and medical applications |
|
High Durability |
Stainless steel construction resists corrosion and wear | Suitable for humid Philippine conditions, food & beverage, and coastal factories |
|
High Strength for Size |
Maintains 0.36 kN minimum tensile strength | Handles industrial loads despite tiny dimensions |
|
Precision Motion |
Roller construction ensures smooth engagement | Critical for robotics, micro conveyors, prosthetics, and medical instruments |
|
Flexible Integration |
Compatible with micro sprockets for compact layouts | Easy to implement in existing automation and assembly systems |
Comparison with small transmission parts
By achieving the world's smallest size, it can be used in applications where conventional chains are unsuitable, and can also be used as a replacement for belts and wires.
|
Epsilon  |
Small pitch  |
Small diameter  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | ◎ | △ | △ |
| Tensile strength | ○ | - | ◎ |
| Positioning Accuracy | ○ | ◎ | X |
| Extrusion Purpose | ○ | X | X |
| Installation Tension Setting | ○ (unnecessary) | X (Required) | - |
Epsilon Chain Strengths
- Reliable power transmission
Unlike power transmission through friction, meshing transmission prevents slippage. - Can be used for extrusion applications
Its high rigidity means it is less likely to bend even during forward and reverse motion. - Compact bend
Unlike the core wire of wire ropes or belts, there is no risk of deformation or breakage due to bending.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE
Downsizing the chain allows for smaller and lighter applications.
In addition, reduced backlash is expected to improve operation accuracy.
Control Unit of Endoscope device
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Product name
Epsilon Chain Stainless Steel Specification
Specifications
| Product name | pitch P | Roller diameter R | Inner link Inner width W | Plate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness T | width H | width h | ||||
| RS6-ESS-1 | 1.905 | 1.19 | 1.27 | 0.25 | 1.81 | 1.56 |
| Pin | Minimum Tensile Strength kN{kgf} | Approximate Mass kg/m | 1 unit of Number of links | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter D | L1 | L2 | |||
| 0.596 | 1.4 | 2.1 | 0.36 {37} |
0.017 | 532 |
Model number display example
| RS6 | - | ESS | - | 1 | - | RP | + | 151L | - | RR |
| Size | Specification | No. of strands | Main unitpin format |
Number of links | end symbol |
|||||
(Note)
1 This product is a very small chain, and there are many differences in handling compared to conventional size chains. Some of the information published in the technical notes of Drive chain & Sprocket Catalog and technical data on TSUBAKI Power Transmission Products Information Site do not apply to this product, so please contact us regarding selection and handling.
2 There is no stamping on the plate.
3 The pins are not riveted.
4. We do not recommend using connecting links as they are not easy to install.
5. There is no offset link.
6 Longer trains exceeding one unit are not supported.
7. In the case of an even number of links, outer links are used to form an endless formation. (Connecting links are not used.) However, if there are less than 80 links, connecting links are used to form an endless formation. Please contact us regarding endless formation. In the case of an odd number of links, Inner link are used on both ends.
If you require a configuration other than those listed above, please contact us.
Series
Epsilon Chain Stainless Steel Specifications Sprocket
Specifications
| Model number | Number of teeth | Pitch circle diameter D P | Outer diameter Do | Shaft Hole Diameter d | Hub | Estimated mass g | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| diameter D H | length L | ||||||
| RS6-1B9T-ESS | 9 | 5.57 | 6.3 | 2 | 3 | 3.5 | 0.2 |
| RS6-1B15T-ESS | 15 | 9.16 | 10.1 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 1.4 |
| RS6-1B21T-ESS | 21 | 12.78 | 13.7 | 4 | 10 | 6 | 3.1 |
(Note)
1 The minimum number of teeth is 9. We are also happy to consider manufacturing specifications other than those listed above, so please contact us.
2.The shaft bore is finished.Please contact us for details regarding the method of locking to the shaft, as we will consider your request on a case-by-case basis.
3 Surface treatments that improve wear resistance are also available. Please contact us for more information.
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