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Lean manufacturing is a production method popularized in the first half of the twentieth century by production teams at Toyota. A lean manufacturing approach has been widely adopted by many leading companies in the industrial sector, but many find it difficult to sustain over time. “Lean” is typically aimed at eliminating waste from production, which…

  Hot dip galvanizing (HDG) offers a virtually unmatched protective zinc coating for steel products. It provides a tough and somewhat durable finish that resists damage from wear and abrasion as well as corrosion, and is typically less expensive compared to other corrosion protective coatings. But hot dip galvanizing has its limitations. It’s a thick…

  After prolonged closures in 2020, outdoor recreational facilities such as parks, playgrounds, and theme parks are getting ready to host the public again in spring and summer 2021. If you’re responsible for maintenance at one of these facilities (or you’re a supplier to a team who is), preparation for your busy season is likely…

  We recently had the honor of presenting how we use technology in our quality process at the  Association of Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF) virtual trade show. In the presentation, we showed off a few of the tools we’ve developed to ensure our chain’s safety and performance: the Hololens mixed reality device and our Chainspection…

Beyond Speed: Technology in Chain Manufacturing Manufacturers everywhere understand the benefits of technology like automation in improving speed, accuracy, and efficiency. The OEM and tiered suppliers we serve are always improving operations with robotics and equipment enhancements. And while any technology that increases efficiency will benefit our business, Laclede Chain has also been leveraging innovations…

No matter what type of vehicle you operate, winterizing your vehicle is a best practice. As colder weather approaches, checking fluid levels, tire treads, and the condition of wiper blades are often on drivers’ lists of things to do. It’s also never too early in the season to evaluate your traction equipment—and ensure you’ve got…

Contractors and weekend warriors alike have been keeping busy on home improvement projects these days, with home now functioning as the center of our worlds more today than ever. If you’re using rented lifting equipment to complete your next job, it’s important to educate yourself on how to perform your lifts safely. So, before you…

By Eric Kazmierzak and Melissa Searle, Laclede Chain Manufacturing When designing a trailer, what’s the best way to attach the safety chain to the tongue? There are two main attachment styles commonly used in the trailer industry to attach safety chain to the trailer: bolt-on and weld-on clevis assemblies. Laclede Chain collaborates often with trailer…

Ever since steel has become widely used, people have been inventing ways to prevent corrosion and abrasion in order to make it last longer. In fact, corrosion costs the U.S. economy an estimated $300 billion per year (about 3% of GDP).  Hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) has been in use as a method of corrosion protection for…

Since Leonardo da Vinci famously made sketches of what appeared to be the first steel chains in the 16th century, people have been innovating new ways to make industrial chain safer, stronger, and more wear and weather resistant. At Laclede Chain, we’re constantly refining our processes to achieve this same thing.  Why does high quality…

  Why Choose an ISO-Certified Contract Manufacturer? We work with many types of customers at Laclede Chain who incorporate chain into their businesses in different ways. We serve OEMs that incorporate our chain into agriculture equipment, commercial fisheries that use marine chain to lift nets from the ocean, construction companies performing overhead lifting operations, and…

Advantages of Powder Coated Chain Our team has invested nearly a decade of research and testing (and over a million dollars) building our powder coating line. Powder coating is an ideal method for finishing your chain as it can withstand the elements and wear and tear. It can be applied in almost any color you…

When can I use tire chains in my state? In many states, the general rule is that tire chains may be used for safety when snow and/or icy conditions are present, but are not required. However, some states have more stringent regulations for when tire chains can, or must, be used.  California has complex requirements…

While we’re still a ways away from actually 3D printing chain in mass quantities, we’ve been using this increasingly prevalent technology in our business since 2017. Here’s how we’re using it to innovate and help our customers grow. Vetting New Designs and Configurations Any engineer knows that what seems like a viable solution in a…

Across the traction chain industry, products are classified into two general categories: NACM (National Association of Chain Manufacturers) series products and non-NACM products. NACM products include many traction chains that are constructed in a ladder style configuration. They generally follow a universal stock numbering sequence for each product type. NACM specifications outline dimensional guidelines such…

International Chain Grades: What You Need to Know While Laclede Chain is known as one of America’s oldest domestic chain manufacturers, we also distribute imported chain through our international division. In our many years of experience working with imports, we’ve become familiar with the common practices of international manufacturers that can have an impact on…

Steel is the material of choice for many of the things we use every day—tools, vehicles, and chain. Due to the saltwater and salt air, marine environments are tough on steel. Since the invention of steel, people have been experimenting with ways to prolong its life, especially in these tough environments. The typical answer is…

Don’t forget about all the extra information Laclede Chain has to offer.  And all of it is FREE! What could be better than free chain information? You already know about our blog but did you know about our mobile app, newsletter and our catalog download? Laclede Mobile Application: Free for Apple and Android users Check…