Actuator selection
Confirm moving load, travel, speed, mounting direction, duty cycle and available installation space before choosing a chain size and drive arrangement.
Product / Stage lifting equipment
Rigid Chain System: Technology and Lift Mechanisms for Stage and Industry
A rigid chain system pushes and holds loads with a chain that locks into a rigid column — long travel from a low installed height, without hydraulics. Zhonghui manufactures six rigid lifting chain sizes, 30A–100A, and engineers complete systems for theatre stages, orchestra pits, lift tables, matrix platforms and industrial lifting, backed by our parent company's stage-engineering and installation team.
Model30A / 35A / 40A / 60A / 80A / 100A
Maximum static-load range10–200 kN
Maximum travel1.2–10 m
Speed range150–300 mm/s
Specify load and travel together. Ratings depend on the model and operating conditions; the series-wide maximum load and maximum travel are not simultaneous ratings.
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30A35A40A60A80A100A
30A–100A Rigid Chain Models
Screen the series by load, travel and installation height, then confirm speed, duty cycle, synchronization and safety requirements with engineering.
| Model | Max. static load / travel | Max. dynamic load / travel | Rated speed | Minimum installation height | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30A Rigid Lifting Chain | 10 kN / 1.2 m | 8 kN / 1.2 m | 150 mm/s | 200 mm | Full specifications → |
| 35A Rigid Lifting Chain | 12 kN / 1.5 m | 10 kN / 1.5 m | 200 mm/s | 226 mm | Full specifications → |
| 40A Rigid Lifting Chain | 40 kN / 2 m | 30 kN / 2 m | 300 mm/s | 370 mm | Full specifications → |
| 60A Rigid Lifting Chain | 90 kN / 2 m | 60 kN / 2 m | 300 mm/s | 450 mm | Full specifications → |
| 80A Rigid Lifting Chain | 130 kN / 2 m | 95 kN / 3 m | 300 mm/s | 550 mm | Full specifications → |
| 100A Rigid Lifting Chain | 200 kN / 3.5 m | 150 kN / 5 m | 300 mm/s | 650 mm | Full specifications → |
Full specifications
| Parameter | 30A | 35A | 40A | 60A | 80A | 100A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. static load / allowed travel | 10 kN / 1.2 m | 12 kN / 1.5 m | 40 kN / 2 m | 90 kN / 2 m | 130 kN / 2 m | 200 kN / 3.5 m |
| Allowed static load / max. travel | 10 kN / 1.2 m | 12 kN / 1.5 m | 25 kN / 4 m | 35 kN / 5 m | 35 kN / 8 m | 20 kN / 10 m |
| Max. dynamic load / allowed travel | 8 kN / 1.2 m | 10 kN / 1.5 m | 30 kN / 2 m | 60 kN / 2 m | 95 kN / 3 m | 150 kN / 5 m |
| Allowed dynamic load / max. travel | 8 kN / 1.2 m | 10 kN / 1.5 m | 15 kN / 4 m | 25 kN / 5 m | 35 kN / 8 m | 20 kN / 10 m |
| Rated speed | 150 mm/s | 200 mm/s | 300 mm/s | 300 mm/s | 300 mm/s | 300 mm/s |
| Minimum installation height | 200 mm | 226 mm | 370 mm | 450 mm | 550 mm | 650 mm |
| System efficiency | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Chain weight | 10 kg/m | 12 kg/m | 32.4 kg/m | 36 kg/m | 49 kg/m | 68.5 kg/m |
| Chain pitch | 30 mm | 30 mm | 30 mm | 60 mm | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive unit weight | 13 kg | 15.9 kg | 55 kg | 86 kg | 151 kg | 232 kg |
| Pinion pitch radius | 30 mm | 44 mm | 40 mm | 60 mm | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Chain storage box weight | 2.5 kg/m | 4 kg/m | 14 kg/m | 14 kg/m | 18.3 kg/m | 23.7 kg/m |
| Rise per revolution | 188 mm | 270 mm | 251 mm | 360 mm | 480 mm | 600 mm |
Series data: Zhonghui Group product documentation for the 30A–100A rigid lifting chains. Static and dynamic ratings at maximum load and at maximum travel are listed separately and are not simultaneous. Final selection, interfaces and manufacturing data follow the drawing approved for your project.
Actuator or complete system
Rigid chain actuator or complete rigid chain system?
A rigid chain actuator (also called a push chain or zip chain actuator) is the drive element. A complete rigid chain system also includes the selected chain size, guides, supporting structure, lifting points, controls, limits and safety interfaces. Use this page for system selection; use the rigid chain lift table page when the required outcome is a finished moving platform.
Complete system scope
Review guidance, load distribution, synchronized lifting points, structural interfaces, control feedback, travel limits and emergency-stop logic as one engineered system.
Rigid chain technology
How rigid chain lifting technology works
A rigid chain is guided through a drive unit so its links interlock on the load side and act as a push-and-pull column. Unlike a hanging chain, the guided chain can transmit compressive force. This makes the technology useful where a platform or stage element must be lifted from below and available pit or installation space is limited.
Working principle
The drive engages the chain while the housing stores the returning chain. Guides and the supporting structure keep the load path aligned throughout the required travel.
Where it fits
Typical applications include theatre stages, orchestra pits, lift tables and synchronized matrix platforms where project-specific travel, guidance and controls can be engineered together.
What determines selection
Moving load, load distribution, travel, speed, duty cycle, lifting-point spacing, installation envelope, maintenance access and the required control interface must be reviewed as one system.
Evidence before approval
Final selection should be supported by approved drawings, interface dimensions, control and safety requirements, inspection records and the acceptance plan for the actual project.
Rigid chain vs hydraulic and screw-jack lifting
All three can lift stage platforms; they differ in installed height, maintenance and travel.
Rigid chain
Electromechanical push chain. The chain folds into a compact storage box beside the drive, so long travel is possible from a low closed height. No hydraulic oil or pump unit.
Hydraulic
Cylinders and a pump unit. Suited to some very high loads, but needs space for cylinders, oil management and seal maintenance.
Screw jack
Electromechanical screw. Travel is tied to screw length, which typically needs a pit or protection tube below the platform.
Choosing
Compare load, travel, speed, installed height, noise, maintenance access and control requirements. We review them with your drawings.
Engineering behind the product
Zhonghui is a group: our parent company, Jiangsu Zhonghui Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., designs, installs and commissions stage machinery and holds the group's patents and engineering qualifications. See about Zhonghui Group, qualifications and project references such as Jiangsu Grand Theatre, Nanjing Dahua Grand Theatre and China Grand Canal Museum.
Advantages
- Project-specific capacity, travel and installation options
- Mechanical design for stage-equipment duty
- Standalone or integrated control options
- Drawings, technical data and installation coordination
FAQ
What is a rigid chain system?
A rigid chain system is an electromechanical lifting system in which a special chain locks into a rigid column as it leaves the drive unit, so it can push a load upward and hold it. A complete system includes the chain size, drive, chain storage, guides, structure, lifting points, controls, limits and safety interfaces.
What is rigid chain technology?
Rigid chain technology is the push-chain principle behind these systems: chain links interlock on the load side to act as a column under compression, then unlock and fold into a compact storage box on the return side. This gives long travel from a low installed height without hydraulics.
Is a rigid chain the same as a push chain or zip chain?
They are names for closely related interlocking-chain actuators. Push chain and rigid chain describe a single chain that becomes rigid under load; zip chain usually describes two chains that zip together. Selection depends on load, travel, speed and installation space.
What load and travel do the 30A–100A models cover?
Maximum static loads range from 10 kN (30A) to 200 kN (100A), rated speeds from 150 mm/s to 300 mm/s, and travel from 1.2 m up to 10 m depending on model and load. See the model table above; load and travel ratings are not simultaneous.
How does a rigid chain lift compare with a hydraulic lift?
A rigid chain lift is electromechanical: no hydraulic oil, pump unit or cylinder pit is needed, and the chain stores in a compact box beside the drive, which keeps the closed height low. Hydraulic systems suit some very high loads; the right choice depends on load, travel, speed, maintenance and site conditions.
Can the system be customized?
Yes. Load capacity, travel, dimensions, control mode and installation envelope can be configured for the project.
How are multi-point or matrix lifting requirements determined?
Describe the intended motion, lifting-point layout, load distribution and control interface. The configuration is engineered for the actual application and operating conditions.
What service is available?
Engineering, installation guidance, commissioning support and long-term maintenance can be agreed in the project scope. Overseas installation supervision is available; the group's parent company provides stage-engineering and installation experience.
How are quotation, lead time and warranty handled?
We quote EXW (ex-works, collected from our factory) or on terms negotiated in the contract. Lead time and warranty are set per project. Export projects are handled by Zhonghui Group.
What information should I share for project selection?
Share the application, load and travel, platform dimensions, installation space, target speed and operating frequency. Contact the technical team.
Information to Confirm Before Selection and Quotation
A selection hub for rigid-chain lifting systems used in theatre stages, orchestra pits, lift tables and matrix platforms. Load, travel, speed and synchronization are engineered per project. Stage machinery is engineered for each project. Share the following information so the product, installation conditions and control interface can be assessed together.
Load and duty
State the rated load, dynamic duty, operating frequency and any synchronized-motion requirement.
Space and travel
Provide available installation space, travel, platform dimensions and structural constraints.
Speed and control
Define speed, positioning accuracy, interlocks, emergency-stop logic and supervisory interfaces.
Delivery and acceptance
Confirm supply boundaries, installation, commissioning, documentation, training and acceptance requirements.
Read more: Rigid chain lift systems: loads, safety design and testing