12.5 mm Stud-Link Chain

In shipbuilding and marine engineering, anchor chains are core components connecting ships to the seabed and securing offshore facilities. The 12.5mm Stud Link Anchor Chain, with its compact size, high strength, and flexible applications, has become standard equipment for small vessels and specialized equipment. This article analyzes its core value from three aspects: specification positioning, application scenarios, and material manufacturing processes. 

I. Specification Positioning: The "Starting Pont" of Studded Anchor Chains 

Anchor chains are divided into studded and unstudded types, with significant differences in specifications: 

Studded Anchor Chains: Specifications 12.5mm-162mm, with 12.5mm being one of the smallest sizes, balancing strength and lightweight. 

Unstudded Anchor Chains: Specifications 6mm-50mm, with lower strength than studded chains of the same size, mostly used for auxiliary mooring. 

Unique Features of the 12.5mm Studded Anchor Chain: 

Strength Advantage: The chain links have internal crossbars, resulting in tensile strength more than 30% higher than unstudded chains, and a lower deformation rate. 

Lightweight Design: With a diameter of only 12.5mm, it weighs 60% less than larger anchor chains, reducing ship load and costs. 

II. Application Scenarios: From Small Vessels to Marine Engineering 

1. "Safe Anchor Point" for Small Vessels 

Fishing Boats and Work Vessels: 12.5mm anchor chains are commonly used on near-shore fishing vessels (wooden, fiberglass) and inland waterway work vessels (such as dredging vessels). Their strength (≥490MPa) can withstand daily wind and waves, and the lightweight design facilitates operation. 

Yachts and Recreational Boats: Small and medium-sized yachts (10-20 meters) use it as a stern anchor or backup anchor, balancing aesthetics and practicality, avoiding interference from large anchor chains on the hull design. 

2. "Stable Foundation" for Marine Facilities 

Marine Buoy Mooring: Buoys need to be permanently anchored in the sea. The 12.5mm anchor chain, with its high corrosion resistance (such as CM490 alloy steel) and fatigue resistance, ensures stable operation of the buoy in strong currents and typhoons. 

Aquaculture Cage Fixing: Deep-sea aquaculture cages are connected to seabed anchor blocks via 12.5mm anchor chains. Their lightweight design reduces installation difficulty, while their strength withstands the pulling force of fish movements. 

3. Emergency and Auxiliary Scenarios 

Emergency Towing Chain: During ship rescue or towing operations, the 12.5mm anchor chain serves as a temporary connector, providing reliable safety. 

Wire Rope Transition Section: Regulations require that vessels with a length <40 meters can use wire ropes to replace part of the anchor chain, but a short anchor chain of at least 12.5 meters must be installed between the wire rope and the anchor to prevent wire rope wear. 

III. Materials and Processes: Precision Manufacturing Creates Quality 

1. Material Selection: High Strength and Corrosion Resistance Combined 

AM2 Grade CM490 Alloy Steel: Tensile strength ≥490MPa (U2 grade), suitable for inland waterways and nearshore areas, high cost-effectiveness. 

AM3 Grade CM690 Alloy Steel: Tensile strength ≥690MPa (U3 grade), used in deep-sea or highly corrosive environments (such as chemical vessels), extending service life by 50%. Surface Treatment: Black paint, hot-dip galvanizing, or epoxy coating enhances corrosion resistance, ensuring a service life exceeding 20 years. 

2. Manufacturing Process: Five Key Steps to Ensure Quality 

Material Selection and Forming: Standard alloy steel round bars are selected, laser-cut, and hydraulically bent into a "U" shape, then fitted with a crossbar to close into a ring. 

Flash Butt Welding: High-voltage current melts the interface, forming a seamless weld with weld strength consistent with the base material, eliminating the risk of brittle fracture. 

Heat Treatment Strengthening: Overall quenching (850-900℃) increases hardness, tempering (500-600℃) eliminates internal stress, and toughness meets standards (impact value ≥34J). 

Inspection and Certification: Ultrasonic testing detects internal defects, tensile testing verifies that the fracture load reaches 1.5 times the design value, and dimensional tolerances are ≤±0.5mm. 

Conclusion: Small Size, Big Responsibility 

While the 12.5mm Stud Link Anchor Chain is considered a "small size" among studded anchor chains, its core advantages of high strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance make it a key piece of equipment for small vessels and marine engineering. From precision manufacturing to diverse applications, it not only ensures ship safety but also connects humanity's infinite possibilities for exploring the ocean. In the future, this "marine link" will continue to play an irreplaceable role in a wider range of fields. 

SMEOCEAN is a top-tier anchor chain supplier in China! We maintain a large inventory of 12.5mm studded anchor chains, all with various certifications, ensuring reliable quality. Contact us if you have any needs.

More Link:

Original Anchor Chain VS. Black Tar Anchor Chain

How is the Surface of the Anchor Chain Treated?

How Anchor Chains are Manufactured ？