There are two types of links alternating in the bush roller chain. The first type is inner links, having two internal plates held together by two sleeves or bushings upon which rotate two rollers. Internal links alternate with the second type, the outer links, comprising two external plates held jointly by pins passing through the bushings of the internal links. The “Conveyor Chain bushingless” roller chain is comparable in operation though not in construction; instead of individual bushings or sleeves keeping the inner plates together, the plate includes a tube stamped involved with it protruding from the hole which serves the same purpose. It has the advantage of removing one part of assembly of the chain.

The roller chain design reduces friction compared to simpler designs, resulting in higher efficiency and less wear. The original power transmission chain types lacked rollers and bushings, with both the inner and outer plates kept by pins which directly contacted the sprocket tooth; however this configuration exhibited extremely rapid use of both sprocket teeth, and the plates where they pivoted on the pins. This problem was partially solved by the advancement of bushed chains, with the pins holding the outer plates moving through bushings or sleeves connecting the internal plates. This distributed the wear over a greater area; however the teeth of the sprockets still wore quicker than is attractive, from the sliding friction against the bushings. The addition of rollers surrounding the bushing sleeves of the chain and provided rolling contact with one’s teeth of the sprockets resulting in excellent resistance to put on of both sprockets and chain aswell. There is even suprisingly low friction, provided that the chain is sufficiently lubricated. Continuous, clean, lubrication of roller chains is definitely of major importance for efficient procedure as well as correct tensioning.