Wire diameter is the first filter in chain production — before style, before output, before budget. 9 machines cover wire between 1 mm and 2.5 mm, across bismark, ball, box, specialty, rolo, snake styles.
Machines rated for this wire range
Published figures, not marketing categories. Every model links through to its own specification page.
| Model | Wire | Chain style | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| EST-C-BCM | 0.2 – 1.5 mm | Bismark | 180 kg |
| EST-C-BOC | 0.8 – 2 mm | Ball | 285 kg |
| EST-C-BX1 | 0.6 – 1 mm | Box | 83 kg |
| EST-C-BX2 | 1.2 – 3 mm | Box | 176 kg |
| EST-C-FCM | 1.2 | Specialty | 550 kg |
| EST-C-L450 | 0.5 – 2.5 mm | Specialty | 170 kg |
| EST-C-RLM | 1.2 – 5.5 mm | Rolo | 180 kg |
| EST-C-U450 | 1.8 – 5 mm | Specialty | 395 kg |
| EST-SNC | 0.2 – 1.5 mm | Snake | 208 kg |
Why wire diameter decides the machine
Chain forming tooling is cut for a wire size. Feed wire below the rated minimum and the link will not close consistently; feed wire above the maximum and the forming geometry is simply wrong for the section. Neither is something you can dial around, which is why a machine is chosen by wire range first and chain style second.
The machines on this page span 0.2 mm to 5.5 mm. That is a wide span in chain terms: at the fine end the concern is link closure and weld heat on very small sections; at the heavy end it is drive torque, frame rigidity and the mass of the machine itself — these units run from 83 kg to 550 kg.
If your production spans both ends of this band, that is normally two machines, not one flexible machine. The chain machine selection guide works through the overlap points.
Choosing between them
A short decision table. Find the row that describes your work, then read across.
| If this describes your production… | Look at | Because |
|---|---|---|
| Fine chain, small sections, high link count | EST-C-BCM | Rated down to 0.2 mm wire, which is where fine chain lives. |
| Heavy link, substantial finished weight | EST-C-RLM | Rated up to 5.5 mm wire, with the frame and drive to match. |
| Limited floor loading or awkward access to the room | EST-C-BX1 | Lightest unit on this page at 83 kg — easiest to move in and position. |
None of these rows is a rule. They are the questions we would ask on a call, written down — and if two rows point at different machines, that is exactly the point where a conversation saves money.
Site requirements before you order
The three checks that cause most delays, with values taken from the machines on this page.
| Check | On these models | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical supply | 220–240V 50/60Hz · 220V 50Hz | Socket type, breaker rating, and whether the site runs 50 Hz or 60 Hz. |
| Weight and access | 83 – 550 kg | Floor loading, door clearance, and whether a pallet truck can reach the final position. |
Model by model
EST-C-BCM
A Bismark chain coupling machine for woven multi-link bismark chains. Specified at wire 0.2 – 1.5 mm, 180 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-BCM specification page.
EST-C-BOC
A ball (bead) chain making machine for decorative and functional ball chains. Specified at wire 0.8 – 2 mm, 285 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-BOC specification page.
EST-C-BX1
A box (Venetian) chain machine using solder powder for clean box-link chains. Specified at wire 0.6 – 1 mm, 83 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-BX1 specification page.
EST-C-BX2
A box chain machine with integrated laser welding for stronger heavier box chains. Specified at wire 1.2 – 3 mm, 176 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-BX2 specification page.
EST-C-FCM
A faceting (diamond-cut) machine that adds sparkle facets to finished chains. Specified at wire 1.2, 550 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-FCM specification page.
EST-C-L450
A large chain making machine for medium-to-large curb and link chains. Specified at wire 0.5 – 2.5 mm, 170 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-L450 specification page.
EST-C-RLM
A rolo (belcher) chain making machine for round-link chains across a wide wire range. Specified at wire 1.2 – 5.5 mm, 180 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-RLM specification page.
EST-C-U450
A universal machine for extra-large chains with heavy wire capacity. Specified at wire 1.8 – 5 mm, 395 kg. Full figures on the EST-C-U450 specification page.
Related pages on this site
- Chain Making Machines for 0.1–0.4 mm Wire — Chain machines rated for 0.1–0.4 mm wire: styles covered, capacity limits, machine weights and what changes at each…
- Chain Making Machines for 0.4–1 mm Wire — Chain machines rated for 0.4–1 mm wire: styles covered, capacity limits, machine weights and what changes at each…
- Gold Chain Making Machines — How gold behaves under this process, which models are suitable, and the specification differences that matter for gold…
- Laser Marking for Jewelry: A Complete Guide — background reading on the process itself.
- Laser Welding for Jewelry Repair and Assembly — background reading on the process itself.
- All equipment solutions by process — marking, welding, chain forming and inline welding side by side.
- Power, cooling and site-supply FAQs.
References
- Chain construction — Link geometry and how weaves distribute load.
- Wire drawing — How feedstock wire is sized before chain forming.
- Jewellery manufacture — Where chain forming sits in the wider process.
- ESTAR TECH machine footage — the manufacturer channel these machines are filmed on.