Combination chains are made of cast block links and steel sidebars alternately spaced. The N combination chains have pear-shaped barrels to provide additional metal where the chain engages the sprocket teeth to increase the service life of the chain.Combination chains are well suited for abrasive, gritty or corrosive material sand are a less expensive option to their all steel counterparts

Cast combination chain is manufactured with cast inner links and steel outer links,hence where the chain name itself came from. Common applications were cast combination chain can be found include; grit conveying, forestry processing,grain handling, elevating applications, and other conveying applications.