Chain Conveyor Information
Large conveyor systems are a common sight in many industries. Manufacturers use these sometimes intricate set ups to increase production and decrease labor costs. Parts and items move from one end of the line to the next at a continuous and often times fast pace. In these types of conveyor systems, a chain conveyor is common. While you may not see the chain, it's keeping the belt that sits on top of it moving along down the line.
Who Uses Chain Conveyor Systems?
Chains provide durable and speedy results for conveyor systems. Therefore, manufacturers who hold large production factories make widespread use of the chain conveyor system. Time is money and chain conveyors make a fast-moving production line possible. Workers at different stations may receive items and parts via the chain-driven belt, and then ship them to the next stop on the line the same way. Overhead chain conveyors are common, making use of every inch of space, as are flat top conveyors for light and medium loads especially on an incline or decline. Car manufacturers, metal finishing industries, and distributors all make use of chain conveyor technology.
The Chain Part of Chain Conveyor
You may think of a bike chain when you hear the term chain conveyor. These chains are a little more industrial than that and can be created for light or heavy loads. You may also automatically think metal when you hear the word chain. It's true that many chain conveyors are made of stainless steel, but you can also find them made up of other materials, including plastic. The type of material chosen depends on what the conveyor will be carrying. For example, stainless steel is a much better choice for heavy loads than plastic. If steel is the material of choice, a nickel coating is applied to prevent rusting.
Whatever the materials used to make it, the chain conveyor is a continuous series of blocks that may be solid or laminated. The blocks are connected by pins and side plates. The side plates, to a certain extent, control what can go on top of the conveyor belt. The deeper the plates, the heavier loads the chains can handle. The chains are usually welded together but this isn't always the case. Sprockets are the actual part of the chain that provides its mobility. The teeth on the sprockets latch onto the chain. As the motor runs the process, the sprocket teeth dip into accurately spaced slots. This design provides a smooth ride for whatever items are carried along the production line.
Buying a conveyor chain requires consideration of a few different things. 1) The products that will be on the conveyor belt; 2) The size of the product; 3) The weight of the product (plastic parts weigh much less than coal for example); and 4) The length the chain will need to go and the speed it will move to get there. Not all chains come put together. Some will require assembly on the part of the owner. You may also need to decide if a lubricant on the chain is necessary.
