Roller Conveyor Chains Selection Guide
A wide variety of chains are available for the purpose of material handling, conveying, and elevating. An accurate assessment of the basic conditions in which the chain will function is essential for optimum performance. In general, the basic steps of conveyor chain selection are as follows:
- Select a conveyor type appropriate for the material being handled.
- hoose the chain type best suited for the conveyor style selected and the material being handled.
- Select the specific chain size necessary to successfully handle the loading conditions of the conveyor, attachment spacing, space limitations, and other service conditions that are encountered.
There are, in general, nine types of chain conveyors. The material being handled and the service environment typically determine which type is chosen:
Plain Chain
The chain runs in tracks and the load is carried directly on the chain.Drag Conveyors
One or more endless strands with or without integral flights moves material in a trough or pan.Apron Conveyors
Die formed steel plates or pans mounted on two or more strands of chain. They are good for impact, abrasion and high temperature applications.Slat Conveyors
Two or more strands of chain with slats attached at intervals. This is used primarily for unit handling.Scraper Flight
One or two endless chains with flights attached to push material in a trough.Cross Bar
Two strands of chain connected by cross-bars, which can be arranged in paths from inclined to serpentine.Trolley and Tow
An endless strand of chain is suspended from an overhead track with carrying attachments at intervals. Tow conveyors have pickups to engage truck masts.Pusher Chain
One or more strands of endless chain are utilized with attachments to push the load. Load slides or rolls on rails. The chain does not carry the load.Carrier Chain
Attachments are connected to part of the chain and form a carrying surface for an individual part on a continuous surface.Why Chain Conveyors?
- Great for wrong way pallets or oddly shaped items such as truck frames or racks
- Conveyors loads with irregular bottoms that won’t move on roller conveyor
- Rugged and durable style can be made even stronger with welded, structural tube steel rail design
- Integrates easily in systems with CDLR and transfers
- Distributes product load evenly
Standard chain types
Standard chain
- Flat side bar chain for even contact surface
- Reduces product damage and wear compared to traditional chain
- Tighter wrap than double pitch chain allows greater design flexibility
Padded Chain
- Conveying surface consists of multiple non marring urethane ‘pads’
- Positive drive of chain with the gentle surface of a belt
- Ideal for glass, painted or machines products
- Pads easily replace and customizable based on application
Power Twist Plus Belt
- Belt that acts like a chain
- Longer life and durability
- Quick, tool less installation or replacement
- Ideal for non-marring applications such as glass and wood
Additional Chain Options
- Poly Steel Chain – Great for oil-free applications
- Roll Top Chain – Where accumulation is needed
- Table Top Chain – Wider contact surface
- Attachment Chain – For applying fixtures
General Conveyor Chain Types
- Roller Conveyor Chains
- Cast Combination Chain
- Steel Bushed Rollerless
- Drop Forged Rivetless Chain
- Welded Steel Mill Chain
- Bar/Pin Chain
- Welded Steel Drag Chain
Chain Rolling or Sliding?
Chain Rolling
- Best suited when chain carries materials.
- Smoother operation, less pulsation.
- Less friction — allows longer centres, smaller motors, and lower operating costs.
- Less horsepower required.
- Not suited for “dirty” applications where foreign materials can jam rollers.
Chain Sliding
- Best suited when conveyor deck supports materials and chains carry, push, drag or scrape.
- Rugged construction — ideal for impact loadings.
- Greater horsepower required.
- Works well in “dirty” applications because this chain has fewer moving parts.