There is a chain conveyor used in virtually any plant that must move parts, assemble products, or transport heavy objects. It is the foundation of every automated assembly system because of its function and versatility. The conveyor can be used for moving small or large objects across a plant or from one level to another with no intervention or assistance required.
A chain conveyor is powered by a chain arrangement. The links of the chain differ depending on the function of the conveyor. The links sit on two low friction side rails of two aluminum beams. The flexibility of the aluminum allows the conveyor to be designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs of the customer.
The entire chain conveyor is powered by a motor housed in the assembly system. The conveyor can easily transport heavy items that would be difficult for workers to move safely. In addition, the products are moving at a specific speed so that the assembly can take place effectively and efficiently which cuts down on the time it would take a worker to manually carry items to a different work location.
Some of the parts moved by the conveyor, especially in auto plants, are very heavy. If people were to move the parts, they could easily be injured. In addition, the conveyor moves the parts with ease through the plant. Some chain conveyors are configured to transport products to pallets which is safer than using a forklift for that purpose.
The ISO and British Standards are used when manufacturing a chain conveyor. These standards regulate the types of materials that the chains are made from, weight capacity, and other features that make the conveyor safe for the type of product it will be moving. Each conveyor is designed and made to meet the specific needs of the manufacturer that is going to use it.
When conveyors are installed they can be placed either in a permanent location or can be moved using modularized solutions. They are very easy to re-use or rebuild when a change is needed and are highly reliable. The conveyors that are used in food manufacturing plants have been approved by the FDA for use. When used for moving electronic parts and products they are approved by the ESD. Conveyors are also used in clean rooms where computer assembly takes place.
There are three types of chain used for the chain conveyor. On chain is hollow and is an open chain that allows items to be attached to the link, such as the hanging auto parts that move along a conveyor. The box chain has side plates and a greater depth. This provides a continuous carrying edge. A solid hollow open chain is the same as a Hollow Bearing Pin Chain but is made for heavier items.
The links of the chain conveyor are very easy to repair and replace. The conveyor does not require complete dis-assembly to remove one or more links because they are attached to the chain individually. When a conveyor is in place the pitch on the specially treated bearings that house the links dictates the strength of the conveyor. When more weight is going to be used on the conveyor the pitch is adjusted to accommodate the change.
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