Glossary · Packaging and intralogistics
Chain conveyor
Also known as: Drag chain conveyor, Slat chain conveyor
German: Kettenförderer
In material handling, a chain conveyor is a conveyor in which one or more driven chains carry or drag the loads, used for heavy loads such as pallets or for products that need a firm, positive drive.
- Intralogistics
In one sentence
A chain conveyor moves loads on or with driven chains and is often used for pallets, heavy loads or bottles on slat chains.
Example
Pallets with finished goods leave the palletizer on a two-strand chain conveyor that transfers them to the stretch wrapper.
How it applies
- Engineering: Pallet chain conveyors support the pallet on two or three chain strands, usually in the direction of the bottom boards. Slat or table-top chains carry bottles and cans in beverage lines. Chain type, pitch and lubrication must suit the load and environment.
- Maintenance: Chain elongation, lubrication and sprocket wear are regular inspection points. Lubricants must be compatible with the product environment, for example food-grade where required.
- Safety: Chain and sprocket run-in points are hazards for fingers and clothing; see Nip point and Entanglement hazard. Guards must stay in place during operation.
- Documentation: Give inspection intervals, elongation limits and lubrication specifications as concrete values, and link them to the maintenance plan.
Chain conveyor vs. roller conveyor
A Roller conveyor supports loads on rollers across the conveying direction; a chain conveyor supports them on chains along it. Pallet systems often combine both with transfer units.