subject: An Overview Of The Chain Conveyor [print this page] Almost any plant that assembles items or products uses a chain conveyor. The conveyors make up the biggest portion of an automated assembly system. The conveyor moves products and items from one end of a plant to another or up and down levels. The conveyor may move products over the heads of workers who weld or add items to the part that is suspended by the conveyor as it moves.
The chain arrangement is composed of 2 low friction aluminum beams that contain a bearing for each link that forms the chain which lies within. The versatility of the conveyor provides the manufacturer with a system which can be made to fit their individual needs. The entire conveyor runs on a motor housed in the assembly system.
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.
When parts are suspended by the conveyor they are often being worked on from below by employees who weld or add pieces to the suspended item. The conveyor can move heavy parts to each workstation in a plant where it will have additional items added until the product moves to an unloading area where the conveyor can gently slide the product onto a pallet or into a box.
The chain conveyor must meet two international standards for use. The British Standard and the ISO standard are both used prior to installation of a conveyor. Conveyors are configured for the specific needs of the company using them. They can move all shapes, sizes, and weights of products and materials. The conveyors are also installed on site and made to function in the space that is available.
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.
The kind of chain are created to meet the needs of the product it will be moving. Most commonly a more lightweight chain which has an open chain that accommodates a hook or other attaching device is used for lighter products. A heavier open chain in is made the same way as the other chain but is designed to accommodate much more stress on the link and conveyor. The box chain is used for moving products on the conveyor that are not suspended.
The conveyor is very easy to repair. When a chain is damaged it can be removed from the chain conveyor and replaced within minutes. The entire assembly does not need to be taken down to make the repair. The amount of stress that can be placed on the convey is dictated by the specially treated bearing that is housed in the chain. By changing the pitch of the bearing, it can withstand more weight or stress.
