Conveyor systems use various components, including conveyor chains that can be made of metal or plastic. Metal chains are usually made of steel and can resist corrosion and water damage. Different types of conveyor chains exist, such as drive conveyor chains and drag chain conveyors, which eliminate the need for a blow system. Some conveyor designs require chain links that connect to rollers and a guide rail, allowing items to be hung from hooks or the chain itself.
Conveyor system designs can vary significantly, meaning that the components used to drive such conveyors can also vary in design, shape, size, and function. A conveyor chain is a component that is usually used to help drive a conveyor belt or other transportation system, although different types of chains can exist. A drive conveyor chain, for example, can be used to connect a motor to the conveyor belt itself, or it can run the length of the conveyor system to act as a guide for the belt.
While most systems have metal chains, some systems may also have plastic chains. This is done to save weight and cost, although such conveyor chain systems are generally not suitable for heavy duty applications or conveyor systems that pass through furnaces and other heating elements. When the conveyor chain is made of metal, it is usually made of steel. Some types of steel are exceptionally resistant to corrosion and water damage, so galvanized steel chains are common on many systems. Steel also flexes slightly which means it’s a good choice to withstand the rigors of use under load.
Some transportation systems will use a conveyor chain as the main component of the transportation system. A drag chain conveyor, for example, features a long chain that runs through a pipe. This chain will feature discs sometimes known as discs which are attached at regular intervals along the chain. As the conveyor chain moves through the pipe, the discs will pull the fine particulate matter through the system from one end to the other. This process eliminates the need for a blow system and conforms to the bends in the pipe. If not, a screw conveyor could be used, but such a system is limited as the screw auger cannot be bent around corners. The drive chain is flexible, which means that endless conveyor tube configurations are possible.
Other conveyor designs may require chain links that connect to rollers, which in turn connect to a guide rail. The rollers and chain will hang from the rail, allowing you to hang items from hooks or the chain itself. The size and shape of the links will vary based on the size of the rollers and the intended application of the conveyor system. This system is similar to a trolley system sometimes used on overhead winches used to haul large objects across a space.
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