Chain conveyor

A chain conveyor is a solution designed for transporting heavy, non-standard, and large-sized loads in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and logistics centers. Such systems are used wherever standard roller or belt conveyors fail to provide sufficient transport stability. A design based on robust chain strands enables the safe movement of pallets, crates, bundles, or items with uneven undersides.

CHAIN CONVEYOR – CONVEYOR LINE INTEGRATION

Chain conveyors are used for the horizontal transport of panels and bundles. The system ensures a stable and continuous linear feed of heavy materials between processing machines. In modern intralogistics, solutions that enable efficient and flexible management of product transport between various locations within a warehouse play an increasingly important role. They are utilized for transporting items placed on crates or pallets, as well as parts with uneven undersides or large widths. The characteristics of chain conveyors allow them to be used in transport and packaging lines, as well as in conjunction with warehousing equipment.

DEVICE ADVANTAGES

Capable of transporting heavy, large-sized materials that have a small longitudinal support footprint
Suitable for the transverse transfer of conveyed items from roller conveyors or trolleys
Capable of transporting items on conveyors set at various inclines
Handles loads weighing 20 tons or more

IMPLEMENTATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

Our chain conveyors are used in both light and heavy industry for transporting loads of various sizes and weights, such as tires, cartons, crates, and mineral wool.

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Case Study

CISOWIANKA Case Study

Doubling the efficiency of the system of pallet handling and transport from all bottling lines to the warehouse

CARLSBERG Case Study

Expanding warehousing space for end products and increasing the efficiency of processes

LIDL Case Study

How warehouse automation from Europa Systems supports growth strategy of Lidl

Detailed description

Operating principle

In a chain conveyor, the items being transported move along chain strands. The number of strands is selected based on the type of goods being conveyed. Sprockets mounted on the drive shaft—connected to a gear motor—ensure a constant speed for each strand. The chains travel along a special plastic sliding profile, safely transporting a wide range of products. This sliding profile is characterized by high abrasion resistance. The entire assembly is mounted within a rigid and stable frame.

EXAMPLES OF CHAIN CONVEYOR VERSIONS

Accumulation chain conveyor

An accumulation chain enables the balancing of throughput fluctuations in production or warehousing. It is used in non-contact accumulation zones for pallets, crates, and other types of load carriers.

Chain conveyor with adjustable chain spacing

Adjustable spacing allows for the easy transport of products of various sizes.

Chain conveyor with attachments

The attachments increase the load support surface and protect the transported items from damage.

Chain conveyor on a turntable

A turntable equipped with an external chain conveyor enables a change in the direction of the conveyed load. The change of direction is achieved through a rotating mechanism upon which the chain conveyor is mounted. The turntable has an operating range of up to 360°.

Europa Systems also manufactures custom structures based on chain conveyors, tailored to the specific requirements of a given industry and the individual needs of the client; using a 1/2″ x 5/16″ plastic chain, the rollers are driven tangentially.

As a conveyor manufacturer, Europa Systems also produces custom-designed structures based on chain conveyors, tailored to the specific requirements of a given industry and the individual needs of the client.

Why choose our chain conveyor?

We design chain conveyors for reliable operation in demanding industrial environments. We tailor every solution to the specific type of load, line throughput, and facility requirements. We prioritize durable components, robust construction, and seamless integration with existing internal transport systems and warehouse automation. Are you looking for an efficient, durable transport system for your company? Contact us—we will design a chain conveyor tailored to your production parameters and logistics needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a chain conveyor and how does it work?

A chain conveyor is an internal transport device used to move heavy, non-standard, or large-sized loads. Transport is effected by means of chain strands driven by a geared motor. The chains slide along highly abrasion-resistant profiles, ensuring stable transport for pallets, crates, bundles, or items with uneven undersides.

What applications are chain conveyors used for?

Chain conveyors are used in manufacturing plants, warehouses, logistics centers, and packaging lines. They are employed to transport pallets, crates, cartons, tires, mineral wool, panels, and other heavy or non-standard loads. Such systems often integrate with warehouse automation and material handling equipment.

What are the advantages of chain conveyors?

The key advantages of chain conveyors include the ability to transport very heavy loads, high structural durability, and stable operation even under heavy loads. The system also enables the transport of irregularly shaped products, inclined operation, and integration with production lines and warehouse systems.

What types of loads can chain conveyors transport?

Chain conveyors are designed to transport pallets, crates, bundles, containers, panels, and cartons, as well as items that are very wide or have an uneven underside. Depending on the design, the unit can also handle very heavy loads exceeding 20 tonnes.

How does a chain conveyor differ from a roller conveyor and a belt conveyor?

Chain conveyors are best suited for heavy and non-standard loads that cannot be stably transported on rollers or belts. Roller conveyors are designed primarily for loads with a regular base, whereas belt conveyors are used mainly for lightweight products and general cargo. Chain systems offer greater durability and the ability to operate in more demanding industrial environments.

Can chain conveyors be integrated with warehouse automation?

Yes. Chain conveyors very often form part of automated internal transport systems. They can operate in conjunction with automated warehouses, stretch wrappers, industrial robots, sorting systems, or packaging lines. Such integration helps streamline material flow and increase the efficiency of logistics processes.

What does the maintenance and servicing of chain conveyors involve?

Regular maintenance includes inspecting the condition of chains, drive components, slide profiles, and control systems. Lubricating components and periodically adjusting chain tension are also important. Systematic servicing reduces the risk of failure and extends the service life of the entire unit.

How do you select a chain conveyor to suit the specific requirements of a facility?

The selection of a conveyor should take into account the type of load being transported, its weight and dimensions, the line’s throughput, and operating conditions. The method of integration with other internal transport equipment is also a crucial factor. For non-standard processes, solutions are often designed to suit the specific industry and production layout.

How much does a chain conveyor cost?

The price of a chain conveyor depends on various factors, including the length of the unit, the number of chains, the type of drive, load parameters, and the level of automation. Costs also increase for custom designs or integration into complex processing lines. Price quotes are typically prepared based on the facility’s technical specifications.

How to choose a chain conveyor manufacturer?

When selecting a manufacturer, it is worth considering their experience in designing internal transport systems, their ability to deliver custom solutions, and the availability of service and technical support. The quality of the components used, the system’s expandability, and the manufacturer’s track record of projects for the industrial and logistics sectors are also important factors.

Non-powered roller conveyor – An efficient internal transport solution

The non-powered roller conveyor from Europa Systems is a reliable unit designed for transporting loads in warehouses and on production lines. By utilizing gravity or manual force, this conveyor ensures a smooth and safe flow of goods without the need for a power supply.

Advantages of the non-powered roller conveyor:

Non-powered transport: Eliminates the need for electricity, thereby reducing operating costs.
Simple design: Easy installation and maintenance thanks to a modular structure.
Versatility: Ideal for transporting a wide range of loads, from light to heavy.
Safety: Sturdy construction ensures safety during operation and protects the goods being transported.

Applications

Non-powered roller conveyors are used in warehouses, distribution centers, and on production lines. They are ideal for order picking, sorting, and distributing goods, making them an indispensable element of internal logistics.

Chain conveyor