A Guide to Chain Conveyors: Their uses and features

A chain conveyor is used around the world in an array of applications. Their uses vary from production lines at automobile assembly plants to moving sprinklers in the agriculture industry. Conveyor chains are used whenever items need to be conveyed from one spot to another during industrial processes. 


Chain Conveyors

These systems are among the most integral aspects of any factory. If they operate at their maximum performance then the overall processes at the factory can be facilitated.

Points To Consider To Get Maximum Performance 
There are four crucial aspects that you have to take into consideration to ensure the maximum performance of your chain conveyor. They are given below. 
  • Ultimate strength
  • Durability
  • Resistance to Fatigue
  • Resistance to Impact 
Ultimate Strength 
The ultimate strength of the conveyor chain is dependent on the weight needed to break the chain completely on a linear plane. Usually, the chain can be tested by using a tensile testing machine.The ultimate strength of the chain is determined by a number of aspects. 
  • The manufacturing procedure used to create the chain.
  • The hardening process utilized to create the components of the conveyor. These components include the center link, the side link and the pin. 
The ultimate strength of a conveyor chain is a reflection of the integrity of the conveyor. But that does not mean that a higher value of the ultimate strength denotes that the conveyor is immune to failure. 

Durability 
The durability of the chain conveyor is quite difficult to measure in exact terms. There are quite a few factors that can affect the durability of the conveyor chain. 
  • Loads on the conveyor
  • Lubrication of the chains
  • Speed of the chains
  • Design of the system. 
The hardness of the chain can affect the other factors of the chain except for the system design. It is a fact that a better hardness generally increases the durability of the conveyor. However, this will decrease the resistance of the chain to impact and fatigue. 

The choice of material becomes important when a durable chain is required for the conveyor system. However, it is important to take a look at the resistances of the material to fatigue and impact. 

Resistance to Fatigue 
The resistance to fatigue is the ability of the material to withstand bending and twisting without getting damaged in the process.This is one of the most important aspects of a chain conveyor system. It is not easy to measure the fatigue of a material. You will only realize it when the chain starts displaying signs of fracture. 

Thanks to the increased production rates required, nowadays the chains need to bear a higher load. Moreover, the systems have become more intricate which lead to an increased instance of fatigue. As such, the chains should be replaced as soon as the signs of fracture become prominent. 

Resistance to Impact 
The resistance to impact is the ability of the conveyor to absorb shocks without fracturing or breaking apart. You should remember that the durability of the material is inversely proportional to the impact resistance. In other words, increasing the hardness of the chain will decrease the resistance to impact it possesses? It is possible to get different materials which have the same hardness but have different capabilities with respect to impact resistance.

Generally, the maximum pressure occurs during the loading and the unloading of materials by the conveyor. Impact failures do not have any warning signs but they tend to be localized in nature. 

It is important to consider these factors when choosing a chain conveyor that gives optimum performance. You should choose a chain that is perfectly suited to the required application in order to ensure longevity and fewer failures. Click here to find out more about on it.
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