There are five types of chain conveyor designs. The following is a brief description of each kind:
- Sliding Chain Conveyor. This chain conveyor design utilizes two parallel chains to move the conveyor. A double pitch roller chain with small rollers are used for light unit loads over short distances. The conveyor would be made out of high density, low friction plastic material. A heavier chain would be used for higher load weights.
- Rolling Chain Conveyor. This chain conveyor design also uses parallel strands of double pitch roller chains. The rollers fit into the side plates of the roller chains. This rolling friction lessens the demand for motive power, allowing for longer lengths of travel on the conveyor.
- Apron Chain Conveyor. This chain conveyor design uses steel or wood slats or conveyor rollers on top of two parallel roller chains. This is best for carrying heavy loads and even inclines or declines or even vertical. Other options for include the use of PVC or rubber belts in securing the products as it moves through the conveyor system.
- Pusher Bar Chain Conveyor. This type of chain conveyor is very similar to the horizontal slat conveyor with the outboard installed roller chain mechanism. In this design, a bar, be it an angled one, a flat bar or round bar would be attached. This bar becomes a pusher bar and the items would be conveyed using a slider bedplate pushed forward by the pusher bars.
- Vertical Chain Conveyors. This chain conveyor design can lift individual boxes or pallets of products. The design can either be a reciprocating lift, like a dumbwaiter or a continuous lift utilizing side roller chains.
Clearly, these chain conveyor designs provide function as well as product safety. Designing the right chain conveyor would need proper vision as well as mechanics for the most efficient and effective use in the production line.