A chain conveyor is a heavy-duty conveying system designed for the transport of parts, pallets, or fixtures through assembly, inspection, and packaging lines.
The conveyor uses one or more chains running along a guide track, making it ideal for carrying loads that are too bulky, hot, or heavy for belt or roller systems. Chain conveyors provide positive drive motion, ensuring smooth transfer even under harsh or contaminated conditions.
Chain conveyors are widely used in automotive, EV, foundry, forging, machine tool, and general assembly industries, offering robust reliability and excellent adaptability for integration with automation systems.
System Overview
Chain conveyors form the backbone of many industrial material-handling and assembly processes, enabling the synchronized transfer of components between multiple workstations.
They can be configured for continuous flow, indexing operation, or pallet-based transfer, depending on production requirements. Each system typically uses double-pitch, roller, or hollow-pin chains, which may be powered by induction, servo, or brushless DC motors via gear reducers or VFDs.
Conveyors are typically integrated with PLC-based control systems, HMI interfaces, and safety interlocks for seamless operation.
Key Features
- Heavy-Duty Design — Ideal for large, high-load or high-temperature applications.
- Positive Drive Mechanism — Chain ensures non-slip transfer for stable and accurate motion.
- Custom Fixture Mounting — Supports pallets, jigs, and part holders for flexible manufacturing lines.
- Integrated Controls — PLC/HMI-based control with position feedback, speed adjustment, and emergency interlocks.
- Servo Indexing — Accurate step-by-step motion for assembly or inspection stations.
- Durable Construction — Fabricated steel or aluminum frame with wear-resistant guides and tensioners.
- Smart Monitoring — Optional IoT sensors for torque, vibration, chain tension, and temperature diagnostics.
- Modular Configuration — Straight, L-type, U-type, and multi-level layouts possible.
System Benefits
- Reliable transport of heavy or hot components (castings, housings, EV parts).
- Smooth, synchronized motion with robotic or automated assembly cells.
- Reduced downtime through rugged chain and bearing design.
- High flexibility — accommodates pallets or direct component placement.
- Low maintenance with self-lubricating chain options.
- Compatible with MES/traceability networks for Industry 4.0 environments.
Application Areas
- EV battery and motor assembly lines
- Automotive chassis and powertrain transfer lines
- Metal casting and forging conveyor lines
- Paint shop and pre-treatment conveyors
- Machine tool and precision component lines
- Palletized assembly with automated loading/unloading
