Chain
Description
The conveyor chain consists of plastic links joined
together by means of plastic pivots and stainless steel pins. It can be
delivered with or without cleats. The chain is also available with composite
chain links based on the standard link design, combined with a special
chain top. The basic link has the same technical properties as the standard
link.
Crescent chain
The crescent top conveyor chain consists of plastic links joined together
with of plastic pivots and stainless steel pins.The top is designed so
that there is no gap between links.
Plain chain
The plain chain has a flat top surface. The surface has low friction,
which allows accumulation of products.
Universal chain
The universal chain has provisions for application of custom chain tops
in applications where the standard FlexLink chain cannot be used.
Cleated chain
A cleated chain is required for vertical or steeply inclined conveyor
tracks. Cleats are available in different heights and shapes. The cleat
type must be selected to suit the shape of the goods conveyed. High cleats
are required for long work pieces, otherwise the ends of the work piece
would rise over the top of the cleat on vertical (convex) bends.
Friction top chain
The friction top chain is especially suitable for track configurations
with inclines up to 30°, and where a standard cleated chain is unsuitable.
A friction insert molded into the link increases the friction between
goods and chain.
Always test with the specific product to ensure that the friction is sufficient
at the desired inclination.
Steel top chain
The steel top chain replaces the standard XM chain if the products conveyed
are causing excessive wear to the standard chain. It is intended primarily
for the mechanical manufacturing industry, for transport of castings or
machined items with sharp edges.
Based on the standard XM link, the steel top chain has the same technical
properties as the standard link.
Roller top chain
Roller top chain XMTR 5 is especially suitable for sensitive goods in
buffering areas, and for long buffer sections where the accumulating pressure
could become high with the standard chain. The rollers on the chain top
reduce the friction between the chain and the goods, so that scratch-sensitive
goods can be conveyed without being damaged.
Important
Note that roller top links of this type cannot be interleaved with plain
links or other “fingered” links if the conveyor includes horizontal
bends.
Roller cleats
Two other types of roller top chain are also available: XMTF 5x23 R...
and XMTF 5x46 R... Those chain types are cleated chains with roller-type
cleats for use in inclines. Type XMTF 5x46 R... requires minimum one plain
link between every cleated link.
Other chain types
In addition to the standard types, several special-purpose chain links
are available on special order. Please contact FlexLink for additional
information.
Material specifications
Refer to the material specifications table on the
technical reference catalogue in the downloads
area.
Technical specifications
General: Refer to the material specifications table
on the technical reference catalogue in the downloads
area.
| Roller top chain XMTR 5: | |
| • Weight: | 1.48 lb/ft |
| Steel top chain XMTP 5 TF: | |
| • Weight: | 0.94 lb/ft |
• Friction coefficient (between chains and dry steel product): |
0.2–0.3 |
| • Steel hardness: | >800 Hv |
For products with sharp edges, the friction coefficient
has to be determined in each individual case.
The product must be reasonably uniform in size but not too soft or flexible.
Component specifications are subject to change without prior notification.
Tools and accessories
Plastic pivot and steel pin
The chain links are connected by means of plastic pivots and steel pins.
Pivots and pins are included with chain and link deliveries, so they need
only be ordered for replacement purposes.
Chain assembly tool
A special pin insertion tool is available for use when assembling and
dismantling the chain. The tool helps when inserting and removing the
stainless steel pin joining two chain links together.
Chain lubrication
The chain is lubrication-free. A new chain running on new slide rails,
however, will need a few hours of running in before it runs perfectly
smoothly. For applications where absolutely smooth running is essential
from the start, a silicone-based lubricant (LDSS 450) is available.
Ordering information
The chain comes in 16.4 ft. sections. Separate links
can also be ordered. Plastic pivots and steel pins are included with chain
and link deliveries, so they need only be ordered for replacement purposes.
1. Calculate the required length of chain. For effective track lengths
of bends, drive units etc., refer to the table “Effective track lengths”
in the technical reference section (page TR 8). Be sure to use the value
for a two-way chain if the chain returns on the bottom of the beam. The
chain must be ordered in multiples of 16.4 ft.
2. If cleats are required: determine the type and distance between them.
The distance should be at least 1.5 times the length of the product conveyed.
The desired distance is denoted by adding a digit after the designation
suffix; if, for instance, every fifth link there is to be a Type A cleat
link, then write A5; if every eighth, then write A8, etc.
Example: XMTF 5x30 A8 is a 16.4 ft. chain section.
It has type A cleats, 1-3/16”, on every eighth link.
| Crescent chain | ||||||||||||||||||
|
| Plain Chain | ||||||||||||||||||
|
| Universal chain | ||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| Cleated chain | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Friction chain | ||||||||||||||||||
|
| Steel top chain | ||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| Roller top chain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roller top chain | ||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| Tools and accessories | ||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
