Conveyor Basics: Identify The Chain Material You Need
October 15, 2013
An environment that does not have significant product or manufacturing related effects during production is considered a general application environment. In these applications, Nercon offers standard chain choices that provide cost effective purchases. In other applications, the chain selection may be much more involved depending on the product(s). Belting material and construction will define the performance advantages that are offered. The following are chain material types commonly used in packaging handling conveyors and what their properties are.
- Polypropylene: A standard, relatively strong chain material for general applications. It is chemically resistant to many acids, bases, salts and alcohols. It may become somewhat brittle when used in cold temperatures.
- Polyethylene: Offers high impact strength and flexibility with resistance to fatigue. It is also chemically resistant to many acids, bases and hydrocarbons.
- Acetal: Is stronger than polypropylene and polyethylene with a good balance of mechanical, thermal and chemical properties. Acetal thermoplastics also have a low coefficient of friction.
- Nylon: Can be used in place of standard Acetal for impact intensive applications. Nylon, however, does absorb water and is more susceptible to damage than Acetal.
Check out our download “Key Principles in Evaluating Chains for Packaging Applications,” if you would like to learn more about how to evaluate packaging types of conveyor chain.
