The uni-chains product range offers the world's largest product range of innovative and flexible conveyor chains and belts.
The uni-chains product range builds on the development and manufacturing of
• Slat Top chains in steel and plastic
• Crate chains for heavy loads
• Plastic chains with moulded inserts
• Belts in many variations, which can be assembled into wide flat belts with various accessories to meet the application need
• Chains and belts in special materials
• Chain and belt sprockets in various materials
This manual offers to instruct the user how to properly select a uni-chains product for an application and how to properly apply the uni-chains product in the design and fabrication of the conveyor. The uni-chains product line is divided into two separate groups: uni Slat Top Chains and uni Plastic Modular Belts. In general, chains are moulded in certain widths and have one hinge with a SS pin that pulls the load.
Belts, on the other hand, can be built out of small pieces in a “brick-lay” type pattern to achieve basically any width. Belts have many hinges that pull the load and, therefore, a belt gets stronger as it gets wider. Since there are some inherent differences between the two, certain sections of this manual will be specific to one type or the other. These sections will be specifically noted.
Belt and Chain System Selection Process
Many factors must be considered when selecting a belt or chain for an application. It may be helpful to remember the acronym PPLESC as a guide to which information is important. PPLESC stands for Product, Process, Layout, Environment, Standards and Commercial Factors. With this information you can make an informed belt or chain selection for your application. Some details on these are shown below:
Product:
• Weight
• Size
• Shape
• Structure
• Product Temperature
Process
• Required speed
• Accumulation of the products
• Heating
• Cooling
• Washing
• Drying
• Temperature
• How are the products loaded on to the belt (Pushed sideways? Dropped from above?)
• Sideways product movements on the belt Layout
• Inclining/declining
• Straight running
• Side flexing
• Twisting
• Required width
• Transfer zones
• Physical space for installation
• Length of sections
• If side flexing: Radius in the curves and the angle of the curve Environment
• Surrounding temperature
• Chemicals (e.g. acid, cleaning agents)
• Abrasive elements dust/sand/glass
• Water/Humidity Standards
• FDA or similar approval needed on the material (Food contact)
• USDA Meat and Poultry Approval needed
• USDA Dairy approval needed
• NSF Approval needed Commercial factors
• Most cost effective product for the job
• Desired lifetime
• Acceptable pricing level to the customer
Once you have the above information you can use it to select the proper belt.
First, chose the right type of chain or belt – straight running or side flexing. All uni-chains belts and chains can be used in straight running applications. However if the conveyor must side flexing the designer must be sure to select a side flexing belt or chain.
Next, select the pitch of the belt. Pitch is the most defining characteristic of a belt or chain. Smaller pitch reduces chordal action and vibration, has less noise, can achieve tighter transfers and use smaller sprockets. Larger pitch belts are usually stronger and thicker for more wear and impact resistance.
Surface should also be considered. uni-chains offers many surface openings, textures and accessories to suit every application. This includes the design of the underside of the belt or chain which can be important when considering cleaning, wear or support. The choice of a chain or belt for your application will depend on which has the available surface, top and bottom that are needed in your application.
On the next page you will find some examples of top and bottom surface designs that are available.
The track system should also be considered (especially with uni Slat Top Chain) as the uni-chains product range is composed of both tabbed and non-tabbed belts and chains. This is especially important on the return side of the conveyor as this requires different methods of support.
The drive method should also be considered. There are different types of drive configurations depending on space limits or on conveyor function. The uni-chains product range offers both conventional sprocket driven systems as well as horizontal sprocket drive systems for race track/endless designs or multi-tier drive applications.
Next, chose the right material for your application.
Choice of material is dependent on many factors include among others strength, wear resistance, chemical resistance, temperature limits, impact, speed and agency approvals. In general, uni-chains belts are offered in three standard materials: PP, PE, Acetal (POM), and our chains are offered in several grades of Acetal (POM).
Finally, select a belt or chain of sufficient strength for your application. After going through the process above, ensure that the chain or belt is strong enough to pull the desired load. See the calculation section to determine this or contact uni-chains engineering for assistance. It may be a case where the designer must choose a stronger material or a larger pitch belt after getting to this step.
You may need to go through these steps multiple times to arrive at the best solution.
View Modular Belt type
