Chain conveyors

Chain conveyors are essential for handling heavy loads and a wide range of materials, making them indispensable in various warehouse environments. They are particularly effective in the transportation of materials that are heavy, abrasive, or sticky, and they ensure a continuous operation that is crucial for high-demand logistics. This ability to handle a variety of conveyor types, such as roller conveyors and belt conveyors, makes chain conveyors versatile.

If the UK economy experiences the boost the new Labour government is promising, then our warehouses and supply chains are destined to store and transport more of these types of products on their way to nationwide construction and infrastructure programmes, such as house building and Great British Energy projects.

Is your operation ready for a boost? Labour is setting an encouraging foundation for growth and some much-desired optimism for UK industry. Operations that invest in conveyors offer a significant advantage to UK business partners and are stronger contenders than those that don’t.

Improving operational efficiency with chain conveyors can lead to substantial cost savings, particularly in terms of labour, a precious commodity in the UK. By streamlining the movement of materials, chain conveyors reduce the time and effort required to transport goods within a facility. The reputation for reliability and durability that chain conveyors have means minimal potential downtime and maintenance costs, contributing further to operational savings.

The increased efficiency frees up labour, allowing employees to focus on other tasks that require more intricate skills and expertise. This is especially useful in 2024, due to labour shortages in the Warehouse & Logistics sector. Despite the best efforts of the UK Warehousing Association, the last government didn’t add warehouse workers to the UK’s shortage occupation list (SOL), which would have opened-up visa opportunities to some of the skills we need. Therefore, a system which frees up labour resources is a valuable asset to an operation.

Additionally, less human contact with the kinds of goods we’ve talked about means less risk of injury or incidents. An annual report from the HSE estimated that between March 22nd and March 2023, 20,000 workers suffered from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. These disorders – which made up 36% of all ill health in the Transport and Storage sector during this period – must be prevented where possible, and can be prevented with chain conveyors in many instances.

A practical example of the benefits of chain conveyors can be seen at Ball Corporation, a leading provider of sustainable aluminium packaging. The company recently established the largest beverage canning plant in the UK, located in Kettering. The 56,000m2 facility was constructed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Sustainability and Environmental standards, a globally recognised and valued achievement.

To achieve its sustainability goals, Ball Corporation’s project required two key elements: a full pallet conveyor system with integrated strapping and labelling functions for the safe transportation and traceability of beverage can pallets, and a fully automated system for crushing waste aluminium ready for recycling.

L-A-C Logistics Automation was soon brought in to design and implement both solutions, with a chain conveyor playing a crucial role in the system. Taking the specific needs of Ball Corporation into account, all the way down to its need for a sustainable site, a system was developed. The pallet handling system includes robust pallet chain conveyors with four chains to handle different pallet sizes, combined with a compression strapping machine and an inspection and labelling station. This setup not only ensures the safe and efficient transport of pallets but also enhances traceability and quality control within the facility.

In addition to increasing throughput, the implementation of the chain conveyor system brought several other benefits. Notably, the project eliminated the need for manual handling of heavy bales of waste aluminium. Instead, an ABB robotic arm, working in tandem with the chain conveyor system, measures and stacks the bales autonomously. This automation reduced the need for manual labour, thereby increasing overall efficiency and significantly reducing the risk of accidents involving human workers.

Chain conveyors offer many advantages in logistics operations, including versatility, efficiency, and cost savings. They make operations safer by reducing manual handling and free-up staff so they can be utilised elsewhere in the operation. Ball Corporation is one example of a bespoke operation which needs a versatile solution like chain conveyors, but the ability to handle heavy and irregularly shaped items makes them indispensable in various warehouse environments.

Chain conveyors are ideal for various industrial applications, including the automotive industry, food production, and handling bulk material. Their load capacity and ability to handle fragile loads or heavier loads ensure that production lines, assembly lines, and production processes run smoothly. Chain drives, roller chains, and continuous chains are essential components of these systems, providing a reliable flow of materials.

Regular maintenance and the use of advanced technology ensure that chain conveyors have a low cost of ownership and high production efficiency. They also help in managing floor space effectively by utilising flat surfaces and industrial machinery tailored to specific needs.

As businesses continue to seek ways to optimise their logistics processes and embrace opportunities in 2024 and beyond, the adoption of chain conveyors is essential. Don’t get left behind.

To further explore the advantages of chain conveyors, it's important to consider the various components and characteristics that make them highly adaptable and efficient for a wide range of applications. Conveyor chains are a key element, with chain link variations and chain types specifically designed to handle industrial containers and solid materials with ease. Chain strands, including chain rollers and endless chains, play a crucial role in maintaining smooth and consistent operation, even under heavy load ranges and wide loads.

Chain conveyors are known for their ability to handle diverse material characteristics, making them ideal for transfer systems that require minimal maintenance. With a wide selection of options available, these conveyors can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements. Steel chains with high tensile strength are commonly used for durability, while drag chain conveyors offer robust solutions for handling heavy-duty tasks. The flexibility of individual machines with variable speed drives allows for customisation options that cater to the unique needs of each operation.

Maintaining a stock of conveyor chains is essential for ensuring operational efficiency and reducing downtime. Key aspects of conveyor chain design, such as chain alignment, chain conveyor components, and chain conveyor technology, contribute to overall system performance. Advanced chain detection mechanisms help monitor chain speed, spacing, rigidity, and reliability, ensuring consistent operation and safety.

Chain manufacturers provide a broad conveyor chain range, offering conveyor chain solutions and systems that are specifically engineered for various conveyor applications. Conveyor Chain Specialists work closely with businesses to deliver tailored solutions that align with operational goals, whether it's enhancing load handling capacity or meeting specific material transport requirements. By leveraging the right conveyor chain technology and components, companies can significantly improve their logistics and warehouse operations, staying competitive in the evolving market landscape.