Chain Conveyor vs. Roller Conveyor: Which is Better?

Regarding conveyors, the choice between chains or rollers conveyors is not about superiority but adaptability. Due to their unique strengths and shortcomings, different systems are better suited for specific tasks. In this article, you will know whether a chain conveyor is preferable to a roller conveyor or vice versa. Learn about the optimal conveyor system for your material handling requirements.

Chain Conveyor

Chain conveyors rely on mechanical devices on cables or chains. Numerous chains sometimes move pallets and heavy items. Chain conveyors have more uses and types than other conveyors. A Chain conveyor is utilized when a belt conveyor cannot due to temperature, weight, curvature, setup environment, durability, etc. Typical chain conveyors are slats, flights, buckets, pipes, aprons, etc.

Chain Conveyor System Advantages

Chain conveyors can handle big loads, making them ideal for industrial applications with heavy materials. These conveyors require little maintenance and fit into many situations. Because they transfer steel or wooden pallets, they are called pallet conveyors. Chain conveyors enable environmental adaptation and application diversification. Multiple chain choices meet unique needs and situations.

Chain Conveyor System Disadvantages

Chain conveyors are unsuitable for clean businesses. Their design has many dirt-accumulating fissures and crevices. PVC belt conveyors are better for delicate goods that need a soft touch than chains, which cause damage. Also, Lubrication needs to be adequate to extend chain wear. Chain maintenance controls frequency, speed, and location with lubricant and can be noisy and heavy.

Usage of Chain Conveyors

Chain conveyor systems excel in difficult situations where items might fall through conveying surface gaps. Consider chain conveyors in these situations:

Chain conveyor moves large goods well. They are best for carrying heavy loads effectively and dependably. Chain conveyors excel in industrial ovens. Their durability and extreme-condition resistance make them perfect. Chain conveyors may transfer items in either manner. Sensors help them initiate and halt product movement. Applications that demand regulated product movement benefit from this capability. Chain conveyors are flexible enough for speed modifications. They may adjust speed for applications requiring different transit speeds.

Chain Conveyor Applications

Chain conveyors can be used in:

● Treatment of sewage

● Food-processing

● Coal mining

● Timber harvesting

Chain conveyors thrive in heavy-duty and high-temperature situations and provide customized transport solutions.

Roller Conveyor

Roller conveyor systems transfer things manually or by gravity using roller conveyors in frames. Key dimensions include axle center and roller diameter. Applications such as bagging handling, loading docks, and assembly lines make considerable use of this equipment.

Roller conveyors may be modified to adapt to changing times due to their fundamental construction. New motorized or active roller conveyors are the most significant difference. Chains, belts, or shafts link each roller to its motor for accuracy and mobility.

This keeps route objects flowing at a steady speed. It also permits limited usage of conveyors from ground level up. They can go forward and backward. Change the motor orientation to move the rollers either way.

Roller Conveyor Advantages

Roller conveyors have a better payload-carrying capacity and a higher point-loading capacity because of their power-and-free designs, which have the most minor surface friction. You may have them with or without filler blocks in the space between the rollers that do the transporting so that fewer screws and bolts can go through.

You may also utilize motorized rollers in assembly lines. Refrigerators, dishwashers, and other large home appliances are commonly gathered on these conveyors. This conveyor tilts downward, using gravity to transfer the product. Costs are reduced, and less pollution is produced by using a roller conveyor system. Roller conveyor systems are versatile that need less upkeep because of their modular construction.

Roller Conveyor Disadvantages

Due to the potential for harm when employing gravity to carry items, more care must be taken while using a roller conveyor system. Roller conveyors are often larger and heavier than chain conveyors. This makes them less mobile than alternative conveyor systems, a significant disadvantage. Finally, roller conveyors have little control over conveyor speed.

Usage of Roller Conveyors

Roller conveyors are material-handling powerhouses. They are suited for continuous product flow and non-critical product placement and control.

Flat items suit roller conveyors. Flat-bottomed products can be transported. 90° belt or chain transitions are possible with roller conveyors. Flexible materials flow smoothly across routes—roller conveyor speed changes with product weight. Roller conveyors manage significant fluctuations in weight.

Roller Conveyor Applications

Roller Conveyor has several uses. Some of them are:

● Move loads

● Transporting goods long-distance

● Bends and spurs

● Pallet dispensing

● Return lines

● Increased load 

Roller conveyors are adaptable and suitable for various applications, especially those that don't require precise control and accept continuous product flow. The conveyor you pick should complement your material handling.

Roller vs. Chain Conveyors

Choosing between chain and roller conveyors depends on numerous elements, each serving particular purposes and preferences.

Roller conveyors are known for their point loading and payload capacity. They are ideal for transporting large items. Roller conveyors are fastener-free, minimizing the risk of fasteners becoming stuck in the system, a typical chain conveyor issue. Maintenance is essential yet often overlooked by production engineers. Roller conveyors are simple to build, operate, and maintain. They are trustworthy due to their endurance and lifespan. An automated lubrication module makes lubricating these conveyors easy. Rollers with reduced friction reduce workpiece pallet wear.

On the other hand, chain conveyors provide benefits. A Chain conveyor lets items accumulate without jamming or nesting, unlike roller conveyors. This makes them ideal for operations that need accumulation. Chain conveyors offer application flexibility. More portable than roller conveyors, they are utilized for lifting. Chain conveyors can handle many materials and goods thanks to customizable inbuilt attachments.

Bottom Line

There is no apparent victor between the chain and roller conveyor. The choice between various conveyors depends on flexibility and needs. Each system meets varied material handling demands with its strengths and advantages. The choice depends on your material handling needs. Check your demands and operational environment to see if roller or chain conveyors are suited for your manufacturing or material handling needs. Visit YiFan Conveyor to choose the right conveyor system for your operation.