A modular conveyor is a flexible, customizable conveyor system built from standardized, interchangeable components (modules) that can be quickly assembled, reconfigured, or expanded to meet specific material handling needs.
Product Classification
By Hinge Structure:
Hinged Belt: Standard hinged type, where modules are connected by a continuous hinge rod.
Interlocked Belt / Interlocking Belt: Modules interlock directly, typically without a central hinge rod, allowing easier local repair and replacement.
By Drive Lug Type:
Cam-Type Drive Lug Belt: Features cam-shaped drive lugs on the belt underside that engage with sprocket teeth. Suitable for heavy loads and long-distance conveying.
Straight-Type Drive Lug Belt: Features straight drive lugs. Suitable for light to medium loads and space-constrained applications.
By Module Open Area/Surface:
Open Area / Perforated Belt: High open area ratio (e.g., 50%-80%). Used for washing, drainage, cooling, drying processes.
Closed Surface Belt: Closed top surface (low or no open area). Used for conveying small items or where a smooth surface is needed.
Grid Top Belt: Grid-pattern surface, offering a balance of open area and flat support.
By Module Material & Properties:
General-Purpose (PP/HDPE): Polypropylene / High-Density Polyethylene, economical and versatile.
High-Temperature (POM/Acetal): Polyoxymethylene / Acetal, resistant to heat and wear.
Food-Grade & FDA/USDA Approved: Materials certified for food contact.
Oil & Chemical Resistant: Resistant to oils and chemicals.
By Functional Attachments:
Flights/Cleats Belt: Belts with attached flights or cleats for inclined conveying.
Side-Guarding Belt: Belts with side guards to prevent product fall-off.
Radius Belt: Side-flexing belts capable of horizontal turns.
This is a flexible conveyor belt formed by interlocking plastic modules connected via hinge rods. It features a robust structure, can be designed in various configurations (straight, turning, side-flexing, spiral), offers diverse open area ratios for easy cleaning and drainage, and is widely used in food & beverage, packaging, pharmaceutical, and other industries.
Key Characteristics
Superior Hygiene: Features a seamless, smooth surface that can be fully disassembled for thorough cleaning. Complies with the stringent sanitary standards of the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Exceptional Design Flexibility: Enables easy implementation of various layouts including straight lines, turns, spirals, side-flexing, and inclines, simplifying equipment design.
Corrosion Resistance: Offers excellent resistance to water, oils, and most cleaning chemicals.
Quiet Operation & Lightweight: Plastic material reduces operational noise and facilitates easier installation and maintenance.
Multiple Options: Available in different colors, materials, and surface textures (e.g., high-friction) to meet specific requirements.
Key Specifications
Pitch: Common sizes: 9.5mm, 12.7mm (0.5 inch), 19.05mm (0.75 inch), 25.4mm (1 inch), 38.1mm (1.5 inch), 50.8mm (2 inch). Larger pitch offers higher load capacity.
Belt Width: Customized in inches or millimeters, e.g., 100mm, 200mm, 300mm, 12 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches, etc.
Material: PP, PE, POM (Acetal), Nylon, etc.
Open Area Percentage: e.g., 0%, 30%, 50%, 80%.
Maximum Load Capacity: Weight per unit length (e.g., kg/m).
Temperature Range: Operating temperature range.
Drive Lug Style: Cam-type or Straight-type.
Flight Height/Spacing: For belts with flights.
This type utilizes a belt made of woven or welded stainless steel wires. It is not "modular" in the same sense as plastic belts with discrete modules, but the mesh panels are often modular in construction. It is prized for its extreme durability, high-temperature resistance, and structural strength, making it ideal for harsh industrial environments.
Key Characteristics
Extreme Temperature Resistance: Can be used long-term in environments ranging from -200°C to +1150°C (depending on the stainless steel grade).
High Strength & Load Capacity: Capable of handling heavy, sharp, or high-temperature workpieces.
Exceptional Durability: Wear-resistant, fatigue-resistant, and offers a long service life.
Excellent Airflow & Drainage: Natural open mesh structure.
Easy to Clean (but can trap debris): Can be cleaned with high-pressure water, but mesh openings may trap fine debris.
Fire & Flame Proof: Metal material is non-combustible.
Key Specifications
Wire Diameter: Diameter of warp/weft wires, e.g., 1.0mm, 1.6mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm, etc.
Mesh Size / Pitch: Mesh opening size (length x width) or node spacing, e.g., 6.4mm x 6.4mm, 12.7mm x 12.7mm, 25.4mm x 25.4mm (1"x1"), etc.
Belt Width: Typically ranges from 100mm to 5000mm+, customizable.
Material Grade: AISI 304 (general-purpose stainless steel), AISI 316/316L (corrosion-resistant, food/pharmaceutical grade), AISI 314 (high-temperature resistant), AISI 310 (extreme high-temperature), Carbon Steel (economical, requires coating for rust prevention).
Edge Treatment: Knuckled Edge, Welded Edge, Chain Edge (for direct drive).
Working Load: Expressed as kg/m² or overall tensile strength (kN/m).
Surface Finish: Mill Finish, Electropolished (more hygienic), Black Oxidized (used in ovens to reduce heat reflection).
This conveyor chain consists of robust plastic plates (mats) connected by stainless steel or plastic pins, forming a continuous "table top." It features a flat or textured running surface, operates smoothly and quietly, and is ideal for bottling, packaging, assembly, and finished product handling lines.
Product Classification
By Top Plate Surface Structure:
Flat Top Chain: Completely smooth top surface. The most common type for conveying bottles, cans, cartons.
Friction Top Chain: Surface with fine protrusions or patterns to increase friction, preventing slippage of lightweight/smooth products.
Grid Top Chain / Herringbone Top Chain: Surface with grooves or herringbone patterns for drainage or extra traction.
Flush Grid Chain: Grid pattern flush with the surface, easy to clean.
Raised Rib Chain: Surface with parallel raised ribs for product guidance or positioning.
By Chain Plate Functional Design:
Hinged-Type Chain: Standard type, offers good flexibility.
Bakery Chain: Specially designed for easy dough residue cleaning.
High-Friction Chain: Designed for inclined conveying or anti-slip applications.
Drainage Chain: Designed with extensive drainage holes or channels.
By Chain Guidance & Drive Method:
Roller Chain with Guide: Features plastic guide wheels (on sides or bottom) running on rails. Low friction and noise.
Slide Chain: Chain plates slide directly on stainless steel rails. Simple structure.
Side-Flexing Chain: Capable of horizontal turns without separate transfer modules.
Key Characteristics
Superior Product Contact Surface
Stable, Continuous, and Robust: The chain plates form a complete, flat "tabletop," providing extremely stable support and conveyance for products like bottles, cans, cartons, and pouches. This design prevents small items from getting caught in gaps or tipping over.
Exceptionally Smooth and Quiet Operation
Precise Fit: The chain plates are connected via a precision hinge system and run on dedicated guide tracks (commonly with rollers).
Low Noise, Low Friction: This design ensures exceptionally smooth and quiet operation. It is particularly suitable for environments requiring low noise levels (e.g., filling rooms, cleanrooms) and high-speed applications.
High-Speed Conveying Capability
Due to its high rigidity and stable operation, MatTop chain is an ideal choice for high-speed conveying (e.g., high-speed filling lines, labeling lines). It can achieve speeds of several hundred feet per minute without causing product vibration or slippage.
Modular Design for Easy Maintenance
Easy Replacement: Chain plates are standard modular components. If a single plate is damaged, it can be quickly replaced independently without disassembling the entire chain, significantly reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
System Flexibility: It can be easily integrated with other equipment (such as starwheels, guide rails, top pressure belts) to achieve complex functions like turning, diverting, and merging.
High Reliability and Load Capacity
Durable Construction: Typically made from high-strength engineering plastics (e.g., POM/Acetal) or metal, offering excellent wear resistance.
Efficient Load Transfer: The load is transferred directly through the plates to the robust chain and track system, rather than being borne by the bending of plastic modules themselves. This allows it to handle heavier line loads (e.g., multiple rows of full bottles).
Good Hygiene (For Specific Models)
Easy to Clean: The smooth surface has no crevices for bacteria to harbor. Food-grade chains can withstand CIP (Clean-in-Place) procedures and common sanitizers.
Compliance Certifications: Material options are available that comply with food contact regulations such as FDA, USDA, and EU 10/2011.
Key Specifications
Pitch: Most common standards are in inches, e.g., 1.5 inch (38.1mm), 1.9 inch (48.26mm), 2.5 inch (63.5mm), 3.0 inch (76.2mm), 4.0 inch (101.6mm), 6.0 inch (152.4mm). Larger pitch suits larger items.
Chain Width: In inches or millimeters, e.g., 3 inch, 4.5 inch, 6 inch, 9 inch, etc., often customizable by cutting.
Top Plate Material/Coating: PP, PE, POM (Acetal), or glass-filled (e.g., GF-POM). Coatings like Polyurethane (PU) add friction and reduce noise.
Link Material: Typically POM or stainless steel.
Overall Height: Chain thickness.
Maximum Product Width: Recommended maximum width for conveyed products.
Drive Sprocket: Specifications (number of teeth, pitch circle diameter).
Special Features: e.g., Anti-microbial, Anti-static, Chemical resistant, FDA认证 compliant, etc.
| Feature | Modular Belt | MatTop / TableTop Chain |
|---|---|---|
| Core Structure | Interlocked grid/perforated modules | Solid or textured plates joined together |
| Key Advantages | High strength, side-flexing capability, versatility, easy cleaning | Smooth operation, low noise, good surface contact, suitable for high speed |
| Typical Applications | Washers, pasteurizers, cooling tunnels, heavy-duty packaging | Filling lines, capping machines, labeling machines, assembly lines, packaging terminals |
| Key Specifications | Pitch (inch/mm), Drive Lug Style, Open Area % | Pitch (inch), Chain Width, Top Surface Type, Guidance Method |
When selecting, the most critical factors are matching the appropriate type and specifications based on product type (size, material, weight), process requirements (washing, drying, inclination), line layout (straight, turns), and industry standards (e.g., food-grade). It is recommended to refer directly to product catalogs from leading international brands like Intralox, Rexnord, iT for the most precise specification parameters.
