2025-07-30
Today we're discussing how to choose the most common chain plate conveyor in the industrial world. They all look similar, but choosing the wrong one can cause your production line to shut down every other day! I've been in equipment procurement for over a decade and have seen countless bosses suffer significant losses due to cheap pricing. Today, I'm sharing some valuable tips from my heart.
First, determine what you're transporting:
For food and beverages, use 304 stainless steel chains with dust covers.
For chemical raw materials, choose corrosion-resistant plastic chains; ordinary steel chains will rust through in just three months.
For heavy goods like automotive parts, the chain thickness should be at least 3mm; thinner chains can easily deform.
Second, consider the conveying environment. Workshop conditions directly determine the lifespan of the equipment:
Outdoor use requires a rain cover, and the motor must meet an IP65 waterproof rating.
For high-temperature workstations, use special grease; ordinary butter melts at 100°C.
In areas with high dust levels, remember to install scrapers. Otherwise, the chain will jam and make you question your life.
Third, consider the conveying parameters:
Don't compromise on these numbers:
Calculate the conveying capacity based on peak demand. Don't be fooled by salespeople who say it's "enough." Leaving a 20% margin is the safest bet.
If the operating speed exceeds 30 m/min, you must use a frequency converter, otherwise it will shake you apart during startup.
For slopes exceeding 15°, you must choose a chain with anti-slip teeth. I've seen cases of glass bottles being shattered while being transported.
Fourth, consider brand tactics. The market is very complex these days:
Domestic brands are 40% cheaper than imported ones, but key components are still more reliable when imported.
A small manufacturer's quote is 30% lower? Eighty percent of them are second-hand, refurbished machines, and they're bound to break down within three months.
Remember to check the motor nameplate; counterfeit motors can double your electricity bill.
Fifth, check after-sales service. This can be life-saving:
Be sure to ask about the warranty period. Some manufacturers' "warranty" only covers labor, not parts.
It's best to choose a local service center, otherwise you'll be waiting for repairs.
Ask for on-site response times when signing the contract, with no compensation for overdue payments.
What's the worst part? Many purchasers only consider price, not total cost! A piece of equipment that costs only 20,000 yuan might save you 100,000 yuan in repairs over five years. Next time you see a chain plate conveyor quote, remember to calculate the total cost using these five tips. You're guaranteed to avoid a loss!
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