When to Choose a Plastic Chain Conveyor Over a Belt Conveyor

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Choosing the right conveyor system is essential for keeping your production line efficient and reliable. The decision often comes down to whether a plastic chain conveyor or a belt conveyor better fits your needs. Each type offers distinct advantages, depending on factors like cleanliness, layout complexity, or product type. This guide breaks down the key considerations to help you decide which system aligns with your industry and operational requirements.

What Makes a Plastic Chain Conveyor Stand Out?

When considering a plastic chain conveyor, you’re likely seeking a solution that provides more flexibility, durability, and ease of maintenance than a belt conveyor. While both conveyor types can move products efficiently, plastic chain conveyors tend to excel in environments where contamination control, complex layouts, or multi-point feeding is essential.

Advantages of Plastic Chain Conveyors

There are several reasons to opt for a plastic chain conveyor over a belt conveyor. Below are the key advantages:

1. Greater Flexibility in Design

Plastic chain conveyors offer more design versatility. They are often easier to configure into tight spaces, making them ideal for operations where space is a premium. They can easily curve, incline, or decline as needed, which is more difficult to achieve with traditional belt conveyors.

2. Improved Sanitation and Cleanability

For industries such as food processing, maintaining a sanitary environment is critical. Plastic chain conveyors are easier to clean than belt conveyors. Since there is no belt to trap debris or contaminants, the cleaning process becomes much more efficient. Additionally, the plastic material can be fully washed down without risk of damage, making it the ideal choice for operations requiring high levels of hygiene.

3. Better for Wet or Harsh Environments

In environments with exposure to moisture or chemical cleaners, plastic chain conveyors perform better than belt conveyors. The materials used in plastic chain conveyors resist corrosion and are durable enough to withstand constant cleaning or exposure to water, unlike belt conveyors that may wear out more quickly.

When Is a Belt Conveyor a Better Choice?

While plastic chain conveyors provide many benefits, there are instances when a belt conveyor might still be the better option. Belt conveyors excel in applications that involve moving loose or fragile products. For example, in food applications, we often use a trough conveyor—a type of belt conveyor with a fabric belt running in a stainless steel frame. This design cradles the product, especially loose or delicate items, without the need for sidewalls.

Key Benefits of Belt Conveyors

1. Handling Loose or Fragile Products

Belt conveyors, especially trough conveyors, are ideal for handling loose products that can easily smear or get trapped in a plastic chain system. The trough design allows the belt to cradle products gently, avoiding product damage.

2. Long Conveyor Runs Without Interruption

Belt conveyors can handle longer, uninterrupted runs—up to 100 feet or more. For large-scale operations requiring long distances, belt conveyors offer a smoother and more consistent transportation of goods. The belt can be tensioned and adjusted for continuous operation, which is important for high-output facilities.

3. Ease of Customization for Specific Needs

Trough conveyors are highly customizable, with options such as hinged lids, stainless steel motors, and side access panels for ease of cleaning. If your operation requires specialized configurations, belt conveyors offer the adaptability to meet those requirements.

When to Choose a Plastic Chain Conveyor

Now that we’ve compared the benefits of both systems, when should you choose a plastic chain conveyor over a belt conveyor? Below are a few scenarios where a plastic chain conveyor would be the better choice:

1. Hygiene-Critical Environments

If your operation requires frequent cleaning or involves sensitive products like food or pharmaceuticals, a plastic chain conveyor is the superior choice. Its cleanability and resistance to contamination make it the best option for environments where sanitation is paramount.

2. Complex Layouts

When you need a conveyor system that can adapt to various inclines, declines, and tight corners, a plastic chain conveyor provides the necessary flexibility. This is particularly useful in smaller production areas where space is limited, and complex layouts are required.

3. Corrosive or Wet Environments

For facilities exposed to constant moisture or chemicals, the plastic chain conveyor’s resistance to corrosion will significantly extend the lifespan of the system. In contrast, belt conveyors may wear out faster due to exposure to harsh cleaning agents or water.

4. Multi-Point Feeding

If your conveyor needs to accept products from multiple feeding points along its length, a plastic chain conveyor offers better options. With adjustable legs and customizable feeding points, plastic chain systems can be easily adapted to fit the needs of your operation without major reconfiguration.

Choosing the Right System for Your Operation

Selecting the right conveyor system ultimately depends on the unique requirements of your production line. If flexibility, ease of cleaning, and resistance to harsh environments are critical, a plastic chain conveyor will provide long-term benefits over a belt conveyor. On the other hand, if your operation involves loose or delicate products and requires long conveyor runs, a belt conveyor, such as a trough conveyor, might be the better option.

In Summary

Deciding between a plastic chain conveyor and a belt conveyor comes down to the specific needs of your industry and production line. If you need help determining which conveyor system is best suited for your operation, contact us today to discuss your options.