1.Introduction
Plastic slat chains, also known as modular table top chains, are the most widely used conveyor components for automated material handling systems. Featuring modular assembly, flexible layout, low noise, corrosion resistance and easy maintenance, they are extensively applied in food & beverage, packaging, electronics, new energy, pharmaceutical and logistics industries. Standardized specifications and models ensure perfect compatibility with conveyors, sprockets and auxiliary parts, achieving stable straight running, turning, lifting and diverting conveying.
2.Core Classification by Running Type
Straight-Run Slat Chain
Straight plastic slat chains are designed for linear conveying lines. They feature regid structure, high tensile strength and stable flat surface. This type can only run straight without side-flexing, ideal for high-speed, long-distance and heavy-load linear transportation of bottles, cartons and regular-shaped products.
Side-Flex Turning Slat Chain
Side-flex slat chains allow lateral bending to support 90° and 180° turning conveying. With flexible hinge structure and small turning radius, they greatly save factory space and simplify conveyor layout. Widely used in complex production lines requiring frequent direction change.
Mainstream Standard Models
Plastic slat chains follow unified industrial standard series, conveying full application scenarios from light load to heavy load, straight line to tight turning.
820 Series ( Single Hinge Straight Chain)
Features: Standard pitch 38.1mm, single hinge structure, high tensile strength, stable operation. Suitable for bottle, can and carton conveying in food and beverage lines.
Parameters: Working temperature -40℃~90℃，max running speed 60m/min (dry), high compatibility with standard 820 sprockets.
880 / 882 Series (Side-Flex Turning Chain)
Features: Most popular turning chain models. 880 for standard turning radius; 882 for tight turning scenarios. Smooth side-flex performance, no jamming or deviation during direction change.
Application: Packaging lines, cosmetic filling lines, logistics sorting systems with frequent turning layouts.
828 / 831 Series (Heavy-Duty Straight Chain)
Features: Reinforced thickened structure, higher load capacity and impact resistance. Designed for medium and heavy-duty industrial conveying.
Application: Heavy carton finished product conveying, industrial parts transportation.
Anti-Static Series
Features: Modified conductive plastic material, stable surface resistance, effectively releases static electricity. Dust-proof and no static adsorption.
Application: 3C electronics, semiconductor, new energy battery production workshops.
4.Key Technical Specifications
Material
POM: Standard universal material, wear-resistant, low friction, temperature range -40℃~90℃, suitable for most food and industrial lines.
PP: Food-grade, acid and alkali resistant, easy to clean, suitable for washing and humid environments, temperature 0℃~80℃.
PA Nylon: High strength and impact resistance, for heavy-load industrial conditions.
Anti-static modified material: For static-sensitive electronic and new energy workshops.
Pitch
The pitch determines sprocket matching and running stability. Standard mainstream pitch: 38.1mm (1.5 inch). Custom special pitches are available for non-standard equipment.
Width
Modular design supports arbitrary width splicing. Common standard widths: 82.5mm, 190.5mm, 254mm, 304.8mm. Custom width can be tailored according to conveyor frame and material size.
Temperature Resistance
General POM slat chain: -40℃~90℃
PP food-grade slat chain: 0℃~80℃
Special high-temperature modified chain: supports customized higher temperature resistance
Tensile Strength & Speed
Standard slat chain tensile strength ranges from 1200N to 2500N. Max running speed reaches 60m/min (dry condition) and 90m/min (lubricated), meeting high-speed continuous production requirements.
5.Optional Accessories
Complete supporting parts ensure the whole conveyor system operates smoothly, including matching driving sprockets, stainless steel or plastic pins, guide rails, wear strips, side guards and baffles. All accessories are highly compatible with corresponding slat chain models.
6.How to Select the Right Model
Determine running route: Choose straight-run chain for linear lines; choose side-flex chain for turning layouts.
Confirm working temperature: Select POM or PP material according to ambient temperature.
Match load capacity: Select standard type for light load and reinforced type for heavy load.
Special environment demand: Use anti-static chain for electronic workshops and food-grade chain for food processing.
Unified pitch standard: Ensure chain pitch is completely consistent with sprocket pitch.
7.Conclusion
Plastic slat chains have complete and standardized specifications and models. Different series are designed for different conveying routes, loads, temperatures and industrial environments. Correct model selection based on professional technical parameters can effectively avoid jamming, deviation, wear and unplanned downtime, maximizing conveyor line stability and production efficiency.
If interested, feel free to contact us — Shanghai Caiyang Plastic Products Co., Ltd.
shanghaicaiyang
+86 17317161237
sales@caiyangbelt.com
https://caiyangbelt.com/