What is a plastic mesh chain?

What is a Plastic Modular Belt?
I. Definition
A plastic modular belt is a conveyor belt made of injection-molded chain plate modules from engineering plastics, which are spliced ​​together row by row in a certain way and connected by pins. It serves as both the carrier of materials and the traction chain for transmitting power, and is the core working component of a plastic modular belt conveyor.

II. Structural Composition

Component Description

Chain Plate Module: A single plastic component, approximately 25-200mm wide. These modules can be arranged side-by-side to form any width (standard 300-3000mm).

Pin: Made of plastic (POM/PP) or stainless steel, it connects adjacent rows of modules, forming a flexible hinge.

Meshing Hole/Tooth: An opening or toothed structure at the bottom of the chain plate, which meshes with the drive sprocket to transmit power.

Overlapping Lock: The closing connector when the ends are joined.

3. Commonly used materials and characteristics

Material Features Applicable Scenarios
POM (polyoxymethylene) High strength, self-lubricating, wear-resistant, general conveying, heavy load
PP (polypropylene) acid and alkali resistance, high temperature resistance (to 100℃), light weight, chemical industry, corrosive environment
PE (polyethylene)​ Low temperature resistance (-70℃), good toughness, frozen food, low temperature environment
PA (nylon) has the highest strength and wear resistance in high load situations
Composite/special materials Antistatic, food grade certification Electronics, food industry

IV. Common Types

Flat Plate Type: General-purpose flat conveyor

Turned/Anti-slip Type: Textured surface to prevent material slippage

Ball Ball Type/Roller Type: Used for accumulating conveying at turns

Mesh Type (Perforated): Water and air permeable, easy to clean, drain, and air-cooled

Turn Type: Can bend sideways, enabling horizontal turning

Baffle Type/Skirt Type: With side guards, used for incline conveying

V. Main Advantages

Corrosion Resistant and Easy to Clean: Suitable for industries requiring frequent washing, such as food and pharmaceuticals

Self-Lubricating and Low Noise: No lubrication required, quiet operation

Lightweight: Lighter than stainless steel mesh chains, reducing drive power

Flexible Assembly: Modular structure, individual replacement for damaged parts, convenient maintenance

Hygiene Standards: Food-grade materials available (FDA/USDA certified)

Working Principle of Plastic Mesh Chain Conveyor

I. Basic Concepts
A plastic mesh chain conveyor is a continuous conveying device that uses a modular plastic mesh chain (made of injection-molded chain plate modules of engineering plastics such as POM, PP, PE, nylon, etc., connected by plastic or stainless steel pins) as the load-bearing and traction component. It is widely used in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

II. Working Principle

Power Drive: The motor drives the drive sprocket (drive wheel) to rotate via a reducer. The mesh chain has meshing holes/teeth machined on both sides or at the bottom, which mesh sequentially with the sprocket teeth.

Sprocket-Mesh Chain Meshing Transmission: As the sprocket rotates, the teeth insert one by one into the mesh chain’s meshing holes, propelling the mesh chain smoothly forward along the guide rail, achieving a “tooth-meshing” transmission that prevents slippage and ensures stable speed.

Closed-Loop Circulation: The mesh chain forms a closed loop, passing around the drive sprocket and the tail tensioning wheel. The tensioning device (screw or spring tensioning) ensures sufficient tension in the mesh chain, preventing tooth skipping. The unloaded section returns from below, forming two channels: an upper (carrying section) and a lower (return section).

Material Carrying and Conveying: Materials are placed on the surface of the upward-moving mesh chain and move continuously or intermittently with it. The mesh chain is supported by stainless steel or wear-resistant guide rails (guide bars) and slides with low friction due to the self-lubricating properties of the plastic chain plates.

Tuning and Transition: Because the modular mesh chain can bend laterally, it can achieve horizontal turns (commonly 45°/90°/180°), climbing, and diversion/merging with the help of corner sprockets, without the need for multiple machine connections.