Controlled Handling of Loaded and Empty Pallets
Pallet chain conveyors move loaded or empty pallets on two or more parallel chains supporting the underside runners. This configuration provides direct, consistent conveying even with heavy loads and is particularly useful for transfers perpendicular to the line’s main direction of travel.
Chain conveyors can connect palletizing cells, wrappers, labeling machines, roller conveyors, shuttles and accumulation areas, maintaining control of the unit load position during stops and restarts. The number and spacing of the chain strands are selected to match pallet geometry.
Mechanical Sizing and Flow Management
Design starts with the pallet’s underside structure, maximum weight and load distribution. These data determine chain spacing, frame load capacity, drives and the characteristics of the conveying components.
Chains, sprockets and slide guides are sized to limit wear, misalignment and abnormal stresses during operation. Sensors, stops and PLC logic monitor zone occupancy and coordinate pallet release to subsequent stations.
Start with the Pallet’s Underside Structure
An initial assessment requires pallet size, weight, underside runner positions and transfer direction. Using these details, SAIEM sizes and manufactures the chain conveyor, defining the number and spacing of chains, load capacity, drives, heights and transfer arrangements with roller conveyors, shuttles and other line modules.
