Plate Link Belts for Heavy Loads: Plates, Chains, Flights and Side Guards
Short answer
Size a plate link belt from the real load and impact: plate thickness and type (solid or perforated), chain pitch and rollers, rod diameter, flights and side guards — as one system. Load capacity is confirmed once load and drive are known.
01Solid or perforated plates
Solid plates for loose and heavy parts; perforated plates where liquid or air must pass.
02Chain, rollers and rods
Chain pitch, roller diameter and rod diameter are chosen with the plate, not separately.
03Flights and side guards
Flights for inclines and side guards for loose parts — height and spacing per drawing.
04Common mistakes
- ✓Choosing plate thickness from habit, not load
- ✓Leaving flights and side guards to the end
- ✓Treating chain pitch and plates as separate
- ✓Underestimating lifting and packing of heavy sections
05What to send for a plate link belt
| Item | Example of what to give | Why it is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Product and load | Weight per metre, part size, impact | Sets plate thickness and rods |
| Conveyor | Length, width, incline | Sets flights, chain and drive |
| Plates | Solid or perforated, coating | Liquid, air and product release |
| Chain and drive | Chain pitch, rollers, sprockets | Belt and drive matched as one system |
| Flights and side guards | Height and spacing | Holds loose parts on inclines |
Want this checked on your belt?
Send photos with a tape in the picture, a drawing or an old belt section.
Belts in this guide
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Questions Buyers Ask
Q1What load can it carry?
It depends on plate, chain, rods and drive; it is confirmed once your load and drive are known.
Q2Can you add PTFE-coated plates and flights?
Yes, coated plates with flights are made per drawing.
Q3Can you copy an old plate link belt?
Yes, from a sample or photos with measurements: plates, chain pitch, rods, flights and side guards are measured first.
Q4Can sprockets be supplied with the belt?
Yes, matched to the chain pitch and checked with the belt.