Clamping Conveyor Chains for Stable Workpiece Handling

Stainless steel clamping chains such as 08B and 10B manufactured by Hangzhou Qianjiang Chain Industries are a special type of elastic conveyor chain. Their function goes beyond simple transport; the key feature lies in securely and steadily holding the workpiece during movement. This design differs significantly from standard conveyor chains in both structure and application.

I. Key Structural Features

1. Elastic Clamping

This is the most common structure. The clamping arms or clamping blocks are made of spring steel. During chain operation, external guide rails or cams apply pressure, causing the arms to deform elastically and grip the workpiece. When the chain moves into the release zone, the pressure is removed, the arms spring open, and the workpiece is released.

II. Main Application Characteristics

1. Reliable Fixing and Positioning

This is the fundamental characteristic of clamping chains. They prevent the workpiece from slipping, rolling, or falling during transportation, even when the process involves speed changes, sudden stops, inclines, or vertical lifting.
Benefit: Ensures accurate positioning at machining, assembly, or inspection stations, which is critical for automated production lines.

2. Suitable for Complex Conveyor Paths

Clamping chains can be designed to operate stably on horizontal, vertical, inclined, and even inverted conveyor routes.
Benefit: Helps save production space and supports compact, flexible layouts, including multi-layer or three-dimensional conveyor systems. This enables continuous circulation of workpieces in various spatial directions.

3. Synchronous Conveying

Each workpiece is firmly clamped at a defined position, so its movement remains fully synchronized with the chain.
Benefit: Well suited for takt-based production. Workpieces move at fixed spacing and speed to each station, allowing robotic arms, machining heads, and other automation equipment to operate accurately.

4. Protection of Workpiece Surfaces

Compared with rigid grippers or hooks, elastic clamping chains distribute the clamping force more evenly, and the contact surfaces can be designed with softer materials.

In summary, clamping conveyor chains provide a high-performance solution for material handling. Their core advantage lies in achieving “dynamic fixation” during transportation, offering high flexibility, reliability, and efficiency for modern automated production lines.