Roller chain conveyors

Our conveyor manufacturing process

We build the most rugged and durable conveyors on the planet. Each roller chain conveyor is designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States to your exact specifications. We combine cutting-edge facilities with seasoned technical expertise to optimize each conveyor for longevity and seamless performance. 

Here are some details about our facility and process:

1. Manufacture: we use the highest-quality materials and components in our conveyors.
1. Frame material: ASTM A36 steel
2. Tubing thickness: 3/16-inch wall rectangular tubing
3. Side construction: 1/4-inch formed steel pan sides
4. Structural supports: 25–35 lb rail track
5. Hardware: grade 8
6. Gussets: 10 gauge steel gusset plates
7. Welding: MIG welded connections
8. Finish: rugged powder-coated corrosion-resistant finish. Want to match your existing equipment or corporate branding? We can powder coat your conveyor in your precise custom color. During design, simply provide us with the RAL color number or a paint color chip sample.
2. Facility: our 85,000-square-foot manufacturing factory utilizes the latest precision fabrication tools, such as CNC machining and automated braking. This high-tech process generates industry-leading tolerances resulting in precise, flawless roller chain systems.
3. Talent: our team boasts over 100 years of combined conveyor manufacturing experience. Every welder is certified to stringent standards. 
4. Quality control: each conveyor is meticulously assembled and inspected to exceed stringent quality benchmarks. Before shipping, conveyors undergo over 10 hours of performance testing. We examine weld strength, alignment, tracking, speed, and electrical systems so your Fluent conveyor system arrives ready to deliver optimal uptime and throughput from day one.

Our conveyors are built to withstand the harshest operating environments and most demanding applications. 

Engineered and built to CEMA standards

At Fluent Conveyors, we follow the most rigorous industry standards for conveyor safety, installation, and operation. Our equipment is designed, engineered, and manufactured to align with standards put forth by CEMA, the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association. This includes adherence to CEMA standards for the following:

• Conveyor alignment tolerances
• Belt training methods
• Safety label placement
• Maintenance procedures
• Equipment specifications
• Precision alignment best practices
• Belt scraping and sealing
• Idler adjustment guidance
• Reducer/motor base installation
• Flexible coupling alignment
• Balanced belt tensioning
• Electrical safety requirements
• Conveyor run-in procedures
• Conveyor chain and sprocket specifications
• Noise reduction methods
• Conveyor inclines and curving
• Installation practices
• Belt ratings and load capacities
• Startup procedures
• Bearing selection and load ratings
• Lubrication methods
• Guarding principles
• Lockout/tagout protocols
• Troubleshooting techniques
• Mechanical engineering expertise
• Structural fabrication methods

By meeting CEMA standards, we provide our customers with conveyor systems that operate safely and reliably throughout their service life. Our commitment to following CEMA standards is a key part of our vision to deliver state-of-the-art material handling solutions.

Custom conveyor control panels

When we design and build a custom conveyor system for your operation, we can equip it with a custom control system (UL 508A listed). We can build and program PLCs, custom operator consoles, and HMIs to incorporate safety protocols as needed.See our control panels page.

Roller chain belt types and widths

Fluent offers 4 types of belt replacements for our roller chain conveyors.

Rubber combination belts

Rubber combo belts with steel crossbeams for durability and strength. We carry standard belt widths of 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 inches. Available in 220-ply and 330-ply options depending on the strength needed.

Best for:

• Bulk materials (recyclables and trash)
• Wet materials (organic waste, biofuel, mixed cement)
• Aggregates (gravel, coal, rock)

Apron pan belts

Apron pan belts use overlapping pans in 3/16, 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2-inch thickness. We carry standard belt widths of 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 inches, with larger custom belts reaching 120 inches. Excellent for positive drive.

Best for:

• Heavy objects (auto recycling and auto manufacturing)
• Manufacturing components (hardware and assemblies)
• Hot materials (clinker and castings)

Hinged steel belts

Hinged steel belts come in 3/16 or 1/4-inch thickness and use hinged steel pans. We carry standard belt widths of 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 inches, with larger custom belts reaching 120 inches. Durable for high impact and temperatures.

Best for:

• Recycling (cardboard, aluminum, plastic)
• Manufacturing components (hardware and assemblies)
• Hot materials (clinker and castings)

Z-pan belts

Z-pan belts are similar to apron pan, but with Z-shaped pans for improved discharge and incline applications. 3/16 to 1/2-inch thickness offered. We carry standard belt widths of 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 inches, with larger custom belts reaching 120 inches.

Best for:

• Manufacturing components (hardware and assemblies)
• Hot materials (clinker and castings)
• Small materials (shredded recyclables, fasteners, mulch)

We also carry accessories for roller chain belt conveyors: cleats, side skirts, training idlers, belt scrapers, and more.

Beyond standard sizes, we can accommodate narrower or wider custom widths. With all these combinations, we can find or fabricate the ideal belting solution for your application! Let us know if you need any other specific belt information.

What industries do Fluent’s roller chain conveyors serve?

Fluent Conveyors makes rugged conveyor systems to serve the following industries:

• Recycling. Perfect for conveying loose materials such as plastic, paper, glass, and metals in recycling centers. 
• Waste processing. For mixed solid waste, C&D debris, and municipal solid waste. Withstands high impacts.
• Demolition. Rugged enough for heavy demolished concrete, wood, tiles, and other construction debris. 
• Aggregates. Ideal for conveying rocks, ores, gravel, sand, and other abrasive aggregate materials.
• And more. We serve all types of heavy industry, including manufacturing, tire and rubber, logging, grain, and chemical industries.

No matter the industry, our roller chain conveyors reduce labor costs, minimize human error, and enhance operational efficiency. See a full list of industries we serve.

Does Fluent Conveyors offer spare parts for roller chain conveyors?

We provide all necessary replacement parts and components to keep your Fluent conveyor running in peak condition.

Our replacement part offerings include:

• Bearings: standard-duty, heavy-duty, sleeve, and pillow-block replacement bearings.
• Rollers: impact and standard rollers from 1.9 to 5-inch diameter. Idlers, training rollers, and more. Larger diameter rollers are available on request.
• Sprockets: we supply exact replacement sprockets machined to OEM specs. All sizes and capacities.
• Motors and drives: general duty, severe duty, chemical duty, and stainless steel construction motors. Plus drivers and gearboxes.
• Pulleys: lagged, wing, snub, bend, and take-up pulleys. Standard, self-aligning, and taper lock hubs.
• Shafts: cold rolled and precision ground drive and take-up replacement shafts. With keyways, set screws, or taper locks.
• Hardware: bolts, washers, nuts, and retaining hardware for drives, frames, guards, and other components.

We carry all standard wear parts, such as idlers, scrapers, skirting, electrical controls, sensors, switches, and safety devices. We can even create custom conveyor components if needed. Just contact us with your conveyor's model number and we'll supply the exact parts to get you up and running again quickly.