Overview
A table top chain conveyor carries product on a chain made of flat top plates that link together to form a continuous, level carrying surface. It is also called a slat chain or flat top chain conveyor. The flat plates keep upright containers stable, which is why this is the standard conveyor on bottling, canning and filling lines.
The chain is narrow relative to the product, so bottles and cans stand on it and are guided along by side rails rather than being contained by the belt. That arrangement lets the line accumulate, single-file, divide and combine containers, and it lets the chain slide underneath a stationary container when it is held back, which is how back pressure and buffering are managed on a filling line.
Chain material is chosen for the duty. Acetal (POM) is strong and low friction, which suits high-speed running. Polypropylene offers better chemical resistance. Stainless steel chain is used where loads are heavy, temperatures are high, or the line is washed down, and stainless frames are standard in wet and food environments.
Belt types
Straight running chain
Flat top plates for straight runs. The standard choice on filling, capping and labelling lines where containers move in a single line.
Side flexing chain
Chain that bends sideways so the line can turn corners on one continuous run, removing the transfer points where bottles usually jam or fall.
Acetal and polypropylene chain
Plastic chain that runs quietly at speed with low friction. Acetal for strength and high-speed running, polypropylene where chemical resistance matters more.
Stainless steel chain
Steel top plates for heavy containers, higher temperatures and abrasive or demanding duty, on a stainless frame for wash-down areas.
Key features
Stable at high speed
A flat, level plate surface holds bottles, cans and cartons upright through the fast sections of a filling line where round containers would otherwise topple.
Accumulation and back pressure
The chain keeps running underneath held containers, so product can queue and release without stopping the line, which is how buffers between filler, capper and labeller are managed.
Corners without transfers
Side flexing chain turns the line through corners on a single run, so there are no dead plates or transfer points for containers to catch on.
Wash-down construction
Stainless steel frames and chain suit wet areas, detergent and daily cleaning, which is standard practice on beverage and food lines.
Guided by side rails
Adjustable guide rails set the lane width, so the same conveyor can be changed over between container sizes without replacing the chain.
Long service life
Chain runs on hardened wear strips that are replaced as consumables, so the conveyor frame itself lasts far longer than the running surface.
Applications
- Bottling and filling lines
- Canning lines
- Capping, labelling and coding
- Accumulation and buffering between machines
- Single-filing, dividing and combining
- Carton and pack handling
- Cosmetics and personal care filling
- Wash-down beverage and food areas
Typical specifications
- Chain materials
- Acetal (POM), polypropylene, and stainless steel
- Chain styles
- Straight running and side flexing, flat top and slat top
- Chain width
- Selected for container size and line layout, from single-lane to wide multi-lane
- Frame
- Stainless steel for wash-down and food duty, aluminium for dry areas
- Guide rails
- Adjustable side rails for changeover between container sizes
- Wear strips
- Replaceable UHMW-PE or equivalent wear strip on the chain track
- Layouts
- Straight, side-flexing curve, incline, and accumulation sections
Typical values for this conveyor type. Final specifications are confirmed for your application on quotation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a table top chain conveyor?
A table top chain conveyor carries product on a chain built from flat top plates that link into a continuous level surface. It is also called a slat chain or flat top chain conveyor. The flat surface keeps upright containers such as bottles and cans stable, which is why it is the standard conveyor on bottling and filling lines.
What is the difference between table top chain and modular belt?
Table top chain is narrow and carries containers that are guided by side rails, and it is built for single-file container handling, accumulation and high-speed filling lines. Modular belt is a wider plastic belt that carries product across its full width, which suits bulk handling, packs and product that is not guided by rails. Many lines use both, chain through the filling section and modular belt for packing.
Can a table top chain conveyor go around corners?
Yes, using side flexing chain, which bends sideways so the line turns on one continuous run. This removes the transfer plates between straight sections, which is where bottles most often jam, tip or fall on a beverage line.
How does accumulation work on a table top chain?
Containers are held back by a stop or by back pressure while the chain continues to run underneath them, sliding against the container base. This lets product queue up as a buffer and then release, so upstream and downstream machines can keep running at different rates without stopping the line.
Which chain material should I use?
Acetal (POM) is strong and low friction, so it is used for high-speed running. Polypropylene is chosen where chemical resistance matters more than speed. Stainless steel chain is used for heavy containers, higher temperatures and harsh or abrasive conditions. The choice depends on container weight, line speed, temperature and what the line is cleaned with.
Can one conveyor handle different bottle sizes?
Yes. The side guide rails are adjustable, so the lane width is set for the container being run and changed over when the line changes product. The chain itself does not usually need replacing between container sizes, provided the new container is within the range the conveyor was sized for.