Stainless Steel Flat Top Chains

Engineered for extreme durability, our stainless steel flat top chains provide unmatched performance in high-temperature, corrosive, and heavy-load packaging applications. Explore our straight-running and side-flexing series to find the ideal solution for your demanding production environment.

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Introduction: The Ultimate Solution for Demanding Conveying Environments

When standard conveying solutions fall short, stainless steel flat top chains rise to the challenge. Designed for the most demanding applications in the packaging industry, these chains offer a unique combination of strength, hygiene, and resistance to extreme conditions. Whether you are operating a high-temperature pasteurization tunnel, handling corrosive products, or conveying heavy loads, our metal flat top chains provide the reliability and long service life your production line requires.
This page details our comprehensive range of stainless steel flat top conveyor chains, including both straight-running and side-flexing options, to help you select the perfect solution for your specific needs.

Key Advantages of Stainless Steel Flat Top Chains

Choosing a steel flat top conveyor chain provides several critical advantages for specialized packaging and processing applications.

Unmatched Durability and Strength

Constructed from high-grade stainless steel (including SUS304 and SUS420), these chains are built to withstand heavy loads, high speeds, and continuous operation. With a tensile load capacity of up to 5,600 N, they are ideal for conveying heavy glass bottles, multi-packs, and other substantial products without stretching or breaking.

Superior High-Temperature Resistance

Our high temperature flat top chains are engineered to perform flawlessly in extreme heat. With a service temperature range of -20°C to 120°C, they are the perfect choice for applications such as:
  • Pasteurization tunnels
  • Sterilization processes
  • Hot-fill bottling lines
  • Ovens and cooling tunnels

Excellent Corrosion and Chemical Resistance

As a leading stainless steel flat top chain supplier, we understand the importance of hygiene and chemical compatibility. Our chains are inherently resistant to rust, acids, and the harsh cleaning agents used in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical washdown procedures. This makes them a corrosion resistant flat top chain solution that ensures both product safety and long-term durability.
Key Advantages of Stainless Steel Flat Top Chains
Steel Flat Top Chain Series

Our Stainless Steel Flat Top Chain Series

We offer a focused range of stainless steel chains to meet the diverse needs of modern packaging lines. All series feature a standard 38.1mm (1.5-inch) pitch.

SS812 Series: Straight-Running Steel Table Top Chain

  • Best For: General-purpose, straight-line conveying in demanding environments.
  • Key Feature: A robust and reliable workhorse for applications where turning is not required.
  • Widths Available: 63.5mm (2.5″) to 190.5mm (7.5″)

SS881TAB & SS881 Series: Side-Flexing Turning Chains

  • Best For: Complex conveyor layouts that require curves and turns.
  • Key Feature: Allows for continuous product flow around obstacles, eliminating the need for separate transfer conveyors.
  • Minimum Turning Radius: 500mm to 700mm, depending on the series.

SC881 Series: Side-Flexing Chain without Guide Tabs

  • Best For: Flexible layouts where a smooth chain edge is preferred.
  • Key Feature: Provides the same turning capability as the SS881 series but without the side guide tabs, offering a more streamlined profile.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Feature
SS812 Series
SS881TAB / SS881 / SC881 Series
Function
Straight-Running
Side-Flexing (Turning)
Pitch
38.1mm (1.5″)
38.1mm (1.5″)
Material Options
SUS304, SUS202
SUS304, SUS202
Tensile Load
Up to 5,600 N
Up to 5,600 N
Temperature Range
-20°C to 120°C
-20°C to 120°C
Typical Widths
63.5mm – 190.5mm
82.6mm – 304.8mm
Minimum Turning Radius
N/A
500mm – 700mm
Flat Top Chain Applications
Slat Top Chains vs. Modular Conveyor Belts

Material Combinations for Optimal Performance

To precisely match your application’s needs, we offer several stainless steel material combinations for the chain body and pin:
Combination
Main Body
Pin
Key Benefit
Standard
SUS304
SUS304
Excellent corrosion resistance for general food & beverage applications.
Hardened
SUS420
SUS202
Higher hardness and wear resistance for more abrasive environments.
Hybrid
SUS304
SUS202
A balanced combination of corrosion resistance and strength.

Matching Sprockets for a Complete System

To ensure smooth and reliable operation, we provide machined drive and idler sprockets specifically designed for our stainless steel flat top chains. These sprockets are made from durable MC Nylon, which offers excellent wear resistance and low friction, reducing noise and extending the life of the chain.
  • JS812 Series: For SS812 straight-running chains.
  • JS881 / JI881 Series: For SS881 and SC881 side-flexing chains.
Flat top chain package line
Choose the Right Slat Top Chain Solution

Typical Applications for Stainless Steel Flat Top Chains

Our metal flat top chains are the preferred choice for a wide range of critical applications, including:
  • Beverage Production: Conveying glass bottles through pasteurizers and filling lines.
  • Food Processing: Moving cans and jars through cooking and cooling tunnels.
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Ensuring sterile and hygienic transfer of vials and containers.
  • Industrial Conveying: Handling heavy or abrasive parts in manufacturing environments.

How to Choose the Right Stainless Steel Flat Top Chain

Selecting the correct chain is crucial for maximizing performance and line efficiency. Follow these steps:
  1. Determine the Path: Do you need a straight-running chain (SS812) or a side-flexing chain for curves (SS881/SC881)?
  2. Select the Width: Choose a chain width that provides adequate support for your product’s base.
  3. Choose the Material: Select the stainless steel combination (e.g., SUS304, SUS420) that best matches your temperature, corrosion, and wear requirements.
  4. Confirm Sprockets: Ensure you have the correct matching sprockets for your chosen chain series.
Slat Top Chain
Get a Quote for Your Stainless Steel Flat Top Chain Solution

Ready to upgrade your packaging line with the durability and performance of stainless steel? Contact our engineering team today to discuss your application. We are a leading stainless steel flat top chain manufacturer and can help you find the perfect solution to enhance your production efficiency and reliability.

Related Product

What are the main advantages of stainless steel flat top chains over plastic?

Stainless steel flat top chains offer three critical advantages that plastic chains cannot match. First, they excel in high-temperature environments, operating reliably from -20°C to 120°C, making them ideal for pasteurization tunnels and hot-fill lines. Second, their inherent corrosion resistance ensures they can withstand harsh chemical washdowns and acidic products without degrading. Third, they provide superior strength and durability, with tensile loads up to 5,600 N, making them the preferred choice for conveying heavy glass bottles, multi-packs, and other substantial products.

What temperature range can stainless steel flat top chains handle?

Our high temperature flat top chains are designed to operate in a wide temperature range of -20°C to 120°C (-4°F to 248°F). This makes them suitable for extreme applications such as pasteurization tunnels, sterilization processes, hot-fill bottling lines, ovens, and cooling tunnels. The stainless steel construction maintains its structural integrity and performance even under these demanding thermal conditions.

Which stainless steel material should I choose: SUS304 or SUS420?

The choice depends on your specific application requirements:

  • SUS304: Best for general food and beverage applications where excellent corrosion resistance is the priority. It offers superior resistance to acidic products and chemical washdowns, making it the standard choice for most packaging lines.
  • SUS420: Recommended for more abrasive environments where higher hardness and wear resistance are required. It is slightly less corrosion-resistant than SUS304 but provides better durability under heavy mechanical stress.
For most applications, SUS304 is the optimal choice. Consult our engineering team if you are unsure which material best suits your needs.
Can stainless steel flat top chains be used for curved conveyors?

Yes. We offer side-flexing stainless steel flat top chains specifically designed for turning applications. Our SS881TAB, SS881, and SC881 series can navigate curves with a minimum turning radius of 500mm to 700mm, depending on the chain width and series. This allows you to create complex conveyor layouts without needing separate transfer conveyors, maintaining continuous product flow around obstacles and through tight spaces.

Are these chains suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications?

Absolutely. Our stainless steel flat top chains are specifically engineered for industries with stringent hygiene requirements, including food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The stainless steel construction (SUS304 or SUS420) is inherently resistant to bacteria growth and can withstand the aggressive cleaning agents and high-temperature washdown procedures required in these industries. They are the ideal choice when product safety and regulatory compliance are paramount.

What is the tensile load capacity of stainless steel flat top chains?

The tensile load capacity varies based on the material combination:
  • SUS420 body + SUS202 pin: Up to 4,000 N
  • SUS304 body + SUS304 pin: Up to 5,000 N
  • SUS304 body + SUS202 pin: Up to 5,600 N
This high load capacity makes our metal flat top chains suitable for conveying heavy products such as multi-packs, large glass bottles, and industrial containers without risk of chain failure.
Do I need special sprockets for stainless steel flat top chains?

Yes, proper sprockets are essential for optimal performance. We provide machined drive and idler sprockets specifically designed for our stainless steel chains. These sprockets are made from durable MC Nylon, which offers excellent wear resistance and low friction. The correct sprocket ensures smooth operation, reduces noise, and extends the service life of both the chain and the sprocket. We offer:
  • JS812 Series: For SS812 straight-running chains
  • JS881 / JI881 Series: For SS881 and SC881 side-flexing chains
How do I choose between straight-running and side-flexing chains?

The choice depends on your conveyor layout:

  • Straight-Running (SS812 Series): Choose this if your conveyor line is entirely straight with no curves. It is the most cost-effective option for simple layouts.
  • Side-Flexing (SS881TAB, SS881, SC881 Series): Choose this if your conveyor line needs to navigate curves, go around obstacles, or create a compact layout. Side-flexing chains eliminate the need for separate transfer conveyors and maintain continuous product flow through turns.
What industries commonly use stainless steel flat top chains?

Stainless steel flat top chains are widely used in industries that demand high hygiene standards, temperature resistance, and durability, including:
  • Beverage Production: Conveying glass bottles through pasteurizers, fillers, and cappers.
  • Food Processing: Moving cans and jars through cooking, cooling, and sterilization tunnels.
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Ensuring sterile transfer of vials, ampoules, and containers.
  • Industrial Conveying: Handling heavy or abrasive parts in manufacturing environments.
How do I get a quote for a custom stainless steel flat top chain solution?

Contact our engineering team with the following information:
  1. Application Details: What products are you conveying? (e.g., bottles, cans, jars)
  2. Operating Environment: Temperature range, exposure to chemicals or moisture.
  3. Conveyor Layout: Straight-running or turning? If turning, what is the minimum radius?
  4. Chain Width: What width do you require to support your products?
  5. Material Preference: Do you have a preference for SUS304 or SUS420?
Our team will provide a tailored recommendation and competitive quote to meet your specific needs.
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