Slat Chain Conveyors Slat chain conveyors are similar to Plate Link conveyors, in that they resemble a tanks caterpillar-tracks. However, the design is somewhat different and this gives it different capabilities... Typical Industries General purpose medium duty, but particularly useful where bends and loops are required Description Slat chain conveyors are similar to Plate Link conveyors, in that they resemble a tanks caterpillar-tracks. However, the design is somewhat different and this gives it different capabilities. In particular, Slat Conveyors are much smaller and lighter-duty than a typical plate link conveyor, being limited to around 300mm in width. A major benefit of slat chain conveyors over plate link conveyors lies in the ability of the platelets of a slat conveyor to ‘flex’, and hence turn corners, complex loops, and even spirals. This makes them very popular in continuous manufacturing processes, bottling plants, etc. Whereas a plate link conveyor drives each platelet by means of a pair of chains, the slat conveyor adopts a different approach. Each platelet is bonded to the next by a hinge, making the entire belt length a chain in and off itself. Regularly spaced sprockets both support – and drive – the chain. The concept is similar to a cog-and-pinion railway (but with the locomotive remaining stationary, and the track being moved). Because the platelets are joined at the center of their span, rather than at both edges, they have the potential to rotate around the joint, hence producing the ability to flex.