Overhead conveyor systems route products along elevated tracks, freeing up floor space for other operations while maintaining continuous flow through painting, assembly, curing, and finishing processes. The chain is central to these systems. It bears the load, interfaces with trolleys and carriers, and ultimately determines the system's weight capacity and service life.
Supplier selection directly impacts system performance. Some suppliers specialize in heavy industrial applications with high load requirements. Others focus on lighter-duty systems for garment handling or small parts transport.
This list covers 9 suppliers of overhead conveyor chains, beginning with those offering broad product availability and application support.
- Ultimation Industries
Ultimation Industries supplies overhead conveyor chains for both enclosed track and I-beam systems. The company stocks multiple carbon-steel chains, with inventory available for quick shipment. Chains are sold in fixed lengths, supporting both large-scale installations and ongoing spare parts inventory.
Ultimation carries enclosed track chain compatible with industry-standard 3-inch and 4-inch track profiles, along with matching trolleys, hangers, and track sections. This allows buyers to source complete overhead conveyor assemblies from a single vendor rather than coordinating components across multiple suppliers.
The company works with manufacturers in automotive, warehousing, and distribution, as well as with smaller operations that require individual components. Their technical team assists with chain selection based on load requirements and track specifications, and published documentation includes load ratings and dimensional data for planning purposes.
- Richards-Wilcox Conveyor
Richards-Wilcox manufactures overhead conveyor systems domestically in the United States. Their product range includes enclosed track conveyors, I-beam monorails, and power-and-free systems. Chain products are designed for proprietary track configurations but also accommodate standard industry profiles.
The company sells through both direct and distributor channels. Chain options include painted and galvanized finishes. Richards-Wilcox has particular depth in finishing system applications, making them a frequent choice for paint lines and coating operations.
- Pacline Overhead Conveyors
Pacline focuses on enclosed track overhead conveyor systems. The company offers chains, trolleys, track, and drive units as discrete components or integrated systems. Their product line addresses light to medium-duty applications, including parts handling, order fulfillment, and garment transport.
Pacline chains are designed for compatibility with their standard enclosed track profiles.
- Rapid Industries
Rapid Industries engineers overhead conveyor systems for manufacturing and finishing environments. The company offers both I-beam and enclosed track configurations with corresponding chains and trolleys. While Rapid emphasizes custom-engineered systems, replacement components are also available.
Their overhead chain products are rated for medium to heavy loads. The company serves automotive suppliers, appliance manufacturers, and metal fabrication operations.
- Tsubaki
Tsubaki is a multinational chain manufacturer headquartered in Japan with production and distribution operations worldwide. The company produces overhead conveyor chains as part of a broader portfolio of power transmission and conveyor products. Tsubaki chains conform to international standards and are compatible with many existing overhead systems.
Both carbon steel and stainless steel chain options are available. Tsubaki's distribution network spans North America, Europe, and Asia, providing supply chain flexibility for operations with facilities in multiple regions.
- Allied Power Products (ACCO Material Handling Solutions)
ACCO manufactures chains and components for overhead lifting and conveyor applications. The product line includes drop-forged chain, rivetless chain, and trolleys engineered for I-beam systems. ACCO products are commonly specified for heavy-duty environments, including steel mills, foundries, and high-volume manufacturing operations.
ACCO chains carry load ratings suited for harsh operating conditions and demanding duty cycles. Distribution occurs through industrial supply channels, and buyers with heavy-load requirements often evaluate ACCO alongside other heavy-duty suppliers.
- Frost Inc.
Frost Inc. manufactures overhead conveyor systems with a focus on finishing applications. The company produces enclosed track conveyors, monorails, and power-and-free systems. Frost supplies chains and trolleys designed for compatibility with their track profiles. The company's primary market is paint finishing and powder coating lines.
- Conveyor Systems & Engineering (CSE)
CSE provides design and build services for overhead conveyor systems in manufacturing and distribution settings. The company offers I-beam, enclosed track, and power-and-free configurations. Chains are available as part of complete system packages or as replacement components for existing installations.
CSE serves the automotive, appliance, and heavy equipment manufacturing sectors.
- Handling Systems Inc.
Handling Systems Inc. supplies overhead conveyor systems and components for industrial applications. The company offers enclosed track and I-beam products, including chains, trolleys, and drive units. Standard chain sizes are stocked, with custom fabrication available for non-standard specifications.
Handling Systems serves multiple industries, including furniture, appliance, and metal products manufacturing. The company is based in the Midwest and ships nationally.
Selecting a Supplier
Choosing an overhead conveyor chain supplier involves evaluating several factors:
- Load capacity: Chain ratings must align with the combined weight of carriers and products.
- Track compatibility: Chain dimensions must match the track profile. Enclosed track and I-beam systems use different chain configurations.
- Material and finish: Standard painted chain is suitable for clean, dry environments. Galvanized or zinc-plated chain provides corrosion resistance in humid or outdoor applications. Stainless steel is appropriate for food processing or washdown environments.
- Availability: Unplanned downtime carries a high cost. Suppliers with warehouse inventory can ship faster than those manufacturing to order.
- Technical support: Suppliers offering load calculations, layout review, and detailed specifications reduce the risk of ordering incompatible products.
Conclusion
Overhead conveyor chain is fundamental to keeping products moving through manufacturing and finishing operations. The suppliers listed here serve applications ranging from light-duty garment handling to heavy automotive assembly. Evaluating load ratings, track compatibility, material options, and lead times before placing an order helps prevent operational disruptions and supports long-term system reliability.