Knowledge Hub

Seven key innovators in the history of industrial chain The history of chain dates back thousands of years, although the rapid development of industrial chain came towards the end of the Industrial Revolution in the UK. In this article, we look at seven innovators, who helped make the chain industry what it is today. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) – sketched an early version of leaf chain Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci is often credited with the conception of ideas vastly ahead of his own time, including the parachute, helicopter, calculator, solar power and plate tectonics. But did he also invent …

Seven key innovators in the history of industrial chain Read More »

To determine what your industrial chain will cost you, which is different to the purchase price, you need to understand the quality and how long it will last – and that depends on the way it is manufactured. I’m always surprised when the first question a potential customer asks is about the price. It doesn’t happen often, as most customers are very particular about their specification, but I do find it strange when it does, as not every type of chain is the same and will achieve the requirements of the application. There are manufacturers who produce different quality grades …

5 key questions to ask the manufacturer when sourcing industrial chain Read More »

Unplanned conveyor system downtime is one of the biggest problems in manufacturing, with the potential to affect everything from levels of power consumption and waste management to labour productivity and customer satisfaction. When we speak with our sawmill customers, for example, it’s not uncommon for them to tell us that unplanned halts in their production are costing them anything from £50 to £100 per minute. In some cases, they say, it can be even more, depending on which of their lines has been affected. So have you ever calculated just exactly how much your machine downtime is costing you? And what steps …

5 ways to reduce the downtime of your conveyor system Read More »

Conveyor chains are frequently required to operate in arduous and challenging environments, from the transport of biomass fuels to cement, steel-work, recycling, paper and pulp and food processing industries. These are demanding applications that rely on the use of industrial chain and components that have the strength and durability to withstand wear. In this blog post we explore six conveyor chain sprocket solutions that have been proven to reduce conveyor system downtime, improve productivity and prolong chain life. 1. Split sprockets Conveyor chain sprockets are often large and heavy and will frequently require the use of a crane to get the sprocket in …

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The amount of work the motor has to do to drive the chain conveyor, as indicated by the power it consumes, provides extremely valuable insight into the operation of the system – allowing you to take actions that save both time and money. Measuring and monitoring the motor amps should be part of every conveyor operator’s maintenance routine. It’s really easy and inexpensive to do – using readings from the PLC (programmable logic controller) or an amp clamp (clamp meter) – and can indicate so much about the performance and health of the conveyor over time. Here are just seven questions …

7 things motor amps tell you about the state of your conveyor chains Read More »

Industrial conveyor systems are frequently required to operate in arduous and demanding conditions. When the performance of your conveyor chain is key, we often recommend using welded pins and bushes to provide greater strength and improve the wear characteristics of the chain. If carried out correctly, welded pins and bushes can increase a conveyor chain’s strength by more than 30%. But if that welding isn’t carried out to a sufficient standard, if the materials aren’t suitable for the process or if the welding has been added as an after-thought, then you could find yourself with a lower-quality conveyor chain that is more prone to …

Are the welded pins and bushes on your conveyor chain up to scratch? Read More »

At FBkc we’ve done away with the frequently unused changeover option on TMC upender chains for the paper making and tissue converting industries to offer a high-quality aftermarket alternative at a fraction of the cost. From small independent converters of paper to major international producers, my team has helped so many TMC customers over the years to optimise their equipment, including upenders. On this piece of equipment, chains are used as a set of two matched lengths with integral colour coded location pins. To guarantee performance, the base chain and location pins must form a homogeneous union, with complete compatibility from …

Are you paying unnecessarily for a changeover option on your TMC upender chain? Read More »

Through the wider FB Group, we’ve been involved in the European energy-from-waste industry right from its very inception. Now with our dedicated conveyor division in the UK, FBkc, we are more committed than ever to helping biomass plants extend the life of their conveyor components.

If you’ve ever seen the kind of chaos that a failed conveyor flight (or scraper) can cause, then you’ll understand just how much time, effort and money it takes to put this kind of problem right. Unless you can find a solution, the costs could mount up fast! The problem is, it’s not usually just a case of replacing the damaged flight. If the conveyor doesn’t trip out when it becomes jammed, then the chain will just keep on running – which can rip the inner plates away from the pin and create even bigger challenges.  Correcting the issue isn’t an easy fix. …

Could a change of scraper solve your conveyor system downtime issues? Read More »

Fabio Perini may be the global leader in equipment for the paper making and tissue converting industries, but we’re giving them a run for their money in the aftermarket – with replacement overhead flight chains that better distribute the load and offer a longer service life.  Fabio Perini is a name familiar to every manufacturer of facial tissues and toilet roll around the globe. Over the last 13 years, FB Chain has worked with so many owners of Fabio Perini equipment – from small independent converters of paper to the world’s largest producers – which has enabled us to develop …

Fabio Perini vs FB Chain overhead flight chain: Which is a better choice? Read More »