FB Chain Heals Gap In The Market With Hygiene-Grade Conveyor Solutions

A new range of lube-free plastic combination chains for the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry meets strict EU hygiene standards.

The traditional stainless steel chains typically used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry are ripe for premature wear. A risk of contamination from lubricants, especially where direct contact with medicines is unavoidable, means that the chains are frequently required to operate dry. With a short service life and high replacement costs (increasing steel prices show no sign of abating), these chains can be a drain on resources.

Enter FB Chain, who have developed a new range of corrosion-resistant chains specifically for the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry that does not require lubrication for optimal performance and meets strict hygiene standards. FB Chain’s plastic combination (PC) chain is constructed from detection-grade engineering plastic inner links, supported by 304 grade stainless steel bearing pins and outer link plates. The PC chain matches the strength of standard stainless steel chain but has a much lower friction co-efficient, eliminating the need for lubrication and increasing wear life. The PC chain is also much quieter and an impressive 50% lighter, helping manufacturers to meet energy efficiency and environmental targets, while enjoying a significantly lower total cost of ownership. Furthermore, the bushed design of the plastic inner link ensures that in wash down applications there is no risk of residue becoming trapped between the chain components and resulting in contamination over time.

Available from stock

FB Chain’s PC chain is available from stock in detection-grade blue. A general purpose white engineering plastic is also available, with both versions supplied in sizes 3/8” to ¾” pitch. The chain is dimensionally interchangeable with stainless steel chain, meaning no adjustments to sprockets or other existing conveyor components are required to accommodate it. Nevertheless, the company is able to supply a wide range of sprockets made from either stainless steel or medical-grade approved polymers, as well as high quality thermoplastic chain guides as part of a total package.

Robert Young, process industry sales manager at FB Chain says: “Plastic combination chain – even of the non-detection-grade variety – is currently only available from a small number of chain manufacturers. We aim to be the leading supplier in this niche, helping customers in the pharmaceutical industries – or indeed, with any clean-room application – to significantly improve their safety, efficiency and profitability.”

About FB Chain Ltd.

FB Chain Ltd. is the UK subsidiary of the FB Group, owned by Swedish company Addtech AB, a Swedish value added technology trading company listed on the Stockholm stock exchange. From its manufacturing base in Letchworth, England, FB Chain specialises in high quality industrial chain products for the materials handling and industrial process markets, including leaf chain and associated pulley and anchor bolt components as well as roller, attachment and large pitch conveyor chain. FB Chain is the only chain manufacturer to be represented by both the BITA (British Industrial Truck Association) and the FLTA (Forklift Truck Association) and employees are regular attendees at the esteemed BSI Technical Policy Committee meetings. FB Chain holds ISO 9001:2000 for the manufacture of chain and associated machined products.