Improved Conveyor Chain Link Performance via Weight and Material Optimization
1 Bir Tikendrajit University, Manipur, India & AISSMS Polytechnic, Pune, India.
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bir Tikendrajit University, Manipur, India.
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Modern College of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
4 Department of Engineering Sciences, AISSMS Institute of Information Technology, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2025, 15(02), 044-062.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjst.2025.15.2.0132
Publication history:
Received 16 October 2025; revised on 22 November 2025; accepted on 24 November 2025
Abstract:
Conveyor chain links are vital components in industrial material handling systems such as those used in automotive, manufacturing, mining, and logistics operations. These links are subject to continuous dynamic loading and wear, which makes their structural integrity essential for system reliability. However, traditional designs often incorporate excessive material, resulting in increased weight, higher energy consumption, accelerated wear on mechanical parts, and elevated manufacturing costs. In response to rising demands for energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, this study focuses on the weight and material optimization of conveyor chain links.
The optimization process begins with defining the key geometric parameters of the chain link based on specific load and design requirements. For each selected material, the corresponding weight is calculated using its density to assess potential for mass reduction. Additionally, the cost of each material is evaluated to ensure a balance between performance and affordability. These data-driven assessments provide a foundation for Finite Element Analysis (FEA), which is used to verify the structural strength and performance of each optimized design.
Weight optimization aims to eliminate unnecessary mass without compromising mechanical performance, while material optimization seeks alternatives that offer favorable strength-to-weight ratios and cost benefits. By integrating both strategies, the study aims to enhance the efficiency, durability, and lifecycle of conveyor chain links. The outcomes of this research contribute to more sustainable and cost-efficient design practices in industrial systems where material handling is critical.
Keywords:
Conveyor Chain Link; Weight Optimization; Material Optimization; Finite Element Analysis; Dynamic Load; Sustainable Design.
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Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0