Film Gripper Chains for Food Industry/ Electronics Industry/ Medical Industry

Film gripper chains are specialized mechanical chains designed to securely hold and transport thin, flexible materials like plastic films and foils during manufacturing and packaging processes. These chains are equipped with precision-engineered grippers or clamps that ensure the film remains in place, allowing for smooth and efficient handling without damage or slippage. Film gripper chains are integral to machines used in form, fill, and seal wrapping applications, enabling quick and consistent packaging.

They are widely used across various industries. In the food industry, they handle packaging for products like ham, sausages, cheese, bread, and seafood. In the electronics sector, they package wires and other components. Similarly, in the medical industry, they play a crucial role in packaging items such as syringes and pharmaceutical products, ensuring sterility and precision.

With more than 20 years of experience in stainless steel chain production, AGKNX is becoming one of the leading manufacturers in China. After continuous study and investment, AGKNX now has almost all popular Gripper Chain models. Those high-performing chains are widely welcomed by both OEM and after-market, domestic and overseas customers.

Gripper Chains - Frame Clamp Types

1. Simple Frame Clamp (Type A)

Opens vertically by a slight lateral movement to follow the cam shape.

2. Standard Frame Clamp (Type B)

Allows for a combination of vertical movement and horizontal rotation to ensure easy film engagement and scrap release.

3. Teeth Frame Clamp (Type C)

Provide better clamping perfomance with thicker and stronger film.

4. Clamp w/ extra Plastic (Type D)

Offer combined Steel- Plastic plates which ensure the optimum wearing performance.

Gripper Chains - Tip Clamp Types

1 Tip Clamp (Type E)

Gripper with 1 Tip - The holding force depends on the material being transported and the Spring coils & Dia. of Spring.

2 Tips Clamp (Type F)

Gripper with 2 Tips - The holding force depends on the material being transported and the Spring coils & Dia. of Spring.

Gripper Chains - Button Clamp Types

1. Button Clamp (Type G)

Allows symmetrical rotation. The holding force is determined by the material being transported. The clamp does not swivel away outwards when opened.

2. New Button Clamp (Type H)

Allows symmetrical rotation. The holding force is determined by the material being transported. The clamp does not swivel away outwards when opened.

Gripper Chains - Horizontal Clamp Type

Horizontal Clamp (Type I)

With two springs of 30N each allows uniform film clamping. Clamp design increases film retention and smooth operations.

Sprockets for Gripper Chains

Sprockets for gripper chains are precision-engineered components designed to work seamlessly with gripper chains, ensuring smooth and efficient operation in various packaging systems. These sprockets are critical in guiding and driving the chains, maintaining proper tension and alignment throughout the process. Manufactured from high-quality materials such as hardened steel or stainless steel, they offer excellent durability and wear resistance, even in demanding environments with high loads or corrosive conditions.

Gripper chain sprockets are available in various sizes and tooth configurations to match specific chain requirements, ensuring compatibility and reliable performance. Their precision machining ensures minimal vibration and noise, promoting stable operation. Additionally, customized sprockets can be designed to meet unique application needs. Properly matched sprockets and gripper chains help optimize machine efficiency, reduce maintenance needs, and extend the overall lifespan of packaging systems.

Gripper Chain Features

1. Corrosion-Resistant Base Chains
Gripper chains are available with base chains made from nickel-plated or stainless steel materials. These materials provide excellent resistance to corrosion, making the chains suitable for use in environments where moisture or chemicals are present.

2. High-Quality Stainless Steel Springs
The stainless steel springs used in film gripper chains are crafted from premium Japan-imported material. This ensures consistent and durable clamping force over time, enhancing the chain's performance and reliability during demanding packaging operations.

3. Wear-Resistant Pin and Bush Materials
For stainless steel base chains, the pins and bushes are manufactured from AISI 630HT material. This high-grade material delivers exceptional wear resistance, ensuring a longer service life and improved performance under heavy-duty conditions.

4. Pre-Stretched and Matched Strands
Gripper chains are supplied in pre-stretched and matched strands for seamless installation. This feature ensures trouble-free machine setup, minimizing downtime and providing a stable operation immediately after setup without needing further adjustments.

5. Optional Lube-Free Nickel-Plated Chains
A lube-free version of the nickel-plated chain is available upon request. This option eliminates the need for additional lubrication, reducing maintenance requirements and making the chain ideal for applications where cleanliness is critical.

Film Gripper Chain Applications

Gripper chains are widely used in various industries for form, fill, and vacuum seal wrapping applications, such as:

1. Food Industry Applications
Film gripper chains are extensively used in the food industry for packaging a variety of products, including ham, sausages, cheese, bread, and fish. These chains ensure precise film handling and secure sealing, maintaining product freshness, hygiene, and presentation quality during packaging processes.

2. Electronics Industry Applications
In the electronics industry, gripper chain conveyors play a vital role in the packaging of items such as wires and small components. Their precision ensures the safe handling of delicate products, preventing damage and maintaining the integrity of the packaging material throughout the process.

3. Medical Industry Applications
The medical industry relies on film gripper chains for packaging sterile products like injection syringes and pharmaceuticals. These chains ensure accurate and contamination-free packaging, meeting stringent hygiene standards and protecting critical medical supplies for safe distribution and use.

How to Order Gripper Chains

• Specify the Chain Size
  When ordering Gripper Chains, it is essential to provide the precise chain size required for your application. The size determines compatibility with your machinery and ensures proper operation, avoiding issues such as misalignment or reduced efficiency during use.
• Select the Clamp Type
  Choose the appropriate clamp type based on the material and application requirements. Different clamp designs offer varying levels of grip and adaptability, ensuring the chain can handle the specific film or product without causing damage or slippage.
• Determine the Base Chain Material
  Select the base chain material, such as nickel-plated steel or stainless steel, depending on the operating environment. Stainless steel is ideal for corrosive or high-moisture conditions, while nickel-plated chains work well for dry, less demanding settings.
• Decide on the Clamp Moving Mechanism
  Specify the desired clamp moving mechanism. This detail determines how the clamps operate during the packaging process, ensuring smooth and precise movements that align with your machine's requirements and the type of products being packaged.
• Define the Clamp Force Requirement
  Provide the necessary clamp force based on the thickness and type of film or material being handled. Proper clamp force ensures secure gripping without damaging the film while maintaining consistent performance throughout the packaging process.
• Confirm the Required Tensile Strength
  Specify the tensile strength needed for the Gripper Chain to handle the operational loads effectively. Ensuring the chain can withstand the stress of heavy-duty applications will prevent premature wear and ensure long-lasting, reliable performance.