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3500 Double Flex Conveyor Chain: The Backbone of Dairy and Material Handling Systems
Knight Industrial is proud to supply high-quality 3500 double flex conveyor chain, engineered for the demanding environments of dairy manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and heavy-duty material handling.
What is 3500 Chain?
The 3500 chain, also referred to as double flex chain or case conveyor chain, is a steel engineered-class chain designed to flex in both horizontal and vertical planes. This dual-plane flexibility makes it the ideal choice for in-floor conveyor systems where the chain must navigate corners, curves, and elevation changes — all while carrying heavy loads of stacked dairy cases, beverage crates, or palletized goods.
If you've ever walked through a dairy manufacturing plant, chances are the conveyor system beneath your feet is powered by 3500 chain. It's the same chain referenced in drag chain drives, stack conveyor systems, and in-floor transfer conveyors found in fluid dairy plants across the country.
Technical Specifications
The 3500 chain supplied by Knight Industrial is built to exacting tolerances, with all components heat treated for maximum durability and extended wear life.
Chain Dimensions and Performance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pitch (Inner Link) | 2.500" |
| Pitch (Outer Link) | 3.000" |
| Overall Chain Width | 1.500" |
| Inside Link Width | 0.624" |
| Link Plate Thickness | 0.250" |
| Link Plate Height | 1.250" |
| Pin Diameter | 0.561" |
| Minimum Flex Radius | 20.00" |
| Average Tensile Strength | 48,000 lbs |
| Maximum Allowable Working Load | 4,000 lbs |
| Approximate Weight | 3.3 lbs per foot |
These specifications ensure that the chain can handle the daily demands of a production environment running at conveyor speeds of 40 to 90 feet per minute, typical in dairy and food processing operations.
Where is 3500 Chain Used?
The 3500 double flex chain is the standard chain found in most dairy manufacturing plants and many food and beverage facilities. Its primary applications include:
Dairy Stack Conveyors
The 3500 chain sits in a floor-level pan and is driven by a drag chain drive (also called a dairy drive, milk crate drive, or stack conveyor drive). These drives range from 5hp to 10hp and move stacked milk cases through the plant, from the filler to the palletizer and out to the loading dock.
In-Floor Transfer Conveyors
Where product needs to change direction on the plant floor, the double flex design of the 3500 chain allows it to navigate 90-degree turns and S-curves without requiring the chain to be broken or reconnected.
Case and Crate Conveyors
Beyond dairy, the 3500 chain is used in bottling operations, bakery distribution, and general material handling where cases or crates need to be moved reliably across a facility.
Overhead Empty Case Returns
In some configurations, 3500 chain is also used in overhead conveyor systems that return empty cases from the depalletizer back to the filling line.
Why Chain Quality Matters
In a production environment, chain failure doesn't just mean a maintenance call — it means downtime, lost product, and delayed shipments. Inferior chain can stretch prematurely, lose hardness under continuous load, or fail at the pin connections, all of which can bring an entire line to a halt.
The 3500 chain supplied by Knight Industrial features engineered interference fit construction, which is specifically designed to increase both fatigue life and wear life. All pins are induction hardened for a balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness. Industry-leading case depth on hardened components means the chain maintains its strength over thousands of hours of operation.
Proper chain lubrication is also critical. In dairy environments, chains are typically lubricated with a soap-type solution that contains a biocide to prevent bacterial growth — a requirement that rules out conventional petroleum-based chain lubricants.
Signs Your 3500 Chain Needs Replacement
Knowing when to replace your conveyor chain can save you from costly unplanned downtime. Here are the key indicators:
- Excessive Chain Stretch: Over time, wear on pins and bushings causes the chain to elongate. When chain stretch exceeds 3% of the original pitch length, replacement is recommended.
- Visible Wear on Sidebars: If the sidebar edges are noticeably worn or thinned, the chain's working load capacity is compromised.
- Stiff or Binding Links: Links that don't flex freely indicate worn or corroded pins and can cause the chain to track poorly or jump sprockets.
- Increased Drive Motor Amperage: If your drive motor is drawing more current than usual, the chain may be dragging due to wear, misalignment, or insufficient lubrication.
- Unusual Noise: A healthy drag chain system has a consistent sound. Grinding, popping, or irregular clanking often signals chain or sprocket wear.
Knight Industrial: Your Source for 3500 Chain and Complete Conveyor Solutions
Knight Industrial doesn't just sell chain — we manufacture, install, and service complete conveyor systems for the dairy and food processing industries. When you purchase 3500 chain from Knight Industrial, you're getting more than a commodity part. You're getting the backing of a team that understands how that chain integrates with your drives, your sprockets, your conveyor pans, and your overall plant layout.
We stock 3500 chain and can supply it cut to length or in full rolls, ready for your maintenance team or for a Knight Industrial service crew to install on-site. We also supply matching sprockets, wear strips, and replacement drive components to keep your entire conveyor system running at peak performance.
Whether you need a few feet of replacement chain or a complete conveyor system overhaul, Knight Industrial has the expertise and the inventory to get your plant back up and running fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 3500 chain and 3498 chain?
Both are double flex chains used in dairy and food processing conveyors. The primary differences are in pitch dimensions and load ratings. The 3500 chain has a 2.500"/3.000" alternating pitch, while the 3498 chain uses a slightly different pitch configuration. Both are commonly referred to as "drag chain" in the dairy industry. Your specific conveyor system will be designed for one or the other — they are not interchangeable without verifying sprocket compatibility.
What is "tiger chain"?
"Tiger chain" is an industry nickname sometimes used for conveyor chains in dairy plants, typically referring to either the 3500 or 3498 chain. The name comes from the distinctive appearance of the alternating link pattern. If you're unsure which chain your system uses, Knight Industrial can help you identify the correct replacement.
How often should 3500 chain be replaced?
Chain life depends on several factors including load, speed, lubrication practices, and environmental conditions. In a well-maintained dairy plant, 3500 chain can last several years. Regular inspection for stretch, sidebar wear, and pin condition is the best way to determine when replacement is needed.
Can Knight Industrial install the chain on-site?
Yes. Knight Industrial provides full-service conveyor installation and maintenance, including chain replacement. Our field service technicians are experienced with dairy and food processing conveyor systems and can have your line back in operation quickly.
Do you sell sprockets for 3500 chain?
Yes. Knight Industrial supplies fabricated steel sprockets engineered specifically for 3500 double flex chain. Using matched sprockets and chain ensures optimal engagement, reduces wear, and extends the life of both components.
Knight Industrial is the exclusive factory-authorized manufacturer, service, and support partner for Cannon Equipment fluid dairy equipment. We specialize in palletizers, case stackers, cart loaders, conveyor systems, and all associated parts and components for the dairy and food processing industries.
Contact Knight Industrial today at (844) 564-4489 or info@knightindustrialinc.com to get a quote on 3500 chain or to schedule a service call.
