Lift systems with original rigid chain technology

Specialized drive technology from SERAPID seeks new challenges and promises optimal solutions.

With its "rigid rigid chain" technology, SERAPID has become the brand for conveyor systems that can meet even special requirements and difficult conditions. Developed for heavy loads, this drive medium has established itself in both horizontal and vertical conveying applications: in industrial manufacturing, tool and material handling, warehouse logistics, and stage and event technology. A wealth of new applications await in building dynamics, for which rigid chain technology promises optimal solutions, such as high-load platforms, transport lifts, special work and maintenance platforms, variable floors, or extendable galleries.

The comprehensive range of SERAPID lift systems also utilizes the basic mechanical principle of the rigid chain. The special chain links interlock positively and non-positively and, under forward pressure, close together to form an expanding rigid rod that pushes or presses the load upwards. On the other side of the articulation point, the passive part of the chain, including the return section, remains flexible. It can be redirected or rolled up into compact loops and stored outside the work area. This not only saves space but also allows for relative flexibility in the positioning of the storage unit. Like the lift base, it is at ground level, eliminating the need for drilling wells. A static, merely held load rests on the lift columns, thus eliminating stress on the building structure and eliminating the need for platform locks in load-bearing walls. Loads over five tons, but also ten tons or more, are still well within the standard range. With these properties, rigid chain drives can often be used even when other drives reach their limits.

In the LinkLift series, specially designed for vertical conveying, the chain links consist of block-shaped elements. To lift the load, they are stacked on top of each other to form a tower. The square cross-section gives the lifting column particularly high stability and flexural rigidity. The model range extends from 10 kN to 150 kN dynamic capacity per lift column. Lifting heights of up to 8 m are possible as standard, with extensions allowing for up to 15 m and more. Speeds of up to 300 mm/s are standard, and higher speeds are also possible if required. Thanks to the compact storage system, any number of lift columns can be easily combined to lift larger platforms, for example.

SERAPID lift systems are considered reliable, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly. In addition, depending on the application, they offer energy efficiency of 80 to 90%. Despite all these advantages, solving a conveyor technology problem also requires consulting, customization, and customer-specific engineering. Integration into unique environments is often the first requirement. Here, too, rigid chain technology simplifies many tasks or even makes them possible.