Automotive industry
Professional chain solutions with Drive.
KÖBO is a trusted partner to leading car manufacturers and suppliers. Our comprehensive consultancy services and bespoke engineering solutions are recognised worldwide. KÖBO’s engineers develop and manufacture high-performance conveyor and plate-link chains that are precisely tailored to the diverse requirements of the automotive industry. Even under varying environmental conditions, such as during rain tests, KÖBO solutions remain consistently reliable – and are extremely durable.
KÖBO chains can be implemented in a wide variety of applications with low or no maintenance requirements. For example:
- Transfer chains
- Dryer chains
- Chains for paint shops
- Chains for car wash systems
- and more
Chip conveyor
One of the first steps in vehicle production is the forming of flat metal sheets into complex components such as bonnets, doors or side panels. Once they have been completed, they need to be moved quickly and safely to the location where they are required or where they are to be assembled. Meanwhile, excess material is removed from the production line separately. KÖBO offers chains, sprockets and complete assemblies with attachments for the effective disposal of scrap metal. We are your partner for reliable conveyor technology in the automotive sector.
Paint shop
- Cross-conveyors
Cross-conveyors are used in the automotive industry to link production lines. They ensure the smooth flow of work through the production process and determine the production speed. KÖBO manufactures chains for such cross-conveyor applications in various pitch sizes and dimensions. Common pitch sizes include 80 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 160 mm and 6 inches. We also offer powder-coated or electro-galvanised versions – with specially developed sealing technology where required. The lubrication-free design reduces maintenance requirements.
- Buffer chains
Large roller chains and accumulation chains are known as buffer chains. They are widely used in vehicle manufacturing plants all over the world. Depending on the required cycle time, rollers of various sizes can be incorporated into the chains. Guide blocks made of steel, cast iron or plastic can also be fitted to the links. Apart from these specific performance characteristics, KÖBO manufactures buffer chains in a wide variety of designs: for example, with a coating, electro-galvanised, made of stainless steel or sealed to protect the joints and extend service life.
- Chains for dip coating systems & pre-treatment systems
Effective cleaning and proper pre-treatment before entering the paint shop are of great importance. To this end, the car bodies are immersed in dip conveyor systems and rotated several times, depending on the manufacturer. In the tanks, the surfaces are completely stripped of dirt and grease from all sides using liquid chemicals.
- Chains for spray booths
Chains used in spray booths are exposed to paint mist and paint throughout their service life. The main challenge is to effectively protect the chain links from dust and dirt. The chains or belts can be fitted with either end plates or external guide rollers to ensure better lateral guidance.
- Furnace chains
Temperatures here can reach up to 300 °C. For this reason, the materials used for the chain and the corresponding joint clearance must be carefully planned and selected. KÖBO has been manufacturing furnace chains for a wide range of industries for decades. Our engineers possess specialist knowledge. We offer conveyor chains for high-temperature applications – in metric or imperial sizes – in all standard dimensions.
Final assembly
- Sprockets
The quality of the sprockets is a key factor in determining the performance and service life of any chain system. In addition to industry-standard solutions, our production is characterised by a high degree of flexibility in meeting your specific requirements. For example, we manufacture sprockets from special materials, such as stainless steel, and in split designs. Depending on your requirements, we can also produce sprockets with induction-hardened teeth. With our extensive range of machinery, we are able to manufacture sprockets and sprocket discs in all designs and variations up to a diameter of 1,800 mm.
- Maintenance-free or low-maintenance chains
The use of low-maintenance chains minimises maintenance work. This reduces operating costs, the chain links are sealed against dust ingress, and the environment is protected as the lubricant does not escape from the chain links.
KÖBO is your reliable partner for plate conveyors in the automotive industry, and we also have extensive expertise in transport processes within final assembly. We have already successfully completed numerous international projects for leading manufacturers and brands in the passenger car, lorry and mobility sectors.
KÖBO plate conveyors are used in the following areas of the automotive industry:
- Bodywork
- Finishing & filling
- Water testing
- Preservation
As a full-service supplier, we supply chain systems including chains, transport cells, shafts and sprockets. As a full-service supplier, we can supply complete units. In this sector, maintenance-free or low-maintenance chains are predominantly used to keep lubrication and maintenance requirements to a minimum.
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- Drive chains
KÖBO roller chains and drive chains are used successfully in many motor vehicle manufacturing plants. Our chains are suitable for a wide range of applications: for example, as cross-conveyors feeding into the main conveyors. The KÖBO range extends from high-strength roller chains to galvanised, nickel-plated or Dacromet-coated variants, as well as lubrication-free chains.
- Drive chains
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