Conveyor 101: The Serpentine Conveyor Return

The photo shows a serpentine return conveyor chain. This return configuration is used in moderate to high-speed TableTop Conveyor or MatTop Conveyor applications.  The serpentine return profile assures uniform wear over the entire chain surface. This return design also has lower noise levels than other returns.

How does a Serpentine Conveyor Work?

How it works — step by step:

1. Products enter on the top tier

Items are fed onto the first horizontal belt, which carries them in one direction — typically left to right.

2. The belt curves around a drive pulley

At the end of each run, a curved section redirects the belt and its products down to the next tier, reversing direction.

3. Products snake back and forth across multiple tiers

Each tier alternates direction — right, then left, then right again — creating a winding path. This extends the effective conveyor length within a compact footprint.

4. Accumulation buffers absorb production gaps

Because the belt holds many products across all its tiers at once, the system can absorb short upstream stoppages without halting downstream processes — a key benefit in packaging and food production lines.

5. Products exit at the final tier

After traveling the full serpentine path, items discharge onto the next stage of the production line, maintaining their order and spacing.

Other Types of Returns

Other types include a roller return that uses a free-turning roller to provide frictionless support for the chain return. Also, a tab return is designed for use in situations where the top surface of the chain cannot be contaminated.

For more information, visit our web page about TableTop Conveyors for videos, downloads, and more photos showing different chain returns.