Jan. 16, 2026 — Robust, versatile drive solutions from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS deliver efficient operation while reducing system variants and lowering TCO.
Chain conveyors are utilized across numerous industries to move goods and material due to their versatility, durability to handle frequent, heavy loads and robustness in demanding ambient conditions. NORD’s modular system of gear units, electric motors, and electronic control products not only offer superior drive performance, but also greatly minimize the number of drive variants — resulting in reduced costs, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and CO2 footprint. The modular design enables simple installation and commissioning as well as easy drop-in replacements for ease of service.
As space is often limited for industrial conveyor systems, the installed components must have a slim, efficient design and be cleverly arranged. NORD’s compact, UNICASE gear units lend themselves to these environments and feature versatile shaft arrangements configurable to meet unique application needs. The most popular solution for chain and drag conveyor applications is a right-angle gear unit with a hollow shaft design. Free input shafts, direct-mounted motors, and features to protect against harsh environmental conditions such as dust, high temperatures and moisture are also available.
Chain conveyors for food packaging often utilize NORD’s NORDBLOC.1 helical bevel gear units with IE3 asynchronous motors and motor-mounted NORDAC ON variable frequency drives. The decentralized VFDs cover a power range from 0.50 – 5 hp and are characterized by their full plug-in capability, plug-and-play functionality, low maintenance, and high reliability. They also feature an internal PLC on board for drive-related functions and an integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface with PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT protocols easily set via parameters. Functional safety options such as STO and SS1 safely prevent dangerous movements to protect goods, systems, and operators. NORD’s drive solutions are also suitable for low temperatures of up to -22°F with special lubricants available for low/high temperatures.
When stand-alone solutions are required, NORDAC PRO SK 500P variable frequency drives are utilized. The book-size design of the control cabinet VFD is suitable for nearly every drive application and the case sizes cover a power range from 0.33 – 50 hp with high overload capabilities. Functional safety options STO and SS1 are also available with the centralized solution as well as various modules to extend the scope of functionality.
NORD’s drive solutions also deliver reliable operation for drag chain conveyors moving grain and other bulk materials, providing significant advantages regarding safety, environmental protection, and efficiency. Their products are suitable for all drag conveyor applications requiring multiple loading or discharge points such as transferring and removing materials from bulk storage bins. Designed for maximum reliability under demanding conditions, robust gear unit solutions for these applications include UNICASE helical bevel gear units, UNICASE helical inline gear units, UNICASE parallel shaft gear units, and MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units. Various hollow and solid shafts options, including GRIPMAXX, are available as well as options such as special seals to withstand the harsh environments, backstops to avoid material flowing the wrong way, and select CSA approved hazardous location motors.
Thanks to their extensive product portfolio and industry knowledge, NORD offers solutions across a wide range of applications. From food and beverage to bulk material handling, NORD has a reliable solution to meet a wide range of conveyor and application requirements.
About NORD DRIVESYSTEMS Group
With more than 4,900 employees, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has been developing, producing, and selling drive technology for more than 50 years, and it is a global leader among full-service providers in the industry. In addition to standard drives, NORD delivers application-specific designs and solutions for special requirements, such as energy-saving drives or explosion-protected systems. NORD has subsidiaries and sales partners in 80 countries worldwide. The dense sales and service network guarantees optimal availability, enabling short delivery times, and customer-oriented service. NORD produces a very diverse range of drives for torques from 88 lb-in to more than 2.5 million lb-in, provides motors in the power range of 0.16 – 1,341 hp, and manufactures frequency inverters with the required power electronics of up to 200 hp. Inverter solutions are available for conventional control cabinet installations as well as for decentralized, fully-integrated drive units.
