Flat chain

Early machinery made extensive use of flat chain.

It has been gradually replaced in most applications by roller chain, which is quieter, lasts longer, and requires less frequent retensioning.

Modern flat chain is made from stamped steel.

Today, flat chain is used most often for conveyor belts, because it lends itself well to the attachment of slats, flights, buckets, and prongs used to move material.

[1] Older forms of flat chain were made of iron.