What is the Difference Between MatTop and TableTop Chain?

Moving products from one place to another is a key part manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. To do this effectively, businesses rely on different types of conveyor systems.

There are many ways to move product. Options include gravity conveyors, belt conveyors, roller systems, skate wheel conveyors, air conveyors, and chain-driven conveyors. Each type has its strengths and limits depending on the application.

One important category is flat top chain conveyors. These systems use a flat surface to carry products smoothly and reliably. Rexnord, an industry leader in conveying, manufactures two types of flat top chain: TableTop and MatTop. While both do the same job, they are built differently and work best in different situations. Let’s start with a quick look at common conveyor types, then break down the differences between TableTop and MatTop chain.

Common Conveyor Types

Belt Conveyors

A belt conveyor uses a belt stretched between two pulleys (a head pulley and a tail pulley). Take-up devices keep the belt stretched. The belt either slides on a steel surface or runs on rollers. Friction moves the belt, allowing it to carry products along its length.

Belt systems are simple and widely used. However, they can wear out over time because the belt is always under tension. Belts may also stretch or drift off track. When this happens, repairs or replacements can take time.

Roller and Skate Wheel Conveyors

Roller and skate wheel conveyors use rollers or small wheels to move products. They can be powered or non-powered (gravity). Either way, the rollers rotate on bearings.

Because products sit on individual rollers, the surface is not always smooth. This can lead to product damage in some cases. These systems also have many moving parts, which increases maintenance needs and costs.

Air Conveyors

Air conveyors use air pressure to move lightweight products. They are often used for empty plastic bottles, like PET containers.

Typically, neck guiderails hold the containers by their neck, while air pressure pushes the products along. Another set of guiderails (which are adjustable) will move the bodies of the bottles. These systems work well for very specific products, but they are not flexible for general use.

Flat Top Chain Conveyors

Flat top chain conveyors work like belt conveyors but offer several advantages. They provide a durable, solid surface to move products.

These chains are used to:

• Convey products
• Transfer between conveyors
• Accumulate items
• Control flow (metering)
• Move products up or down

They can handle many product sizes and shapes, making them a versatile choice.

Types of Flat Top Chain

Rexnord makes two types of flat top chains: TableTop and MatTop Chain. Both types perform similar jobs. However, they differ in design, flexibility, and ideal use cases.

TableTop vs. MatTop Chain

Key Differences Between TableTop and MatTop

• Width: TableTop is narrow and fixed; MatTop is flexible and wide
• Construction: TableTop uses hinged links; MatTop uses modular sections
• Best Use: TableTop for single-file lines; MatTop for mass flow

TableTop Chain Types

• Straight running: Moves in a straight line
• Side-flexing: Can bend around curves

There are also two different types of construction; one and two piece.

• One-piece: Simple design, a unit link assembled with a hinge-like pin.
• Two-piece: Combines the strength of a roller base chain and the flat surface of a TableTop link. The roller base chain provides extra strength. It also allows for longer conveyors in comparison to a one-piece TableTop chain.

TableTop chains come in multiple variations for specific applications.

Polymeric (Plastic) Chains

Polymeric are plastic versions of one piece metal engineered chains. They are:

• Lightweight
• Corrosion-resistant
• Available in straight and side-flexing styles

Multiflex (Knuckle Chain)

Multiflex chains feature a special link, pivot, and pin. This design allows tight turns and vertical movement.

It is often used in alpine systems, some of which are used to accumulate product.

MatTop Chain Types

MatTop chains are usually made from plastic and come in different surface styles. Each style meets a different conveying need.

Solid Top

• Flat and closed surface.
• Best for general conveying that needs a flat surface.

Perforated / Open Area

• Small openings allow air or water to pass through. The size of the openings depend on the percentage of air or water needed to flow through the chain.
• Ideal for washdown applications (like rinsing produce).

Raised Rib

Used with transfer systems, the raised rib style help creates smooth product movement between conveyors.

• Feature "finger transfer" combs. In this setup, the fingers fit between the ribs of the chain (like an escalator).
• Textured Surface
• Includes raised patterns or nubs.
• Helps prevent slipping or sticking.

Like TableTop, MatTop chains are available in straight running or side flexing designs.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Conveyor System

Choosing the right conveyor system is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Every application has unique needs based on product size, weight, speed, environment, and layout. That’s why different conveyor types, and different flat top chain designs, exist.

Rexnord TableTop and MatTop chains both provide reliable conveying. But their differences in construction, flexibility, and width make each one better suited for specific tasks. Understanding those differences helps you improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and protect your products throughout the process.

If you’re evaluating conveyor options or looking to optimize an existing system, exploring the full range of available solutions is a great place to start. Visit Regal Rexnord’s conveying product line page to learn more about TableTop, MatTop, and other conveyor technologies designed to meet your application needs.