Assembling Custom Serpentine Conveyors

The VEX CTE Workcell is designed to emulate real-world applications of workcells within the manufacturing industry. The Serpentine Conveyor is one of the most commonly used conveyor systems for assembling and transporting materials. You can assemble your own custom serpentine chains beyond what is shown in the build instructions when completing challenges.

Note that the example provided below is based on the standard Serpentine Conveyor layout. This same process can be applied to conveyors of any configuration.

Diagram illustrating various types of conveyors used in Career and Technical Education, highlighting their components and functionality, with labeled parts for educational reference.

First, assemble the custom Serpentine Conveyor track pieces for the track you want to make and attach it to the CTE Tile. Note that the Turn Track pieces will need to be secured to the CTE Tiles with Star Drive Screws and Low Profile Nuts.

Leave a gap in your custom Serpentine Conveyor track for the Serpentine Conveyor - Drive Track. Do not attach the Drive Track to the rest of your Serpentine Conveyor.

Diagram illustrating various types of conveyors used in Career and Technical Education, showcasing their design and functionality for material handling.

Lay out the Serpentine Conveyor - Chain in the assembled track to see if it needs more or less chains for the desired distance. The chain should:

  • Fit snugly within the base of the track pieces
  • Not have slack in the opening for the Drive Track
  • Not need to be stretched in order to fit in the base of the track pieces 

Diagram illustrating various types of conveyors used in Career and Technical Education, showcasing their components and functions for educational purposes.

Detach or attach Serpentine Conveyor - Chain pieces until you have the desired length for your custom Serpentine Conveyor track.

Attach the Serpentine Conveyor - Chain's beginning and end to make a complete chain.

Diagram illustrating the components and operation of conveyors in Career and Technical Education, highlighting key parts and their functions for educational purposes.

For every Serpentine Conveyor - Chain you are using, you will need a Serpentine Conveyor - Platform.

Attach the Serpentine Conveyor - Platforms to your Serpentine Conveyor - Chain.

Diagram of a conveyor system used in Career and Technical Education, illustrating various components and their functions, including belts, rollers, and support structures.

Place part of your assembled Serpentine Conveyor - Chain inside the Serpentine Conveyor - Drive Track, attached to the Smart Motor.

Diagram of a conveyor system illustrating various components and their functions, relevant to Career and Technical Education.

Place one Rubber Shaft Collar underneath the Smart Motor.

Place the 32 Tooth Sprocket in the opening of the Serpentine Conveyor - Drive Track.

Place the 3x Capped Shaft through the Sprocket, topped by the other Rubber Shaft Collar to secure the parts in place.

Diagram of conveyor system components used in Career and Technical Education, illustrating various parts and their functions within the conveyor setup.

Attach your assembled Serpentine Conveyor - Chain and Platforms with the Serpentine Conveyor - Drive Track into the rest of your assembled Serpentine Conveyor track.

Diagram of a conveyor system used in Career and Technical Education, illustrating various components and their functions, highlighting the mechanics and layout essential for understanding conveyor operations.

Your custom Serpentine Conveyor is now complete!

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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