MEGAlife maintenance-free chains in plaster processing: a success story
17. Mar 2025 | iwis drive systems

A leading global manufacturer of plasterboard has relied on maintenance-free MEGAlife chains from iwis for decades. Gypsum processing is a demanding process that involves numerous production stages, from the extraction of the raw material to the dispatch of the finished products. Especially in the drying phase, moisture, abrasive dusts and the occurrence of so-called ‘honing paste’ effects - a mixture of oil and gypsum dust - pose an enormous challenge for conventional chains. These conditions often lead to significant length growth and thus to a shortened service life of the chains.
Challenges in gypsum processing
The production of plasterboard requires several process steps:
- Mechanical removal of the raw gypsum
- Crushing and grinding
- Heating (firing)
- Mixing with starch and other additives
- Drying the gypsum
Conveyor chains are subjected to extreme stress, particularly during the drying phase. The combination of high humidity and abrasive dust particles puts a lot of strain on conventional chains. The formation of ‘honing paste’ in particular can lead to increased wear, uneven length growth and ultimately to production downtime.
The solution: MEGAlife maintenance-free chains from iwis
To meet these challenges, the plasterboard manufacturer relies on the MEGAlife chains from iwis. These offer decisive advantages:
- Self-lubricating properties: The special coating and material composition eliminate the need for additional lubrication.
- High corrosion protection: MEGAlife chains have been specially developed for use in damp and abrasive environments.
- Low length growth: Compared to conventional chains, MEGAlife chains remain dimensionally stable even with intensive use and enable a longer service life without frequent maintenance intervals.
Conclusion
By using MEGAlife chains, the manufacturer has been able to significantly reduce its maintenance costs, minimise downtime and increase the efficiency of its production. The combination of durability, maintenance-free operation and high resistance makes MEGAlife chains the ideal solution for demanding plaster processing.
iwis sets standards with innovative drive solutions and supports companies worldwide in making their processes more sustainable and efficient.