an endless conveyor chain is a sequential assembly of block links formed of a polymeric material , interconnected by thin fleixble links of undulated shape , formed of either metallic or polymeric material , which are easily capable of flexing through their thicknesses , making it possible for the chain to negotiate lateral turns in the conveying run by producing edgewise flexure in the links . large bearing stresses , which normally result in applications where chain joint lateral articulation occurs in nonlinear chain travel , are minimized or eliminated since the requisite lateral movement is allowed by flexure in the thin links away from the chain joints .