Roller conveyors play a crucial role in material handling systems. They use a sequence of uniformly spaced cylindrical rollers to efficiently transport boxes, materials, objects, and parts over open spaces or between varying elevations. These roller conveyor frames are crafted at a convenient height, facilitating effortless manual loading and unloading. For optimum performance, items transported via roller conveyors should possess firm, flat surfaces to glide smoothly over the rollers.
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These conveyors offer great versatility, being employed in a range of applications such as accumulation, inertia reduction, and swift sorting of products. Driven roller conveyors have rollers connected to a motor through mechanisms like chains, shafts, or belts, which control the consistent movement speed of items. These systems can be bi-directional, allowing for reversible movement and transport of products between different levels, with the motor capable of changing the direction of the items being moved.
Roller conveyors are critical components in material handling systems and warehouse automation, renowned for their efficient transport of goods, boxes, and palettes across production lines and distribution centers. Engineered with precision, modern roller conveyors are designed with specific features to meet the varied needs of industries such as manufacturing, logistics, packaging, and food processing. While roller conveyors can differ in structure, drive mechanism, and manufacturer-specific features, they share several fundamental characteristics. An understanding of how these conveyors are constructed can help facility managers and engineers select the optimal conveyor solution for their application requirements.
Powered roller conveyors, also referred to as live roller conveyors, utilize small belts, poly-v belts, or plastic spools to provide consistent traction to the rollers. Friction belts or durable roller chains positioned beneath the conveyor bed engage with heavy-duty rollers to move products smoothly. These drive systems are connected to a central shaft that runs the length of the conveyor frame and links to an energy-efficient electric motor, which powers the conveyor rollers and delivers reliable motion control.
Conveyor rollers are cylindrical metal components fitted into the conveyor frame with high-precision sets of bearings on either end. Several types of conveyor rollers are available, each designed to fit different load capacities, operational speeds, and environmental conditions. Rubber and plastic rollers increase friction for gentle product handling, while steel and aluminum rollers offer low rolling resistance and durability for heavier industrial applications. When choosing rollers, end-users must consider factors like load type, maintenance needs, and wear-resistance to ensure seamless material flow and product integrity throughout the material handling system.
Plastic conveyor rollers are lightweight, cost-effective, and designed for light-duty applications. Simple to install and boasting minimal maintenance requirements, plastic rollers comply with OSHA workplace noise standards, reducing sound levels on busy production floors. With their inherent resistance to corrosion, rust, and moisture, these non-metallic rollers excel in harsh or washdown environments and offer a longer useful life. Their easy-to-clean properties make plastic rollers ideal for transporting packaged goods, pharmaceutical items, and food products in the food and beverage industry. They also support sanitary conveyor system standards required for hygienic applications.
Nylon rollers offer superior durability and strength for medium to heavy-duty load handling. Manufactured from synthetic polymers, nylon conveyor rollers provide excellent abrasion resistance, chemical stability, and operational reliability in high-traffic logistics and distribution centers. Like plastic variants, nylon rollers are lightweight, easy to install, and contribute to operator safety by generating minimal vibration and noise. These characteristics make nylon rollers popular in e-commerce fulfillment, packaging, and parcel delivery sectors where quiet, efficient operation is valued.
Rubber-coated rollers feature a protective layer of natural or synthetic rubber bonded onto steel, stainless steel, or solid plastic cores. This specialized coating increases grip, cushions fragile products, and provides long-lasting protection for both the roller and transported goods. Selection of rubber composition and hardness is based on specific industry and product needs, such as anti-static, abrasion-resistant, or chemical-resistant properties. Commonly used in the automotive, packaging, printing, textile, and metal fabrication industries, rubber-coated rollers are prized for their durability, slip prevention, and ability to move products securely across inclined or fast-moving conveyor lines.
Rubber-coated rollers are customizable to various load requirements and operational environments. Their increased surface friction helps prevent product slippage and improves throughput in automated material handling systems.
Steel and stainless steel rollers represent the gold standard in conveyor roller construction for heavy-duty industrial and commercial use. These metal rollers offer unmatched longevity, strength, and resistance to wear, making them ideal for moving pallets, bulk containers, and other high-weight materials. Stainless steel rollers add corrosion resistance for applications in cleanrooms, food production, and harsh chemical processing environments. Both steel and stainless rollers can be customized with different diameters and wall thicknesses for maximum structural integrity.
In complex conveyor systems, steel roller cores are often overmolded with plastic, nylon, or rubber to provide targeted performance benefits. With compatibility across a wide variety of driven and gravity-fed conveyors, stainless steel rollers support precision bearings, adjustable shafts, and tailor-fit solutions for the demands of modern automated warehouses.
Roller conveyor frames form the backbone of any conveyor solution, providing essential structural support and alignment for efficient material transfer. Frames can be either permanently installed or configured as portable conveyor units, adaptable to dynamic facility layouts. Typically constructed from steel, stainless steel, or lightweight aluminum, each material offers distinct benefits: aluminum is rust-resistant and easier to relocate, while steel and stainless steel afford robust durability for continuous heavy-duty use.
Support legs for roller conveyors come in a range of sizes, materials, and configurations to address varied load capacities, conveyor lengths, and installation conditions. These legs generally feature tripod or "H" designs—the "H" type is subdivided into light duty, medium duty, and heavy duty construction. Manufactured from sturdy channel material, support legs are engineered to fit a variety of roller diameters and can be customized with leveling feet, casters for mobility, or even shock-absorbing mounts for vibration isolation.
At the heart of a powered roller conveyor is the motorized drive system. Roller conveyor motors are typically 24-volt DC motors, valued for energy efficiency, low noise output, and safer operation compared to higher voltage solutions. In advanced motorized roller conveyor systems (MDR), the conveyor is divided into individually controlled zones, with each segment powered by its own motor-driven roller. This zoned approach facilitates accumulation, product sorting, and merge/diverge functions crucial for order fulfillment and warehouse automation. Operators can precisely control speed, direction, and sequencing, optimizing flow for both batch and continuous processing environments.
These modular MDR conveyor systems enable scalability, minimize energy consumption, and reduce downtime for maintenance—making them an increasingly popular choice for smart factory and Industry 4.0 applications.
Non-precision bearings, such as sleeve bearings and bushings, are economical solutions suited for conveyor rollers operating at lower speeds and under light-to-moderate loads. Manufactured using the same base materials as precision bearings, these components feature looser tolerances, which allow them to accommodate small misalignments and reduce production costs. Their primary applications are in package handling, assembly lines, and sortation conveyors, where precise positioning is less critical than in high-speed or automated systems.
Angular contact ball bearings are designed to support combined radial and axial loads by providing stable contact at a specific angle relative to the bearing axis. The close spacing of the inner and outer ring raceways allows these bearings to withstand high dynamic forces encountered in fast-moving or heavily loaded conveyor lines. Several configurations exist, including single row, double row, and four-point contact bearers, each optimized for different operational needs and installation footprints.
Within motorized roller conveyor systems, angular contact bearings are vital for supporting the conveyor's line shaft, ensuring stable, low-noise, and low-maintenance operation. Their integration with high-tensile shafts, drive belts, and spools enables smooth, efficient product movement, increasing productivity in automated packaging lines and high-throughput distribution centers.
Pillow block bearings, also called plummer block bearings, are a trusted means of supporting rotating shafts in both static and dynamic conveyor applications. The bearing is encased in a sturdy mounting block, bolted parallel to the conveyor line for optimal shaft alignment. Conveyor systems rely on pillow block bearings for their capability to accommodate misalignments and deflections, ensuring uninterrupted product flow and system longevity.
These bearings deliver reliable performance for both axial and radial load scenarios and are available with features such as grease fittings, dust covers, and anti-corrosive housings to suit even the most demanding industrial environments.
Roller conveyor sprockets are engineered gears that synchronize with conveyor chains to transfer drive power through the system’s rollers. Sprocket configurations are chosen based on tooth count, torque requirements, roller diameter, and bore length to match the specific conveyor design. For lighter loads, plastic hubs are suitable, while robust steel sprockets handle the stresses of bulk material movement in manufacturing and heavy industry. Proper sprocket selection enhances overall conveyor performance, prolongs component life, and supports maintenance-friendly conveyor designs.
Roller conveyor curves are essential modules that introduce flexibility and direction changes to conveyor layouts, facilitating smooth transport of goods around corners and obstacles without the risk of jams or misalignment. These curves are engineered with precise angles, typically from 30° up to 90°, but custom engineering allows for complex transitions in space-constrained facilities. Curved conveyor sections help maximize available floor space and ensure optimal layout efficiency in distribution centers and production environments.
Specialized rollers for conveyor curves—often tapered, conical, or cylindrical—accommodate the radius of the curve and efficiently handle a wide range of items including cardboard boxes, totes, crates, tires, and small packages. Properly engineered curves take into account the size, weight, and center of gravity of each item to prevent tipping or blockages and may include adjustable side guides and reinforced support rollers for added stability.
Innovative curve solutions include S-curves for space savings, spiral roller conveyors to move goods between elevations, and split or multi-track curves for high-volume sortation. By integrating expertly designed conveyor curves, operators can optimize their material handling systems for future expansion and evolving business needs.
Roller conveyors are essential components in material handling systems, widely employed across manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and packaging industries. They enable the efficient, safe, and cost-effective transfer of products, packages, and materials within facilities. Broadly, roller conveyors are categorized into two main types: powered (motor-driven) roller conveyors and gravity roller conveyors. Gravity roller conveyors function on the force of gravity or manual intervention, while powered roller conveyors utilize electric motors or other drive systems for automated material flow. Within each category exists a diverse range of roller conveyor solutions, including belt-driven, chain-driven, line shaft, zero pressure, motor-driven, and merge roller conveyors—each engineered to suit specific load requirements, facility layouts, and automation levels.
Gravity roller conveyors are the most basic and widely used type of roller conveyor. These systems feature a straightforward design with a frame that supports rotating roller bars and sturdy support legs. Gravity roller conveyors efficiently transport light to medium weight loads by exploiting gravity for movement—no external power source is required. This makes them exceptionally cost-effective, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient.
Constructed from robust materials such as steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, or high-grade plastics, gravity roller conveyors can be customized with various components, including curved and straight sections, guide rails, supports, hanging brackets, sensors, and pop-up stops. Common in shipping, receiving, assembly, and order picking areas, these conveyors offer flexibility and modular setups—often serving as ideal alternatives to skate wheel conveyors in heavy-duty and bulk material handling applications. Their ability to be moved or reconfigured as layouts change makes them invaluable for dynamic warehouse and logistics environments, improving workflow and minimizing processing time.
Belt-driven live roller (BDLR) conveyors are equipped with an electric motor connected to a continuous belt that transmits power to individual rollers. This configuration grants precise control over directional movement, speed, and load separation. Belt-driven roller conveyors are highly adaptable—capable of halting, turning, side-unloading, sliding, and reversing load flow—making them well-suited for facilities needing material accumulation, diverting, and controlled product orientation.
Often manufactured with rollers positioned above or flush with the conveyor frame, BDLR systems accommodate oversized goods and irregularly shaped cartons. These roller conveyors are optimal for clean, dry, medium to heavy-duty applications, such as handling boxes, totes, and palletized loads. Additional advantages include reliable stops, start/start transfer points, and energy efficiency in automated assembly lines and distribution operations. Their seamless integration with gravity or chain-driven conveyors further enhances workflow customization.
Chain-driven roller conveyors utilize a robust power transmission chain attached to sprockets, which are fixed to each individual roller. Unlike standard chain conveyors that might drive all rollers with a single, continuous chain, this system enables more precise and uniform movement—especially vital when transporting heavy loads, pallets, drums, or containers through manufacturing and industrial environments.
These conveyors offer greater torque and power transfer, making them ideal for heavy-duty, high-impact, and high-throughput applications. Chain-driven systems can also handle reversing operations and are less prone to slippage, delivering consistent and reliable transport for demanding material handling tasks.
Commonly deployed in palletizing, filling, load staging, assembly, and strapping applications, chain-driven roller conveyors offer unparalleled durability, resistance to abrasives, and reliable performance even in harsh and hazardous industrial environments. Their construction supports high load capacities, and the modular design allows for easy maintenance and integration with automated systems for plant-wide material flow.
Line shaft roller conveyors utilize a continuous rotating shaft connected beneath or beside the conveyor's frame. Drive spools and elastomeric belts link the shaft to individual rollers, providing smooth and reliable movement for light to medium-weight items. An electric motor, frequently governed by a programmable logic controller (PLC), turns the line shaft, enabling synchronized movement along extensive conveyor lengths and around curves without the need for separate drives, chains, or complex mechanical linkages.
Line shaft systems can move products efficiently over distances exceeding 100 feet, managing both straight and curved conveyor segments. Favored for accumulation, gentle sortation, induction, and low-back-pressure conveying, these conveyors excel in order fulfillment, packaging, postal, and distribution centers where quiet operation and versatility are priorities.
However, line shaft roller conveyors are not ideal for wet, oily, or extreme environments and are best used in applications with consistent product contact over at least three rollers. They operate most effectively on flat surfaces at moderate speeds, ensuring smooth product flow and reduced risk of jams or product gaps.
In conventional accumulation conveyor systems, products can collide and create unwanted pressure, resulting in potential product damage and reduced processing efficiency. Zero pressure roller conveyors—also recognized as pressureless or accumulation conveyors—address this by utilizing advanced controls and zoned drive systems to prevent product contact during accumulation.
Zero pressure systems use 24-volt DC motors to power specific conveyor zones, each managed by integrated photoelectric sensors and a central controller. When a sensing zone detects a stationary product ahead, it halts its own operation, ensuring no back pressure or product collisions. This level of control dramatically enhances material flow safety, product integrity, and throughput in facilities handling delicate or high-value goods.
Each zone in a zero pressure roller conveyor includes a powered roller, multiple slave rollers, and a dedicated sensor. Motor power is transmitted—often via internal bands such as O-rings—to slave rollers, allowing for modular system expansion and efficient maintenance.
Zero pressure roller conveyors are ideal for applications requiring high-precision automated flow—such as order fulfillment, pharmaceutical packaging, electronic assembly, and fragile product transport. Available as both new installations and retrofit kits, these conveyors bring superior control, speed, and overall efficiency compared to older accumulation methods, making them a top choice for advanced material handling systems seeking reliable, damage-free throughput.
Motor-driven live roller (MDR) conveyors utilize low-voltage (typically 24V DC) motors seamlessly integrated into the roller shafts themselves. Each conveyor section is divided into multiple independently-driven zones, with each zone equipped with a motorized roller and accompanying slave rollers. Photoelectric sensors and controller cards facilitate zone-based accumulation, selective product movement, and high system flexibility—all without the need for extensive PLC programming or pneumatic controls.
MDR roller conveyors provide energy savings through on-demand, zone-based operation—only activating motorized rollers when a product is present. This greatly reduces operating costs and system wear. These conveyors are highly configurable, easy to install or expand, and excel in accumulation, sortation, and transfer applications within e-commerce, postal, and high-speed distribution environments. MDR conveyors can readily integrate with belts for inclines/declines and facilitate seamless integration with modern warehouse automation technologies.
Merge roller conveyors—also known as combiner roller conveyors—are engineered to channel products from multiple inbound conveyor lines into a single unified flow. These conveyors are critical for merging and sorting applications within distribution hubs, packaging lines, or facilities with parallel processing streams. Merge roller conveyors efficiently combine two or more product lines, streamlining operations and maximizing throughput while reducing upstream and downstream handling complexity.
Engineered for light to medium-duty materials, these systems leverage either fixed or powered roller sections to control product entry and exit, ensuring smooth and precise merging with minimal manual input. The ability to reconfigure, adjust, or expand these conveyors makes them especially valuable for facilities with regularly changing workflows or fluctuating product mix.
For optimal results, merge roller conveyors can be combined with automatic sensors, diverters, and programmable controls—enhancing their performance as part of an integrated conveyor system designed for lean manufacturing and just-in-time delivery methodologies.
Since their debut in , roller conveyors have become crucial in product handling, assembly, and supply chain management. These conveyors are versatile and can manage loads of various sizes. Over time, their designs and functions have evolved significantly, with continual innovations and improvements being introduced.
Roller conveyors are used for a variety of applications, including:
Each application for roller conveyors requires a bespoke design tailored to specific needs. For optimal performance, a roller conveyor must be engineered to fit its intended environment. Custom roller conveyors often include modular components like straight sections, curves, transitions, mergers, power types, and separators. Every aspect must be carefully integrated into a cohesive system.
Designing a custom roller conveyor presents challenges, such as deciding whether the system will operate as a standalone unit or be part of a more complex setup with interconnected components. It’s also essential to determine the type of power used—whether chain, belt, or roller—based on system requirements.
Roller conveyors play a critical role in airports, including applications like check-in counters, baggage handling systems, and loading areas. Depending on the handling requirements, both gravity and powered roller conveyors are utilized to manage different types of baggage and packages.
In assembly settings, roller conveyors come in various forms such as overhead, belt, and traditional roller types. While conveyor systems can sometimes be noisy and disruptive, roller conveyors are preferred for their reliability, durability, and quieter operation, which enhances worker comfort.
In supply chain and warehouse operations, roller conveyors offer a cost-effective alternative to forklifts for product movement. They simplify logistics by reducing manual handling, speeding up product flow, and easing the workload on workers.
The packaging industry relies heavily on roller conveyors for moving, stacking, and sorting packages. Depending on the specific requirements, either gravity-fed or powered roller conveyors are employed to facilitate efficient package processing.
Designing roller conveyors for the food and beverage sector is complex due to stringent industry regulations and standards. These conveyors must meet high cleanliness and hygiene standards to be suitable for use in food and beverage applications.
In metalworking, roller conveyors are primarily used for sorting and identifying scrap materials. Their robust construction and adaptability make them well-suited for handling heavy loads and various metalworking processes.
The industries mentioned above are just a few examples of how roller conveyors are integral to diverse sectors. From automotive manufacturing to robotics, roller conveyors are crucial for efficient product handling and movement.
Roller conveyors are highly valued for their adaptability and versatility, allowing them to be configured for various conditions. Temporary roller conveyors can be relocated as needed, while permanent ones are designed for durability and long-term use. Since their inception in the early 20th century, roller conveyors have been employed across a wide range of industries, serving both traditional and innovative applications.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines for the safe operation of conveyor systems. Additionally, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) offers safety standards for conveyor design, in accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) guidelines. Both organizations regularly review and update their standards to incorporate new developments and technological advancements.
Conveyor safety standards are included in:
Conveying systems consist of interconnected components that rely on each other for optimal operation. Different types of roller conveyors require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly. To prevent issues and maintain system efficiency, it's crucial to schedule routine inspections of the conveyor's components that impact its overall performance.
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The drive chain and sealed roller bearings must be oiled. Operators should be trained as to the proper inspection procedures in regard to bearings, rollers, shafts, belts, and DC motors.
Driver rollers should be regularly cleaned to prevent blockages in the system. Residue or debris that accumulates during operation needs to be removed from the roller surfaces. Use cleaners specifically designed for each type of roller; for instance, stainless steel rollers should be rinsed with water and cleaned with detergent. Implementing preventative maintenance helps to address minor issues before they escalate and ensures the equipment operates effectively.
Preventative maintenance includes inspecting conveyor rollers for smooth and consistent movement, checking for wear on drive chains or belts, and ensuring rollers are level. Rollers should operate uniformly in the same direction; any wobbling or lack of movement indicates a problem that requires immediate attention. Bearings, which are prone to wear, should also be regularly examined to ensure they are functioning properly.
Roller conveyors, like any continuously operating equipment, experience wear and degradation due to environmental conditions. High temperatures and humidity can adversely affect their performance, necessitating more frequent inspections. To maintain optimal performance, it’s crucial to allow the system to cool down periodically and schedule regular maintenance checks.
A conveying system can be incorporated into operations in multiple ways to enhance efficiency and speed. Before installing a roller conveying system, it's essential to evaluate several factors to tailor the system to the specific needs of the application.
When designing a conveying system, manufacturers take into account the available space to ensure effective integration. This involves identifying key interaction points, required clearances, and any potential obstacles that could hinder material movement. The choice between automated and manual systems depends on the specific application and operational requirements.
The frame of a roller conveyor is typically constructed from aluminum or steel, chosen based on the load requirements and the frame's capacity rating. Rollers, which directly contact the products and influence their movement, come in a variety of materials. Some are coated with plastic or rubber to enhance friction, while others are made of aluminum or steel. Properly selecting roller materials ensures reliable product transport without compromising system integrity.
Determining the size of the material to be conveyed and the optimal conveyor layout is crucial to avoid obstructing product movement. Roller sizes should match the load and operating conditions: heavy or high-impact loads require larger rollers, while lighter or slower loads can be managed with smaller rollers.
The spacing of rollers is calculated to ensure that three rollers are always in contact with the load. For wider loads, high-set rollers are used, while low-set rollers help keep products within the conveyor frame.
Establishing the load capacity is vital once the system layout is finalized. Overloading can cause system malfunctions or stoppages. Factors affecting load capacity include overall length, bed width, and the drive system. Gravity roller conveyors are suitable for flat-bottomed, light to medium-weight items like totes, boxes, and bags but are not ideal for fragile or irregularly shaped products.
The speed of a conveying system, measured in feet per minute (fpm), typically averages around 65 feet per minute, similar to the walking speed of a person carrying a 50-pound load. While this is a standard speed, the system can be adjusted to meet specific application needs.
Roller conveying systems come in various shapes, styles, sizes, and configurations, including straight, angled, horizontal, or curved designs with pockets, slats, or Z-frames. For long distances, more efficient designs like line shaft roller conveyors can be used to conserve energy. Roller conveyors can be installed in various facilities or structures, provided that all relevant factors are carefully considered.
The drive system in an automated conveying system facilitates the movement of materials and includes counter bearings to maintain smooth operation. Drive systems offer the flexibility to transport goods in both directions and can be installed at various locations within the system—whether in the middle, at the start, or at the end.
Depending on the design of a drive system, it can have single or variable speeds that are driven by a 24 V DC motor attached to gears, rollers, or a shaft. Variable speed drives allow variations in material flow rates.
When designing a roller conveyor, key factors such as product mobility, control, and placement are crucial considerations. The performance of a roller conveyor can be influenced by environmental factors like heat, dust, dirt, and moisture. In such cases, more robust designs, such as shaft-driven or chain-driven models, may be necessary. Zero-pressure models with precise timing are well-suited for conditions where back pressure might occur. Although gravity conveyors have a simpler design, they are equally vulnerable to the effects of wear and environmental degradation as more complex systems.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees the regulation of conveyor systems to ensure they comply with federal safety standards. Conveyor manufacturers are required to adhere to these regulations. Conveying systems serve as a preventive measure, reducing the need for personnel to manually lift and transport heavy objects.
In addition to the regular maintenance required for all equipment, roller conveyors have certain drawbacks that can affect their selection and use. It’s important to consider these factors carefully to ensure that the chosen conveying system aligns with the specific needs of the application.
Conveyor rollers are convenient roller systems that safely move products across warehouses, factories, and other industrial facilities swiftly and efficiently. Most consist of high-quality steel or stainless steel and can support heavy objects without difficulty.
However, plastic and rubber conveyor rollers are also available.
There are two primary conveyor roller designs:
Traditional conveyor rollers are non-electric transportation systems consisting of ball bearings, a shaft, and a steel tube. Many have a low-friction material coating that smoothly moves items from place to place. Although traditional conveyor rollers don’t utilize sophisticated technology, they can take efficiency to new heights while making things more convenient for employees.
Again, there are numerous types of conveyor rollers that can make your business more efficient. Below are some of the most common types of conveyor rollers.
Gravity conveyor rollers are the least advanced conveyor roller model but also one of the most affordable. They feature free-rotating rollers that utilize gravity to transport products from place to place.
The rollers often consist of steel, aluminum, or plastic that support most light and medium weighted items. However, they have trouble moving heavy objects since they don’t have a built-in motor.
Gravity rollers are also customizable, allowing business owners to equip accessories like pop-up tops, curves, hanging bricks, slide rails, and supports. Although most companies view gravity rollers as temporary transportation systems, they are an economical option that can significantly improve business operations.
Belt-driven conveyor rollers are an MDR model that features a motorized belt that makes moving objects across a facility nearly effortless. They are more efficient than traditional belt conveyor rollers since they don’t require items to stop at control points.
These MDR conveyor rollers support medium to heavy-weighted objects with wider frames.
Belt-driven conveyor rollers also allow operators to stop and reverse the belt, giving them more control over the transportation system.
However, belt-driven conveyor rollers only come in two shapes (straight and V-shape) and degrade rather quickly if they encounter excessive heat, moisture, or debris.
Nevertheless, these conveyor rollers are exceedingly beneficial to companies that need to move large, dry products across facilities swiftly.
Chain-driven conveyor rollers function similarly to belt-driven roller systems but utilize chains instead of motorized belts. They are incredibly robust and support heavy objects of all shapes and sizes. These roller systems won’t deteriorate in damp conditions (if well maintained) and allow reversible operations when needed.
Chain-driven conveyor rollers come in two primary designs
Roll-to-Roll
Roll-to-roll models are heavy-duty conveyor rollers that utilize a chain that wraps around each roller and connects to two sprockets within the rollers. They are more powerful than the single-strand variation and can transport oversized projects efficiently.
Single-strand
Single-strand chain-driven conveyor rollers utilize one non-looped chain that connects to roller sprockets. They also feature a hold-down bar that keeps the chain continuously engaged.
Although these MDR conveyor rollers support medium to heavy-weighted items, they aren’t as strong as roll-to-roll models.
Line shaft conveyor rollers use a rotating shaft that connects to each roller by urethane belts and drive spools. They are easy to maintain and operate almost silently.
However, the drive spools sometimes slip when heavy objects apply too much pressure on the rollers, making them less ideal for heavy-duty transportation. Fortunately, the excess stress only affects the weighed-down area, allowing the machine to continue operations in non-affected regions.
These MDR conveyor rollers span over 100 feet and come in straight and curved designs. They allow reverse operation and can improve any warehouse’s efficiency.
Zero pressure conveyor rollers, also called pressureless accumulating conveyors, are advanced roller systems that prevent goods from touching each other during transport.
They use sophisticated motors and sensors to control specific zero pressure areas on the track, creating buffer zones between items. Some rollers utilize motors that connect to the machine’s control system, allowing photocells to determine when a product reaches or surpasses track zones.
Business owners can buy zero-pressure conveyor roller kits to upgrade their existing transportation system or purchase a complete unit. These cutting-edge conveyor rollers are the most innovative and efficient model available, making them the go-to choice for large factories, warehouses, and other industrial facilities. Although these MDR conveyor rollers usually carry higher price tags, many business owners believe it’s a small price to pay for outstanding efficiency, longevity, and consistency.
These MDR conveyor rollers combine motorized and non-motorized rollers to transport goods quickly. Every tenth roller has an internalized motor that pushes items forward to manual rollers connecting to several O-rings. Powered conveyor rollers carry small, lighter products without issue but struggle to move heavy objects without halting the track.
However, powered conveyor rollers work well for smaller warehouses needing to transport small, lightweight goods.
Conveyor systems can be built to the specifications needed for their intended applications. When considering a conveyor system for your operations, choosing the materials used for the conveyor belt will be one of the decisions that you must make.
Each of these conveyor system materials has distinctive characteristics in terms of performance.
Stainless steel rollers and steel alloy are often the choice for heavy-duty applications, making them a great choice for handling heavy loads. Stainless steel rollers on a conveyor belt provide strength for tough jobs or when coming into contact with corrosive elements. A stainless steel roller conveyor system is best in manufacturing and industrial settings.
In the food industry, plastic rollers are often chosen because they are cost-effective. They are also capable of handling lighter loads. They resist corrosion and rust, are easy to clean, and abide by noise standards.
Rubber coated rollers are best when you need a good grip on the materials. If your roller conveyor needs a no-slip grip on the materials, you can choose from rubber coated roller options such as silicone or acrylic to get the job done.
Conveyor rollers provide companies with numerous benefits, ranging from increased efficiency to prompt transportation. Below are just some of the benefits conveyor rollers offer.
Conveyor rollers make transporting heavy and oversized products less strenuous. Instead of carrying burdensome goods across a warehouse manually or with a dolly, employees place objects on the conveyor roller and let the track transport them to their destination. They decrease transportation times, allowing workers to focus on other tasks without hindering product transit.
Most conveyor rollers require minimal maintenance and preserve their efficiency better than other transportation systems. Replacing broken or malfunctioning rollers is incredibly easy and only takes a few minutes to complete. Although employees must clean the conveyor rollers every so often, it doesn’t require extensive maintenance to ensure optimal functionality.
Traditional conveyor rollers are also relatively easy to repair. Most parts are readily available and don’t demand exceedingly high prices. If you want a low-maintenance transportation system that will withstand the test of time, consider purchasing a high-quality conveyor roller.
Choosing a roller conveyor or a conveyor belt means thoroughly assessing the needs of your business. Many factors will go into this decision, such as whether to choose gravity rollers or a powered option. Conveyor speed is another critical detail, as is roller length, load capacity, design of conveyor frame, and support rollers.
To ensure smooth operations, it is vital to think of the carrying capacity, and efficient transport you need from your roller conveyor. Regardless of usage, robust construction is required to ensure that it stands up to your operating conditions.
With so many different types of conveyor rollers, it can be difficult to determine the type of roller conveyor that will best serve your business. For these reasons, choosing a reputable roller conveyor company is essential. They will help you to determine the right size, material, load capacity, and design to allow it to provide the unique benefits required for getting the job done.
If you need a first-class conveyor roller for your business, contact Conveyor Systems & Engineering Inc. We carry numerous types of conveyor rollers that will help your business thrive in today’s competitive market. Our advanced transportation systems will help your company reach its full potential at a rate that won’t stress your financial means.
Conveyor Systems & Engineering Inc. is one of the nation’s leading conveyor roller manufacturers. We’ve been constructing high-quality custom conveyor belts and rollers for over 27 years and can equip your facility with an efficient transpiration system that allows your company to operate at its highest efficiency level. If you need a custom conveyor roller or belt for your business, contact Conveyor Systems & Engineering Inc.
Whether you need a traditional conveyor roller for your warehouse or an MDR transportation system for your factory, contact Conveyor Systems & Engineering Inc.
Give Conveyor Systems & Engineering Inc. a call at (847) 350- today! Use our Roller Builder to get a custom quote on your conveyor roller project!
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