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Conveyor rollers or idler rollers are tube-shaped-shaped bars that run along and underneath a conveyor belt. Different industries use several kinds of conveyor rollers to meet various requirements. The most common use of a conveyor roller is to aid in supporting the weight and impact of materials transported along the conveyor belt. The rollers also help to achieve a smooth, continuous movement of materials along the belt. Conveyor rollers can self-align and assist in maintaining belt tracking. Depending on the shape and structure of the conveyor belt these rollers are placed within a metal frame and are commonly referred to as idler sets.
Find a great variety of conveyor rollers at RS Components.
Use of conveyor rollers
Conveyor rollers are a group of rollers placed within a framework where objects are moved manually, or by gravity, or by power. There are several ways these rollers can be used. They can be modified for different uses such as transporting boxes, crates, pallets, polybags, plastic totes, trays, and slave boards, among others. The roller conveyor can be customized to work with a range of auxiliary equipment such as bends, gates, and turntables. Roller conveyors are commonly used in workplaces such as warehouses and manufacturing facilities owing to the nature of goods to be transported.
Some of the sectors that extensively use roller conveyors are:
- Food
- Packaging
- Logistics
- Mail/parcel delivery services
- Baggage handling services
- Manufacturing and design
A conveyor belt is an important part of the automation system, especially in the manufacturing sector. Using a roller conveyor adds versatility to the modes of transfers, diverters, and stops that are a part of a conveyor system or automation system. Roller conveyors could be made of mild steel, galvanized, plastic, or stainless steel.
Types of conveyor rollers
Gravity conveyor roller – these use gravity’s force to move items. Hence, putting your gravity roller conveyor on a decline angle can help in moving a product without any other power source.
Powered conveyor roller – these are powered by an external force to transfer goods over a long distance. You have better control over speed and weight as they are externally powered. It is possible to split them into various zones that can be independently controlled. This can help reduce cost and improve efficiency.
Types of rollers
Plain rollers – these are used to support and shape the conveyor belt. They are fitted to the load side of the belt in tracking, trough, and transition frames. They can also be fitted to the return side of the belt.
Tapered rollers – these are installed on both the load and return sides of the belt. They help with conveyor belt tracking if installed in a tracking frame.
Rubber-coated rollers – here, the rubber is directly vulcanized to the roller. They are tear, impact, and friction-resistant, and hence enjoy higher durability than non-coated rollers.
Rubber disc rollers – these are rollers with durable rubber discs positioned at regular intervals on the roller.
Rubber screw rollers – these types of conveyor rollers come with an anti-tear rubber coating offered in a continuous screw pattern on the roller.
Steel screw rollers – like the rubber screw rollers, these have a continuous screw-patterned coating on the roller. But in this case, the component is steel and not rubber.
Regardless of their type, conveyor rollers can be customized to suit almost all conveyor applications. You can customize the bearing brand, size, diameter or series, wall thickness, seal type, and material. Click here to select the rollers to customize them to suit your operational needs.
