Specifications and Selection Criteria for Conveyor Rollers

Gravity roller conveyor, belt-driven roller conveyor, chain-driven roller conveyor, or zero pressure roller conveyor, there are several types of systems available in the market. Regardless of which type of system you choose for your facility, there are several specifications you should consider to buy the right model. But what are they? In this post, we will discuss the typical conveyor specifications that you may come across while sourcing for the best conveying system.

So, let us get started!

1. The Material of the Roller and Frame

The very first specification is the material used to create the frame and the rollers. These frames are usually steel or aluminum but also depend on how much loading you want to do on the system along with the value of the ‘rated frame capacity’. The conveyor rollers are more varied in terms of composition as they are used for direct contact with your products and affect their behavior while moving. So, some rollers can be coated in rubber or plastic to increase friction while others are simply steel or aluminum drums. To put it simply, always invest in a roller that can keep your products on the line and protects from the negative impact. Similarly, buy a frame that can easily carry the materials’ weight being moved along with the weight of the conveyor rollers.

2. Size and Orientation of the Rollers

To ensure that your system will not obstruct or impair, it is important to determine how large the materials on the conveyor systems will be and then determine the most favorable arrangements for the same. This means you must determine the size of the rollers which you can decide based on the load and particular loading conditions. For detailed information on the size and orientation, you can consult with one of the most trusted conveyor rollers suppliers as well.

3. Load Type and Accumulation

These elements depend on the products at hand. How heavy they are? Are they fragile or can be kept with other goods on the line? The answer to these questions will tell you what conveyor roller will be best for your facility. For example, gravity roller conveyor systems are the best for the flat bottom and low to medium weight products like bags, boxes, totes, etc. but they must be used with extremely unwieldy and delicate geometries like manufacturing and electronic parts.

4. Curvature and Distance

Determining the curve and span of the conveyor system will help you narrow down your hunt. For instance, a flat belt roller conveyor cannot be used if there is a curve. It means you should not buy this type of design. Similarly, if you have ‘hundreds of feet’ to cross, then you should consider an efficient design like a line shaft roller conveyor so that you can conserve the energy wherever possible.

5. Control, Behavior, and Environment

Lastly, consider the desired motion of the materials – how much control you want to allow, and the conditions in which the conveyor system will operate! If there is excessive dust, dirt, moisture, and heat, you should go for a more rugged design like chain roller conveyors. If zero pressure and exact timing are needed, then you must investigate some of the most high-tech options for the precision you need. Similarly, a belt or traditional gravity roller will be the best if you want to move the objects from one point to another quickly.

Summing Up

We have presented the specifications cum selection criteria for conveyor rollers so that you can make an informed decision and improve the overall performance of your facility. In case of any confusion, you can connect with a reliable and experienced conveyor roller supplier for the right assistance and guidance or do some online research before buying a roller conveyor system for your production line.