General-Purpose Conveyor Rollers and Roller Modules

Overview

What the range covers

A roller conveyor moves boxes, totes, trays and pallets on a row of rollers. We build the rollers themselves and the modules around them. A line can mix plain rollers that are pushed or run on a slope, rollers driven by a belt or chain, and powered rollers that carry their own motor. Curve sections use tapered rollers so that the load keeps its orientation around the bend.

How the line is put together

Rollers are mounted in side frames at a pitch chosen for the smallest item that will travel on the line. At least a few rollers must always be under the load, so small items need a closer pitch than pallets. Drive options depend on how you want to control the line: continuous drive from one motor, or zones that start and stop on demand. We help you choose the drive after we know your layout.

Where it is used

Distribution centers, packing halls, assembly lines and factory transfer points. The same range handles light cartons and heavy pallets, but the roller size, wall thickness and axle design change with the load, so one roller is never a fit for every duty.

Choosing a configuration

• Roller diameter, tube material and surface
• Axle type and end fixing
• Pitch, line length and width between frames
• Unpowered, belt-driven or motor-driven operation
• Straight, curved or inclined sections
• Operating environment such as dust, moisture or cold

Ordering

Ratings are given for the exact roller or module quoted, not for the whole range, and they depend on the load, the underside of the item, the line speed and the layout. A sketch of the layout speeds up the quotation.

Operating cost factors

Roller conveyors are cheap to run, but the total cost depends on how the line is set up. Roller pitch is the first factor: too wide a gap makes small cartons tip, too narrow a gap adds rollers and drive load for no gain. The second is bearing quality; sealed bearings last longer in dusty or wet plants and keep noise down on long lines.

Powered sections use energy only when running. Zone-controlled lines, where each segment drives only while a load is on it, cut power use and noise compared with a line that runs all day. Chain drive is cheaper to install but needs lubrication and guards, while motorized rollers cost more up front and need very little service.

Plan spares by roller type: a few rollers, drive belts or chains, and a motorized roller if the line has them. Wear is mostly at the load contact and the bearings.