Conveyor Rollers 101

By: Scott Bahr 

When it comes to selecting conveyor rollers that are best for your system, the difference in choices might initially seem trivial but can end up being vital to your operation. Conveyor rollers are all built to move objects from one spot to another, but depending on what you are moving, the type of rollers makes a huge difference. What duty of roller do you need? What materials are you planning on moving? What is your shop environment like? These are important questions that need to be answered.

Light-duty rollers

This type of conveyor roller is meant for carrying light loads. Typically, these rollers are made of plastic or aluminum but are sometimes made of metal. Light duty means not only a low weight but also a low speed and not a constant load. These rollers are more susceptible to wear and tear because of their intended use. Light-duty rollers are made for a variety of systems, but one of the most common types of light-duty rollers are for a gravity conveyor roller, a method that relies on gravity to propel the load to its destination rather than a mechanical function. You can buy them in a multitude of materials and sizes to fit your operation.

Medium-duty rollers 

This class of rollers is a step up from its light-duty counterpart and is typically larger in size and diameter. Medium-duty rollers usually use a type of precision bearings to bear the weight of the material being moved and to better control the speed of movement. This type of roller can have a lower friction force, lower energy consumption for machines that are powered, and lower noise emission. Medium-duty rollers can be made using industrial quality corrosion resistant bearings, which can be sought out if you are working with corrosive materials or working in a corrosive environment. Again, these can come in a variety of shapes and materials.

Heavy-duty rollers 

Finally, heavy-duty rollers are the largest of all the rollers, meaning they can handle the heaviest loads. They are made to bear more weight and can be used to transport materials at a high speed. These types of rollers ensure that heavier materials move at a high speed without efficiency being sacrificed because of their weight. These are made out of a variety of materials as well, and you are sure to be able to find ones that fit your operation.

At Bit Service, we strongly recommend the high quality and reliability of the conveyor rollers and associated components made by ULMA Conveyor Components. Their unique highly engineered and tested products are used worldwide in nearly every mining and bulk material handling application and are able to withstand the harsh subartic outdoor applications to the high heat and dusty environment of underground mining they have a roller for every need.