Given the various types of conveyor systems for material handling solutions, it is important that you choose the right one for your specific application. One particular type worthy to consider is the roller conveyor. It is the top choice when you need to push off, sideload, accumulate an item, or adjust the pressure of the carrying rollers. Roller conveyors also add flexibility to product transfers, stops and diverters to be used in the handling system. Materials for rollers vary including plastic, galvanized, mild or stainless steel.
Common and most useful applications of roller conveyors include packaging, manufacturing, food and beverage processing, order fulfillment, machine building, and printing. They are available in different types and the most widely used ones are the following.
Gravity roller conveyors
They are the most basic type that work by allowing materials to slide down the line on rollers. As the name suggests, these conveyors are powered by the force of gravity through manual pushing of products or setting up at a decline. They are a low cost option since they can work without consuming power or any motorization.
Chain driven roller conveyors
Unlike gravity conveyor, chain driven conveyors are run by a motorized tangential chain. It’s the internal bearing and fixed axles that enabled the driven chain to be integrated into side frames and rollers. Direct and slip drives are then accommodated for accumulation of items.
Powered roller conveyors
This type of roller conveyors are powered to move the products along the conveyor line. Typically, only some of the rollers are powered by an internal motor (one in nine rollers) and linked to the non-powered ones through a series of O-rings.
Norpak is the industry’s leader in supplying these three common roller conveyors and other high quality conveyor systems. Our selection of conveyors and their components provides durability, flexibility and efficiency. Our product range for roller conveyors offers diversity to suit your specific application or production needs.