Rollers for conveyor: guidelines for the right choice
The challenging decision-making process of conveyor rollers
Equipment manufacturers or end users looking for the appropriate unit or bulk material handling system come across a wide variety of rollers for conveyor. The choice of the most suitable ones for their own application is really challenging because it involves the assessment and calculation of multiple variables. Below, Rulmeca provides the main selection criteria to guide and support its customers in the identification of the best conveyor rollers.
The main selection criteria
Choosing rollers for conveyor requires the full knowledge of both more general conditions and technical specifications that apply themselves to all systems components. Only the combination of all variables can ensure the efficiency of rollers and, as a consequence, of the whole conveyor system. Here follow the key selection criteria just to have a rough idea of what it’s necessary to consider and assess during the decision-making process. Of course, an in-depth examination and precise calculation of all these aspects with the chosen supplier is crucial to find the best rollers for conveyor.
Conveyed material
The element to start with when choosing conveyor rollers is the conveyed material which is strictly related to the area of application. The dimensions (length, width and height), weight and quantity of the transported material, as well as the rolling friction between it and the roller, determine conveyor rollers specifications including their length, diameter and load capacity. In bulk handling applications, these details also define the type and arrangement of belt conveyor idlers: each troughing sets is a combination of rollers positioned into a suitable fixed support frame with a specific function. Also, the texture of the conveyed material can influence the choice requiring sometimes abrasion and corrosion resistant rollers for conveyor. The physical features of the material are also a determining factor in calculating the type conveyor, conveyor speed and power drive requirements.
Environmental conditions
Another intrinsic aspect of each application field refers to environmental conditions which may require an adequate protection against any form of wear in rollers for conveyor. Open-air workplaces typical of bulk handling applications are exposed to any atmospheric condition, low and high temperatures and, in certain climates, to a large imbalance between day and night. Moreover, such applications deal with materials having a particularly abrasive and corrosive texture. Also, in indoor facilities unit handling conveyors may be required to work under critical operational conditions like the presence of dust, dirt, water, humidity and other corrosive elements, as well as specific regulations like food and beverage industry where strictly hygiene standards must be complied.
Conveying requirements
When selecting rollers for conveyor, it would be reasonable to determine the area the handling system is supposed to cover and consider whether a horizontal, inclined or curved transportation is required. Of course, such details lead to the use of a certain type of conveyor rollers in both unit and bulk handling applications. Among the most common conveying requirements there’s also accumulation option, even if this is more typical in unit handling applications. Manufacturing, packaging and logistic facilities needing to hold or stop items temporarily along the line have to consider this aspect because there are specifically designed rollers for conveyor to fulfill this duty.
Quality of conveyor rollers
Last but not least, looking for the highest quality of rollers for conveyor is hands down essential in the decision-making process. An engineered design and excellent construction materials are necessary for conveyor rollers to meet the perfect combination of all the above-mentioned aspects. Making these two features some of its fundamental strengths, Rulmeca is a guarantee as manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of rollers for conveyors for both unit and bulk handling applications. Their accurate design and technical features, together with their quality industrial materials, comply with top standards of efficiency, safety and durability in any operating condition, providing at the same time some convenient added values as easy installation, economy of use and limited maintenance.
