How to Make Smart Choices While Selecting Roller Conveyors

When you are the leader of a manufacturing company, you understand fully that the success of your business is dependent on the sales you make. The individuals you employ, their families, and your own families are entirely dependent on the decisions you make in order to sell your products and make a profit on them. This basically means that you need to continually compare the processes you employ in your organization against industry best practices in order to make the most out of the resources and time you pour into them.

In this particular post, we would like to focus on conveyor rollers. These rollers come in various different configurations, designs, sizes, and styles. Oftentimes, choosing between them can make or break your production line. So, how do you select one that suits your needs best? Let’s take a look.

Conveyor Load Type

The primary step is choosing the right heavy-duty conveyor roller based on your product load. Let’s look at an example of flat bottoms such as tote bags, cartons, skids, firm bags, and drums. If these are your product load, you will need gravity rollers from a reliable conveyor rollers supplier.

Roller Materials

The secondary step is to choose between roller materials for your business needs. Industry-grade rollers are mostly made out of aluminum or steel. Let’s look at which ones you specifically need.

1. Aluminum Rollers

These are ideal for an easier, lighter, and faster installation process.

2. Steel Rollers

 

These rollers offer more durability.

3. Both

If you seek lighter aluminum rollers with durable steel endcaps, then you need to choose both aluminum and steel rollers.

Conveyor Roller Size

Now, we are onto the third step which is to choose the size of your chosen conveyor type. There are two factors to consider here;

1.     Load

If your business has heavier loads, you will need to choose bigger rollers that can meet that requirement.

2.     Loading Conditions

If your load impacts loading, you need larger tubing with a heavy gauge for your business.

Roller Spacing

Believe it or not, roller spacing matters quite a bit. Try to ensure that at least three rollers are at all times, in contact with your load to ensure spacing.

High Rollers or Low Rollers?

Depending on your business needs, you may need to set your rollers either high or low. So, what is the difference between them?

1. High Rollers

These rollers are placed above the conveyor’s frame in order to allow the load to overhang. 

2. Low Rollers

These rollers are placed below the conveyor’s frame in order to let the frame act as a guard. In order to choose this setting, you should maintain a 1” clearance on either side of the larger loads in order to ensure there are no conveyor-related errors.

If your overall aim is to reduce manufacturing costs on stainless steel conveyor rollers, increase profits and savings, and production rates then, give us a call at Heinrich Brothers!