Roller conveyors are typically made of galvanized steel but can be sleeved in urethane, or constructed from it for specific applications. These rollers can be used almost anywhere and are often specified for food & beverage, printing, automotive, and medical/pharmaceutical operations. When should your conveyor utilize urethane rollers?
Pinch Rollers
Most fragile loads are conveyed on belts-which protect conveyed items better than rollers-but sometimes it's necessary.
Because urethane is less likely to imprint, mar, or mark packages, it can be used to convey fragile loads. For instance, if you need to convey finished packages on rollers and want to protect them from any markings, coated rollers are ideal. Coated rollers are ideal when you need to convey a load that could be marred, indented, or scratched by metal.
Although most incline conveyor applications are accomplished with belt-over-roller systems, urethane rollers let you convey on an incline due to their ability to grip a carton without allowing it to slide or stall when conveyed on an incline.
Because urethane rollers reduce shock and vibration, they're used for live roller conveying situations that require precise positioning and stability-think of loads with very smooth bottoms like glass, stainless steel, wood, or sheets of other types. Urethane can provide the traction needed to convey these items-it and can increase traction by up to 15% compared to uncoated metal rollers.
When rollers are subjected to abrasion from higher friction or dynamic loads, urethane is better than rubber, which isn't as durable. Its ability to resist wear is important for publishing and printing applications.
Sink Roller
Some conveyor applications may require high temperatures, either in part or whole. Drying, curing, or freezer areas are good examples of these needs, which are part of many manufacturing processes. If your application requires a sleeved roller, polyurethane is a better option than vinyl or rubber due to its ability to function in these very cold or very hot areas.
Durability and longevity: Due to its tensile strength and elongation, urethane can handle more weight than most sleeve alternatives without rupturing. This lets you run conveyors faster and longer, under more weight. It also resists any permanent sleeve material indention so it maintains its basic shape and functionality. This also makes your rollers last longer, which reduces maintenance and replacement costs.
Noise reduction: One of the reasons urethane is specified is its noise reduction properties. A quieter operation is always desirable, so finding ways to reduce background noise is always helpful in creating a more ergonomic workplace.
Polyurethane is used in food conveying and handling applications because resists cuts and abrasions. It's FDA-approved as a handling method. Because of its superior resistance to solvents, chemicals, and other harsh external factors, urethane is a better choice than rubber for those applications. Polyurethane won't corrode in wet or submerged applications.
Other applications include woodworking, plastics, steel, packaging, beverage conveying, printing, and glass handling. As mentioned above, it can be used for some incline applications for cartons or totes in distribution centers. Poly rollers are frequently used for clean rooms and areas where washdown is necessary.
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