Roller conveyors are a staple in material handling. By employing conveyor rollers that are equidistantly spaced, they help in moving unit loads over large distances by rotating. They can be either powered by a motor or driven by gravity. However, roller conveyors might not be perfect in all cases. Therefore, before installing one, it is critical to know when to go for this conveyor system.
3 Cases Where Roller Conveyors Are Required
Shape And Weight Of The Object
First and foremost, the conveyor rollers are most effective with loads with a flat bottom. Therefore boxes and flat-bottomed pallets are the best choice for these conveyors. Unevenly shaped or spherical-shaped objects run the risk of getting stuck or falling off the conveyor track.
Similarly, the weight of the object is also critical. The robust design of the conveyor rollers allows them to easily handle heavy loads. Thus, these types of conveyors are excellent for heavy-duty applications.
Product Stoppage And Inspection
If the products are required to be stopped and examined or sorted, then roller conveyors are a great option. Accessories like steel pins can be employed to stop certain products so they can be examined in real-time. The gap between the conveyor rollers facilitates the addition of such accessories.
Changing Elevation Or Conveyor Track
In some operations, it is required to lift the package and place it in a different line. With roller conveyors, this process is simplified as it is easy to incorporate lift bars. These contraptions can raise the product off the conveyor, where it can be examined and placed in another line if required.
However, for irregularly shaped objects or cases where more friction is required between the conveyor surface and the object, belt conveyors are a better option.
To know more about the different conveyor systems, reach out to us at Norpak Handling. We have been providing businesses throughout Canada with top-of-the-line roller conveyors and conveyor equipment for decades. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can craft highly customized material-handling solutions specific to your business requirements.
