How Roller Conveyors Work
Roller conveyors feature steel rollers along a conveyor line. The rollers are in direct contact with the items being conveyed – boxes, cartons, totes or pallets, for example. These durable conveyor systems are often leveraged to convey heavier, non-fragile items that have stable and solid bottoms for secure handling.
Powered, Live Roller Conveyor
Powered rollers or live roller conveyors use power to move the rollers under the items being transported. This moves the items along the conveyor line at the desired rate. A durable and economical solution, live roller conveyor sections can be paired with non-powered or other conveyor solutions.
Non-Powered, Gravity Roller Conveyor
Non-powered gravity conveyors are one of the most economical material handling solutions available. Loads are conveyed manually on rollers or skatewheels which are mounted in frames. These conveyors can lay flat allowing easy, less labor-intensive movement backwards or forwards.
Typically, gravity conveyors are sloped in elevation to allow products to flow freely, taking advantage of the Earth’s gravity. Thus, the label – gravity conveyor. Gravity conveyors may be used to move boxes, cartons and totes with firm, rigid bottoms. Roller or skatewheel sizes as well as spacing will vary. Generally, a minimum of three rollers must be under the box, carton or tote at all times.