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Jan01, 2025
Idler rollers, or sometimes simply known as conveyor rollers, are cylindrical-shaped bars that run along and underneath a conveyor belt. There are many different types of idler rollers with varying functions.
Idler rollers support the weight and impact of materials transported on the belt while ensuring their smooth, continuous movement.
They can be self-aligning, helping to maintain proper belt tracking. Depending on the conveyor belt's design, idler rollers are typically arranged within a metal frame, forming what are known as idler sets.
Idler rollers can be tailored to fit nearly any conveyor application, with customizable options including bearing brand, bearing size, diameter or series, wall thickness, seal type, and material type. These variables can be adjusted to meet your application’s specific standards and requirements.
Different idler rollers are used for various processes, with factors such as material type, specific gravity, and lump size influencing the selection.
Plain rollers are the most common type of idler roller, used to support and shape the conveyor belt. They can be installed on the load side of the belt in trough, tracking, and transition frames, as well as on the return side.
Tapered idler rollers can be installed on both the load and return sides of the belt. When placed in a tracking frame, they help with conveyor belt tracking.
Rubber-coated idler rollers are named for the rubber that is vulcanized directly onto the roller. These rollers are designed to be resistant to tearing, impact, and friction, offering enhanced durability compared to non-coated idler rollers.
A rubber disc idler roller features durable rubber discs spaced at regular intervals along the roller. At both ends of the roller, the rubber discs are grouped together to provide additional support to the conveyor belt's edge. The strategic placement of these rubber discs helps to minimize carryback—material that remains stuck to the belt after cleaning by a scraper. This design effectively reduces material accumulation on the roller's exterior, which is a common cause of belt misalignment.
Rubber screw idler rollers feature an anti-tear rubber coating arranged in a continuous screw pattern along the roller. This screw pattern aids in the removal of material buildup on the belt, ensuring smooth belt tracking.
Similar to rubber screw idler rollers, steel screw idler rollers also feature a continuous screw-patterned coating. However, the key difference is that these rollers are made of steel instead of rubber.
The screw pattern helps remove material buildup from the belt and maintains proper belt tracking. Steel screw idler rollers provide greater scrubbing action than their rubber counterparts, making them more effective in situations with significant carryback.
Steel screw idler rollers are particularly useful in applications where scrapers cannot be installed, such as mobile plant conveyors. In such cases, space constraints prevent the installation of scrapers. They are also beneficial in folding conveyors, where space limitations may inhibit the use of these devices.
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