What Are the Types of Tapered Conveyor Rollers?
Tapered conveyor rollers are a type of conveyor roller commonly used in material handling systems. They can come in many different sizes and configurations but the most common are conveyor rollers that have a large diameter that tapers the length of the roller to a smaller diameter.
Tapered conveyor rollers will also come with different bearing configurations depending on the application. In most cases, a tapered roller will be powered, so a precision bearing is the most common bearing set used.
The design of the tapered conveyor roller provides several benefits in conveyor applications, among them are:
Tracking: Tapered rollers help to improve tracking of the conveyor belt or material being transported. The larger diameter in the middle ensures that the belt stays centered and reduces the chances of it veering off to the sides.
Reduced friction: The tapered shape of the rollers reduces the contact area between the roller and the belt, minimizing friction. This can result in smoother movement of the conveyor and help to reduce wear on the belt.
Curve applications: Tapered rollers are often used in curved conveyor sections. The gradual change in diameter helps to guide the material smoothly around bends and curves, maintaining proper alignment of the packages.
Accumulation systems: Tapered rollers are sometimes utilized in accumulation conveyor systems, where products need to be temporarily stopped or buffered. The tapered shape allows for a controlled and gradual accumulation of items, reducing the risk of jams or collisions when restarting the conveyor.
Tapered conveyor rollers are typically made from durable materials such as steel or plastic, depending on the specific application and load requirements. They come in various sizes and configurations to suit different conveyor systems and can be integrated into gravity or powered roller conveyor setups.
4 Types of Tapered Conveyor Rollers
A tapered roller features an outer diameter larger than the metal tube’s innermost diameter. A common diameter size is 2 1/2 inches on the big end and 1 5/8 inches on the small end. However, many sizes are available.
You can find tapered rollers in standard and custom configurations. Tapered rollers accompany a conveyor system’s curved sections, maintaining the moving object’s position as its path turns. By installing tapered conveyor rollers, you can achieve directionally stable packaging without the need for sideboards.
Here are some different types of tapered conveyor rollers you can select.
1. Blind Bore Solid Tapered Rollers
Blind bore solid tapered rollers are designed for gravity and line roller conveyor applications where washdowns can occur. A blind bore sleeve bearing is standard for a half-inch stub shaft.
Extended pin chain attachments can also accompany the blind bore sleeve bearing for roller flight applications. Blind bore tapered rollers can suit medium or light gravity roller curves in corrosive, food-handling or washdown environments.
2. Spring-Loaded Tapered Rollers
A conveyor roller can be spring-retained on one or both ends. You can press one end of the axle in to determine its retention.
An axle that pushes in indicates it is spring-retained on the opposite end. If you repeat this process on the other end of the axle and it reacts the same way, it is dual spring-retained.
It’s important to identify which end the spring is on if the roller has grooves or a sprocket. Similarly, a pin-retained axle has holes in the ends to insert the pins. Removing the pins allows you to remove the axle.
Both pin-retained and spring-loaded tapered rollers suit heavy- and medium-duty gravity roller curves in washdown, corrosive and food-handling environments.
3. Spring-Loaded Belt-Driven Live Rollers
A belt drives a belt-driven roller conveyor, as the name suggests. These solutions are commonly used for curves. Pin-retained or spring-loaded tapered rollers are ideal for V-belt-drive live roller curves. They can be used in washdown, corrosive and food-handling environments.
4. Spring-Loaded Chain-Driven Live Rollers
A chain-driven live roller (CDLR) is powered by a series of chains, which transfers power between rollers. CDLR tapered rollers are cost-effective options for transporting pallets, tires, drums and other heavy loads.
The welded construction provides substantial durability in harsh conditions. The roll-to-roll chain system and sprocket rollers provide optimal driving power. Spring-loaded CDLR rollers are ideal for chain-driven live roller curves in washdown, corrosive and food-handling applications.
Benefits of Rolcon’s Replacement Tapered Conveyor Rollers
At Rolcon, we understand that every company has unique material handling and conveyor system requirements. The materials you transport, specific working conditions and other factors can determine which tapered conveyor rollers best suit your needs.
We manufacture replacement tapered conveyor rollers to transport materials around 45-, 90- and 180-degree turns without slowing operations. You can find rollers in a variety of standard and custom sizes to support your industry and material handling requirements.
Our team has the resources and experience needed to customize conveyor rollers to your applications. By investing in components that align with your specifications, you can prolong your conveyor system’s service life and reduce overhead costs.
Here are the benefits you can enjoy by investing in replacement tapered conveyor rollers from Rolcon:
- Custom designs and lengths: We can customize roller lengths and diameters to your facility’s needs.
- Grooved and non-grooved options: We can add one or more grooves for line shaft and motorized conveyor systems.
- ABEC precision bearings: Our Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) precision bearings are ideal for high speeds while enabling quiet, smooth operation.
- Coated, galvanized and stainless steel tubing: We manufacture our standard steel tapered rollers from galvanized tubing. We also have coated and stainless steel rollers available for other applications.
- Standard and custom-sized tubing: We offer PVC tubing in outer diameter sizes from 1 3/8 to 2 1/2 inches. Our steel tubing outer diameter sizes range from 2 to 5 inches.
Why Choose Rolcon for Replacement Tapered Conveyor Rollers?
When you discover the Rolcon difference, you’ll see why many industries choose us for components to improve their conveyor systems. We’re dedicated to quality, providing lasting products and services to maximize every investment.
Below are some qualities that set us apart.
1. Personalized Care
Whatever the conveyor roller type, size and material you require, we strive to find a solution that meets your company’s needs. We offer personalized care that benefits clients’ unique applications. Our goal is to find what works best for your business.
Whether you have questions about availability, pricing or applications for different tapered conveyor rollers, we’ll work with you to clear up these uncertainties and concerns, providing the most in-depth information. We treat every customer as a partner, working to fulfill their needs as best we can.
2. Innovation
Rolcon was the first conveyor company to spring load each roller end, and this is now the industry standard. Additionally, we were the first to produce frame-saving cartridge bearing assembly.
We constantly take steps in new and improved directions. With decades of expertise across multiple industries, we can understand and work with different applications to solve both major and minor issues.
When you partner with Rolcon, you know you’re working with a company that values creativity and innovation.
3. Solutions for Every Industry
We manufacture conveyor roller products for multiple fields and load sizes to keep operations productive. We cater to a wide range of industries, including airports, food and beverage, bulk material handling, distribution, and equipment manufacturing.
We’ve customized conveyor components for multiple businesses and industries since 1988. Our custom manufacturing services can help ensure each component of your conveyor system meets industry standards.
4. Vast Expertise
Our team of professionals includes engineers, technicians and sales representatives. In addition to providing quality conveyor parts for our clients, Rolcon is well-versed in conveyor system technology and other areas. Our other specialties include engineering services, plastic injection molding and machine shop services.
Ask Us About Tapered Conveyor Rollers
Rolcon is your solution for replacement tapered conveyor rollers, fully customized to your material, length and diameter specifications. We can also provide expedited shipping and delivery to ensure you receive your replacement rollers as quickly as possible. Our conveyor roller products are proudly made in the United States.
If you’re unsure of your conveyor system requirements, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Contact our team for more information or request a quote today!