The advantages and disadvantages of roller tracks conveyors

Posted by AllmaJess on August 4th, 2014

Conveyor systems have several pros and cons, but a type of conveyor that is in the form of rollers, called roller tracks conveyors, which move by way of inclination and product weight has several pros worth mentioning. There are several conveyor belt suppliers which provide this specific type of conveyor, which has many benefits. From material handling to packaging needs, suppliers are always ready to hear out the business requirements and manufacture a customized solution.

Roller tracks conveyors are almost always not powered. They rotate based on the inclination of the slope and the weight of the product being moved to it. With a natural gravitational movement, the product will slope downwards in the rollers. This method of conveyance is the most efficient and environment friendly, owing to its functions sans power. Besides, this method is less expensive than the motorized rubber belts, which require power to run the wheels at each ends around which the rubber sheet is looped.

Generally speaking, the use of conveyors in the manufacturing industry has several pros, the first of which is speed. Mechanical conveyor systems usually have speed adjustment controls which allow an individual to increase or decrease the speed of the production line. This is very beneficial for the business, as it is a time saving option. Processes which reduce time are considered efficient and effective. If the machine isn’t working fast enough, there has to be something wrong. Conveyor belt suppliers are usually aware of this fact, and accordingly implement controls in the system.

Another advantage of conveyors in general and roller tracks conveyors specifically are that they could have bar code scanners or weighing machines within the system itself. Goods on a routine rubber belt could be separated and sent to the scanner by way of roller tracks. This way, the product need not be removed from the conveyor system to be processed at all. Besides these advantages, there are several downsides to using the conveyor system in the production process.

In case of a tear, or break down, the portion of the belt, or the entire belt would require change and this will cause the business to loose precious time and funds. It is a tedious procedure to be changing the entire line, or even a portion of it. Consequently, changing the belt could also have downsides, if it is not installed correctly. Conveyor belt suppliers ensure that there should be no gaps, the belt should be moisture free, and fitted strongly. An incorrect job is as good as no job at all; likewise a poor manufacturing and maintenance work could only cause several losses to the business. 

Also, if there is a change in the manufacturing process of the business, the entire line would have to be changed, and this is a very tedious and costly procedure.  If there are any malfunctions in the system, or a portion of the system, the entire belt system would be compromised and several repairs would be required. Roller tracks have the advantage of individual rollers in cases such as these.

There are several conveyor belt suppliers who provide several different types of conveyors like roller tracks conveyors.