Roller Conveyors

1) Gravity roller conveyors




An alternative to wheel conveyor as both have similar applications. It is suitable for heavy-duty products and is also used for accumulating loads. Although the cost is higher, but it is more effective in handling of the heavier items than wheel conveyor.The slope for gravity movement depends on load weight.

Advantages
More rugged in construction than wheel-type conveyors and is good for impact loading;
More flexible than wheel-type conveyors and will handle a wider variety of products
Good for side loading and unloading.

Disadvantages
More expensive than wheel-type conveyors
Heavy in weight and therefore not as portable.


2) Live (powered) roller conveyors

It is belt or chain driven and it has a force-sensitive transmission that can be used to disengage rollers for accumulation. It can be used for accumulating loads and merging/sorting operations.


Advantages
Fast, effective horizontal transportation over long distances;
Good for use in applications where products are side unloaded or loaded onto the conveyor, such as at merges or at sortation points
Offer limited accumulation with minimum line pressure
Enable loads that needs to be re-orientated on the conveyor
Lower power requirements

Disadvantages
Noisier than belt conveyors;
Less flexible with the range of product that can be handled (belts more flexible); and
More expensive than belt conveyors.

3) Chain roller Conveyors

It uses one or more endless chains on which loads are carried directly. The parallel chain configuration is used to transport pallets and it is often used to transport tote boxes and pallets