Load rollers; type of transport

Gravity roller conveyors
In these roller conveyors, free-running gravity rollers are used that have been fitted with bearing cases holding conical bearings with a low drag coefficient. The angle of slope in this kind of conveyor is dependent on the product and has to be determined by trial and error. Generally it will be between 3 and 4 degrees. In long conveyors, the product may have to be slowed down to prevent damage due to sudden braking. Braking rollers are used to achieve this.

Powered roller conveyors
Powered roller conveyors are used to transport products at a fixed and even speed. The conveyor can for example be powered by a (toothed) belt, cord or chain. If the drive mechanism cannot slip, it is best to fit the rollers with grooved ball bearings. Static charges can build up on rollers that are driven by (toothed) belt or cord and are not fitted with electrically conducting bearing cases.

Accumulating roller conveyors
This system is used to buffer products up on a roller conveyor; the rollers and the products stop moving when they touch each other, while the drive keeps on running. This system can be used, for example, at a filling point, a packaging machine or at the end of the conveyor.

Curves
Curves are used to let the product take a bend of e.g. 45, 90 or 180 degrees. This can be achieved by the use of a single spindle with two or three short gravity rollers on it, by using spindles with several wheels on, or by using conical rollers. These can be plastic or steel rollers, either powered or not.