Roller conveyor or conveyor belt?
Are you considering investing in roller conveyors or conveyor belts but aren’t sure which option would be best for you?
Read this guide to understand the pros and cons of each solution—I hope you find it helpful!
In simple terms: the differences between Conveyor Systems
Roller conveyors Conveyor belts (often referred to as Belt conveyors) are both types of equipment used to move materials or objects from one place to another, but there are differences in their design and application.
Roller conveyors
A roller conveyor consists of a relatively simple structure comprising rollers that rotate around an axis and are usually installed in a straight track configuration. Roller conveyors are designed to be flexible and can be manufactured in various widths; they can be used to transport goods over flat distances, but can also be installed with slopes of varying degrees. The most common use for roller conveyors is to move objects horizontally over short distances, such as in production lines, packing lines, or at loading areas.
Common goods transported on roller conveyors include, for example:
- Large and heavy cargo, such as full pallets
- Larger / heavier boxes
- Trays and boxes
- Sheet material and bars
Conveyor belt
One Belt conveyors Conveyor belts typically consist of slightly more components than a roller conveyor; the typical design includes a frame, drive system, belt, rollers, guides, and tensioning devices. Conveyor belts can be used to move materials and objects both horizontally and vertically, but they can also be curved to follow various shapes (e.g., a simple curve). They are often used to transport objects with irregular weights and shapes, as well as bulky items. Conveyor belts are also usually a good and more cost-effective solution when transporting goods over longer distances.
Common types of cargo transported on belt conveyors include, for example:
- Plastic shopping bags
- E-commerce bags made of cardboard and paper
- Smaller boxes
- Loose products without packaging
How do you make the right choice?
So when should you use a roller conveyor and when should you use a conveyor belt? Below are some factors that can influence the choice between a roller conveyor and a conveyor belt:
Distance
Both roller conveyors and belt conveyors are effective solutions for transporting goods over both short and long distances. However, if the goods to be transported are not particularly heavy, belt conveyors are usually a much better and more cost-effective solution. A belt conveyor, for example, 20 meters long has a very simple design and may require only one motor—the same distance for a roller conveyor involves hundreds of rollers and likely 2–4 motors, making cost the deciding factor here.
If the distance over which the material is to be transported is shorter—such as from a production machine to a collection area—a roller conveyor may be suitable. If the distance is longer, such as across the entire warehouse from a packing area to a loading area, a conveyor belt may be a better option (if the weight of the goods allows). Conveyor belts are also more adaptable to accommodate different shapes and sizes of objects, while roller conveyors are somewhat more limited in this regard.
Type of cargo
As mentioned earlier, if the material has irregular weights and shapes, a conveyor belt may be the most suitable option. On the other hand, if the goods are heavy and have a standardized shape (e.g., full pallets, trays, or cartons), a roller conveyor may be a better fit.
The logic is simply that the rollers on a roller conveyor can cause problems or damage irregularly shaped cargo that might get stuck. On the other hand, roller conveyors can handle heavy cargo more easily because the rollers distribute the total weight loaded onto the conveyor more evenly than a belt (where all the weight on the belt is concentrated on a single drive).
Speed
Conveyor belts are generally faster than roller conveyors. If speed is a priority (perhaps due to the distance involved?), belt conveyors are often the recommended choice.
Typical speeds for conveyor systems in a warehouse are often 0.4–0.7 m/s, but belt conveyors can easily reach speeds of over 1, 5, and 10 m/s.
Typical speeds for roller conveyors in a warehouse are, for example, 0.15–0.4 m/s; roller conveyors rarely operate at speeds exceeding 1 m/s.
Warehouse/factory environment
If the materials are to be transported in a warehouse or factory environment where cleaning is difficult or where there is a risk of spills, a roller conveyor may be more suitable because it is easier to clean and maintain certain parts of the system.
Similarly, a roller conveyor is generally a bit more durable; if, for example, a belt conveyor comes into contact with sharp objects or sharp edges, the belt can easily be damaged (and need to be replaced).
Summary
In summary, the best choice between a roller conveyor and a conveyor belt depends on several factors, including distance, material, speed, configuration, and environment. The choice should always be based on a thorough analysis of the conveying task and its specific requirements to ensure efficiency and safety.
With a little help from a knowledgeable supplier, salesperson, or consultant in the industry, it’s usually pretty easy to find the right solution!
Are you looking for carriers, or do you have any questions? Please contact us at info@relevator.se We're here to help.
