line shaft powered roller conveyor system

Roller Conveyor

L-A-C Logistics Automation leads the way in innovation and efficiency with our advanced Roller Conveyor solutions, earning a distinguished reputation for the design, development, and installation of state-of-the-art roller conveyor systems.

Whether you require gravity roller conveyors, powered roller conveyors, or modular systems, L-A-C’s cutting-edge roller conveyor technology is engineered to enhance efficiency and revolutionise product transportation, meeting today’s demanding operational requirements. Manufactured in the UK, our leading roller conveyor solutions empower customers with cost-effective, adaptable systems designed to support long-term success.

Partner with L-A-C today and elevate your logistics operations.

What is a roller conveyor?

Roller conveyors are a series of rollers supported within a frame where objects can be moved either manually, by gravity, or by power. There is a wide range of ways roller conveyors can be used and modified for different uses including transporting boxes, cardboard boxes, crates, pallets, plastic totes, polybags, slave boards, and trays. A roller conveyor system can be configured to work with a range of ancillary equipment including bends, gates, and turntables.

 

Roller conveyors are normally used in environments such as warehouses or manufacturing facilities due to the nature of transporting goods. Using a roller conveyor can add versatility to the type of transfers, diverters, and stops that can be used as part of a conveyor system or automation system. You can get roller conveyors in mild steel, galvanized, plastic, or stainless steel.

LAC Roller Conveyor

What industries are roller conveyors used in?


Roller conveyor systems, due to their adaptability and usage, are used widely in numerous industries, predominately logistics and manufacturing. There are several industries roller conveyors are used in including the examples listed below:

Food handling
Packaging
Logistics
Mail delivery services
Baggage handling
Steelmaking
Manufacturing and design

Where did roller conveyors come from?

The first patent for roller conveyors was awarded in 1908 to Hymie Goddard, from Logan Company, in Indiana. This allowed for smooth transport of goods by means of internal ball bearings, although the conveyor did not get mainstream until five years later. In 1913 Henry Ford made a milestone in history by introducing the renowned assembly line. During the 1920s conveyor solutions started being used for longer distances thanks to a conveyor being able to carry heavier and larger goods over long distances with much more ease.

 

It was due to World War 2 and the lack of raw materials that the technology improved and is the reason why today roller conveyors can be used from materials including synthetic fabrics and polymers. This also reduced the cost of upkeep on the roller conveyor system. Starting in the 70s up to now, conveyor systems including the roller conveyor, have witnessed developments to their technologies and innovations from introducing and perfecting power conveyors through to using computers to control complex applications. There are consistently new variations to the conveyor systems to keep the industry in motion, all with the goal to reduce time and increase optimal performance.

What are the benefits of using gravity roller conveyors?

Gravity roller conveyors are useful as they use gravity’s force to move items. Putting your gravity roller conveyor on a decline angle means you can move a product without any power source. This is a cost-benefit as it means it doesn’t require any power to move the goods from A to B, giving a reduced cost and being more environmentally friendly compared to a powered roller conveyor.

 

Due to not requiring any power, this reduces the need for maintenance costs, so again, reduces the cost of operation and time in maintaining the conveyor. However, a gravity roller conveyor may not be as best suited in some scenarios as a powered roller conveyor would be. This is due to it being harder to control the conveyor speed which could result in goods being damaged, for example, if the conveyor decline is steep and a heavy item gets put on the system.

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What are the benefits of using a powered roller conveyor?


These systems are more expensive but are worth the investment if you need to move goods over a longer distance. You can see in the image below a roller conveyor system L-A-C installed where one part of the conveyor system takes the product up and down, reducing the need for people on the system and automating a process.

When you need to transport goods over a longer distance, a powered roller conveyor is likely the most suitable product.

Due to being powered systems, they can move goods horizontally over a long distance within an efficient time.

The speed can be controlled so there is full control over the process, and this helps reduce risk due to full control.

A powered roller conveyor has the benefit of being able to handle heavier loads, a reason why they are commonly used in the manufacturing industry.

The powered roller conveyor system can be split up into zones meaning that each zone can be individually controlled which allows each zone to only run when an item is present helping in reducing cost and improving efficiency.

This, again, reduces risk as if a motor breaks or the power supply to one zone has stopped, only that zone will stop and the remainder of the system can carry on.

Bespoke Roller Conveyors

Roller conveyors are an integral part of industrial applications, offering various options such as gravity conveyors and powered systems to support the effortless transport of goods. These conveyor lines use a range of conveyor rollers made from materials like mild steel zinc or bright zinc, depending on load capacity and load ratings. Whether handling heavy-duty items like loaded pallets or smaller items with minimum product size requirements, roller conveyors provide the ideal solution for optimising production lines and warehouse pathways.

 

Bespoke conveyors, including gravity roller conveyor systems and Lineshaft Roller Conveyors, offer flexibility and adaptability to suit specific production processes. Conveyor technology can include features such as conveyor lifts, skate wheel conveyors, and straight sections, making it easy to automate and enhance workflow. Steel side frames and tube walls add to the strength and durability of heavy-duty conveyor rollers, which are essential for safe operation in industries such as manufacturing and logistics.

 

For more advanced setups, complete roller conveyors can be customised with individual rollers, drive rollers, and bespoke gravity roller conveyors. This includes accessories like continuous conveyors or flexible conveyors, allowing for the efficient movement of products across an entire conveyor system. Whether using standard gravity conveyors or bespoke gravity conveyor accessories, companies can ensure safe, smooth, and continuous conveyor belt operations tailored to their industrial needs.​

 

Our extensive range of conveyor rollers are designed to cater to various applications, offering both durability and efficiency in material handling. Available in different roller diameters and lengths, our rollers are crafted from quality raw materials, ensuring they meet the demands of your operation. Whether you need stainless steel conveyor rollers for use with bulk materials or standard options for everyday tasks, we provide solutions compatible with all conveyor equipment.

 

Our conveyor range seamlessly integrates with various conveyor frames and belt conveyor systems, accommodating multiple belt widths. The roller tubes are designed to fit your specific needs, and with our efficient delivery lead time, you can rely on us to keep your operations running smoothly. From belt conveyor rollers to custom units, our products are built to enhance your workflow.

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TODAY

L-A-C’s team of experts are here to support you from concept to the finished system, working together to design and deliver a bespoke solution that meets your current objectives and future growth expectations, with favourable ROI. 

 

Across semi-automated and fully automated systems, L-A-C has the expertise and range of products to provide flexible and scalable solutions that will significantly enhance your operations and keep you agile as your business evolves. 

 

Join us on a pivotal journey towards a more efficient, productive, cost effective and sustainable future with L-A-C’s innovative automation technology solutions.


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0115 975 3300

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