Skatewheel gravity conveyor systems are like a gravity roller table. Except the rollers are “skatewheel” style rollers mounted on axles. This helps convey flat-bottomed items smoothly. They are a very low cost material handling system, but handle lower loads. Skatewheel gravity conveyor components are available with steel or aluminum frames. There are also many lengths and widths. Skatewheel conveyors move tote boxes very well. Roller track, flowrail or skatewheel rails are other names. These smaller sections of skatewheel style systems are often used in racks.
A roller conveyor can also serve as a light duty roller stand. These systems are very popular when working with sheet material. Common usage is for material feeding into or out of cutting saws. They are sometimes known as roller conveyor tables or roller stand tables. Ultimation’s roller stand conveyors are popular with home workshop buyers. Learn more about roller stands and buy them here.
Many industrial and distribution center operations use roller conveyors. They are among the most affordable types of conveyors, but they lack the ability to provide controlled movement. With thoughtful design you can include them in larger material handling systems. For example, you can use roller conveyors between two electric belt conveyors. Or use a gravity roller conveyor between two motorized MDR conveyors.
Generally the limiting factor with gravity conveyors is the variations of the load. Consider both size and weight variation of the individual items. Small and light packages may flow nicely down a gravity conveyor pitched at a 5 degree decline. But when when a larger or heavier load is on the rollers, it will speed out of control. Pallet roller conveyor and heavy duty roller conveyors need careful design solution. Ultimation can also provide special speed control rollers. These rollers act as a brake to assist with these situations. Live roller (motorized powered roller) solutions are more common for handling super heavy duty loads
As well as being very economical, these systems are highly flexible. Their flexibility enables them to be quickly moved and rearranged. All systems come with holes pre-punched at 3″, 4.5″ and 6″ centers. This enables the roller spacing to be revised whenever required.
Ultimation makes conversion kits to upgrade your gravity system. It’s possible to create a powered or motorized live roller version. Interroll or Itoh Denki motorized conveyor rollers use 24V DC power to move packages.
We don’t sell used roller conveyor components, but we pride ourselves on being the lowest cost producer of high quality systems. Ultimation does not sell through distributors or sales representatives. We pass on those saving to you, and so we’re able to sell direct at great prices. We are always very competitive with used conveyor systems.
Although you can always find used roller conveyor sections available for sale on sites like eBay, you don’t really save much when considering all the factors. When buying new conveyors from Ultimation, you are buying roller conveyors direct from the factory, there’s no distributor or middle man. If you want to buy used gravity roller conveyors, you can’t always get the exact roller size, width or length that you need. Since they are large and difficult to ship, buying new systems that are properly packaged is another consideration. Most used systems have some kind of damage either from disassembly or they are not packed adequately to be shipped to you.
Our systems serve some of the largest manufacturers in the world. We design, manufacture and install automation equipment and assembly conveyors for facilities of all sizes. We’re a woman-owned company with more than 30 years of experience. In the material handling industry, we’re uniquely suited to address your needs no matter what they may be. We are one of the leading gravity roller conveyor manufacturers. And we can help you with complete turnkey service from start to finish. Ultimation is the largest integrator of Jervis Webb overhead conveyor systems, and a winner of Metro Detroit’s “Great Places to Work” awards.
Put our extensive expertise to work for you and your facility. For more information about anything we do or to get started on your new conveyor system, contact us. We answer every phone call with a live operator. Ultimation is a top-rated roller conveyor manufacturer.
Need help learning about other conveyor types, which types to use and how to specify them? This step by step guide will help.
For more information types of roller conveyors, please get in touch with us!