Roltransporteurs

Roltransporteurs, commonly referred to in English as roller conveyors, are systems that move items on rotating cylindrical rollers. They are widely used in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution to transport, accumulate, or sort goods with relatively simple, low-maintenance hardware. Two major families exist: gravity roller conveyors, where items move by gravity or manual push, and powered roller conveyors, in which motors drive one or more rollers to propel loads. Configurations include straight runs, curves, and multidimensional layouts; rollers are supported by a rigid frame with end supports, and some systems include accumulation sections to control spacing between items.

Key components are rollers, a supporting frame, end frames, drive units or motorized rollers, and control elements such as sensors, switches, and safety devices. Materials vary by application and weight, with rollers made from steel, aluminum, or high-strength polymers and frames from steel or aluminum; finishes emphasize wear resistance and corrosion protection.

Operation is simple: loads are placed on the rollers and moved by gravity or by drive, with speed controlled by an integrated controller. Automation may include sensors for stopping, sorting, or diverting items at workstations.

Applications span packaging lines, order fulfillment, sorting facilities, and light to medium-duty material handling. Advantages include simplicity, flexibility, low energy use, and easy maintenance; limitations involve limited handling of very heavy or irregularly shaped items and the need for level surfaces and regular maintenance.