
Roller bed conveyor systems are a game-changer for efficient material handling. They can move heavy loads with minimal labor, reducing the risk of injury and increasing productivity.
These systems are designed to handle a wide range of materials, from heavy machinery parts to packaged goods. In fact, some roller bed conveyor systems can support loads of up to 10,000 pounds.
By minimizing manual handling and maximizing automation, roller bed conveyor systems can significantly reduce labor costs and improve overall efficiency. For example, a study found that implementing a roller bed conveyor system in a manufacturing facility reduced labor costs by 30%.
Roller bed conveyor systems are also highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor their system to meet specific needs and requirements. This can include features such as adjustable speed controls and integrated sorting and packaging systems.
What is a Roller Bed Conveyor
A roller bed conveyor is a type of conveyor system that uses rollers to move products along a bed or track. This design allows for smooth and efficient movement of goods.
The rollers are typically mounted on a frame or bed that is designed to support the weight of the products being conveyed. This frame can be made of various materials, including steel, aluminum, or plastic.
Roller bed conveyors are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics, where high-volume and fast-paced production is required.
Description
A roller bed conveyor is a type of conveyor system that relies on rollers to transport goods. The rollers play a crucial role in reducing friction between the conveyor belt and the surface it moves over.
The rollers are typically made of steel and come in different diameters, such as 1.9 inches, and are spaced at a distance of 3 inches apart. This spacing and type of rollers can be adjusted to control the speed at which items move along the conveyor.
The drive pulley is usually 4 inches in diameter, with a shaft diameter of 1-3/16 inches, and is machine crowned and fully lagged. The tail pulley is also 4 inches in diameter, machine crowned, and has a shaft diameter of 1-3/16 inches.
A safety pop-out roller is standard on both ends of the conveyor, providing an added layer of safety in case of an emergency. The squaring rods on the underside of the bed allow the frame to be squared for improved belt tracking.
The bearings used in the pulleys are precision, heavy-duty, lubricated, ball-bearing units with cast iron housings. The take-up unit at the tail pulley provides 12 inches of belt take-up.
Here are some key features of roller bed conveyors:
- Rollers reduce friction between the conveyor belt and the surface it moves over
- Rollers provide essential support to the conveyor belt
- Rollers facilitate movement of goods along the conveyor
- Rollers are available in different materials, such as steel, plastic, or coated with rubber
- Rollers can be adjusted to control the speed at which items move
The motor drive is usually a 1/2 HP, 230/460/3, 60 cycle, Super E right-angle gear motor. The electrical controls are optional, but can be added to the conveyor system for added functionality.
Purpose
A roller bed conveyor is designed to move products along a horizontal or inclined plane, typically used in manufacturing and assembly lines. Its primary purpose is to transport goods efficiently and safely.
The purpose of a roller bed conveyor is to reduce labor costs and increase productivity by automating the movement of products. This is especially useful in industries where high-volume production is required.
Roller bed conveyors are also used to improve product handling and reduce damage, as they provide a smooth and consistent surface for products to ride on.
Components and Parts

A roller bed conveyor system is made up of several key components that work together to move products efficiently.
The rollers themselves are a crucial part of the conveyor system, typically made of durable materials like steel or plastic.
The rollers are usually mounted on a bed or frame, which provides support and helps to keep the rollers aligned.
The bed or frame is often made of steel or aluminum and is designed to withstand heavy loads and frequent use.
The rollers can be driven by motors or other power sources, which helps to move the products along the conveyor system.
The conveyor system can also include additional features like sensors and controls to help regulate the flow of products and prevent jams.
Tail Pulley
A tail pulley is a crucial component in many machines, and its design can vary depending on the specific application. You can find tail pulleys with a 4″ diameter and a 1″ diameter shaft at bearings.
The size of the pulley can also be larger, such as 6″ diameter, with a 1-3/16″ diameter shaft at bearings, which is often machined to be crowned.
Bearings

Bearings are a crucial component in conveyor systems, ensuring smooth operation and reducing wear on moving parts. They come in various types, but sealed, pre-lubricated, self-aligning ball bearings on drive and tail pulleys are specifically designed for conveyor systems.
These bearings are designed to operate in high-friction environments, reducing the risk of overheating and premature wear. They're often used on 4″ diameter tail pulleys with 1″ diameter shafts at bearings, or 6″ diameter pulleys with 1-3/16″ diameter shafts at bearings, which are machine crowned for optimal performance.
A well-designed bearing system can significantly extend the lifespan of conveyor components, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. By choosing the right bearings for your conveyor system, you can ensure efficient and reliable operation.
Return Idlers
When working with conveyor systems, it's essential to have return idlers that can handle the job. Adjustable 1.9″ diameter rollers are a great option.
Pre-lubricated ball bearings are a key feature to look for in return idlers. They make it easy to get started and reduce the risk of premature wear.
Design and Efficiency

Mastering roller bed conveyor design is crucial for engineers and facility managers aiming to enhance operational efficiency. Roller conveyor design PDFs serve as foundational resources, offering detailed insights into specifications, capabilities, and configurations of various systems.
To optimize material handling, small roller bed conveyor design is essential for compact spaces and specialized applications. These conveyors often incorporate adjustable roller spacing and variable speed options, allowing for precise control of material flow.
Advanced calculations play a pivotal role in the precise engineering of roller bed conveyor systems. Roller conveyor design calculations available for download enable engineers to tailor conveyor systems to exact requirements, ensuring optimized efficiency and durability.
By understanding the essentials of roller bed conveyor design, engineers can create efficient, reliable, and adaptable material handling solutions. A solid theoretical background aids in practical application and customization of conveyor systems to meet specific operational needs.
Here are the key types of rollers used in conveyor belts:
Design Efficiency

Mastering roller bed conveyor design is crucial for engineers and facility managers aiming to enhance operational efficiency. This involves understanding the intricacies of roller bed conveyors, including load capacity, roller spacing, and belt material options.
Roller conveyor design PDFs serve as foundational resources, offering detailed insights into specifications, capabilities, and configurations of various systems. These documents provide a solid theoretical background that aids in the practical application and customization of conveyor systems.
Advanced calculations play a pivotal role in the precise engineering of roller bed conveyor systems. Roller conveyor design calculations available for download enable engineers to tailor conveyor systems to the exact requirements of their operations.
The selection of the appropriate types of rollers is fundamental to the performance and longevity of conveyor systems. Here are the different types of rollers used in conveyor belts, highlighting their specific applications and benefits:
Integrating gravity roller conveyors into roller bed conveyor design is a strategic approach to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Gravity roller conveyors require no electricity for movement, significantly reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
Incorporating gravity roller conveyors into the design of roller bed conveyor systems offers numerous operational benefits, including reducing operational costs, enhancing safety, and flexibility.
Center Drive

The Center Drive is a versatile option for conveyor systems. The minimum top-of-belt elevation is 17-3/4″ to accommodate the drive.
This allows for flexibility in design. The drive can be placed on any section of the conveyor length.
One important consideration is the minimum length required without special modifications, which is 10′.
Take-Up
In a center-drive design, take-ups play a crucial role in the efficiency of the system.
The take-up in a center-drive provides 16″ of belt take-up, allowing for smooth operation and minimizing potential issues.
A well-designed take-up system can make a significant difference in the overall performance of the equipment.
In this case, the 16″ of belt take-up is a notable feature that contributes to the system's efficiency.
Manufacturing and Selection
Manufacturing and selection of conveyor rollers are critical components in roller bed conveyor design. These elements directly influence the efficiency, durability, and reliability of the conveyor system.
To choose the right conveyor roller manufacturer, look for one with a proven track record and strong reputation in the industry for quality and reliability. Ensure the manufacturer adheres to high-quality standards in their products, using durable materials and precise engineering. Consider manufacturers that provide excellent technical support and customer service, offering guidance from design to implementation.
Here are 8 guidelines on choosing the right conveyor roller manufacturer:
- Experience and Reputation: Look for manufacturers with a proven track record and strong reputation in the industry for quality and reliability.
- Product Quality: Ensure the manufacturer adheres to high-quality standards in their products, using durable materials and precise engineering.
- Customization Capabilities: Choose a manufacturer that offers customization options to tailor rollers to specific needs of your roller bed conveyor design.
- Technical Support: Select manufacturers that provide excellent technical support and customer service, offering guidance from design to implementation.
- Lead Times: Consider the manufacturer’s ability to meet your timelines, ensuring they can deliver products within your project schedule.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Evaluate the cost relative to the quality and durability of the rollers, seeking the best value for your investment.
- Innovative Solutions: Look for manufacturers that invest in research and development to offer innovative solutions that enhance conveyor efficiency and functionality.
- After-Sales Service: Ensure the manufacturer offers reliable after-sales service, including maintenance and replacement parts.
Selection and Manufacturing
When selecting a conveyor roller manufacturer, look for those with a proven track record and strong reputation in the industry for quality and reliability. This ensures you're getting high-quality rollers that will last.
To ensure the durability and wear resistance of rollers, high-quality materials must be selected during the manufacturing process. Material selection is crucial, as it directly impacts the conveyor's lifespan.
The manufacturing process of conveyor rollers plays a pivotal role in determining the overall efficiency and longevity of a roller bed conveyor system. This process involves 10 key impacts, including material selection, precision engineering, surface treatment, and quality control.
A good manufacturer should adhere to high-quality standards in their products, using durable materials and precise engineering. This ensures the rollers will perform consistently and last longer.
To optimize performance and efficiency, customization is key. Look for manufacturers that offer customization options to tailor rollers to specific needs of your roller bed conveyor design.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a conveyor roller manufacturer:
By considering these factors and selecting a reputable manufacturer, you can ensure that your conveyor rollers are of the highest quality and will meet your operational needs.
Flat Belt vs
In manufacturing, choosing the right conveyor system can make a big difference in efficiency and productivity. Flat belt conveyors provide a continuous flat surface for products, ideal for delicate items or those requiring stable support.
They can move items of varied sizes efficiently and are typically quieter than roller conveyors. However, they require higher maintenance due to wear and tear on the belt.
Roller conveyors, on the other hand, are highly efficient for items with rigid bottoms, allowing for accumulation and automated sorting. Gravity roller conveyors reduce power requirements, lowering operational costs.
Roller conveyors are also more adaptable to irregularly shaped items. But they may not be suitable for items that require a flat surface for stability during transport.

The choice between flat belt conveyors and roller conveyors ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the application. Consider the nature of the items being transported, the desired speed and efficiency of the system, and the operational costs associated with maintenance and power consumption.
Here's a quick comparison of the two conveyor types:
Hytrol Model Sb
The Hytrol Model SB is a Horizontal Slider Bed, designed with channel frames that make it ideal for packaging and matching up with roller bed conveyors.
This type of conveyor is perfect for applications where space is limited, as it takes up less room than other types of conveyors.
Slider Bed Conveyors are versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, including manufacturing and distribution facilities.
They're also easy to integrate with other conveyor systems, making them a popular choice among manufacturers.
The Hytrol Model SB is a reliable and efficient option for moving products through your facility, and it's a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their conveyor system.
Hytrol Model
Hytrol Model conveyors are designed to meet various manufacturing needs. They come in different types, including the Hytrol Model SB, which is a Horizontal Slider Bed conveyor.
Slider Bed Conveyors are ideal for packaging and matching up with roller bed conveyors. They're often used in applications where precision is key.
One key benefit of Slider Bed Conveyors is their ability to handle irregularly shaped items with ease. This makes them a great choice for packaging lines that need to move items with uneven or irregularly shaped bottom surfaces.
Here are some types of Hytrol Model conveyors:
- Hytrol Model SB: Horizontal Slider Bed
- Hytrol Model RB: Horizontal Roller Bed
Roller Bed Conveyors, like the Hytrol Model RB, are designed to move heavier loads. They reduce friction and provide greater capacity, making them ideal for applications that require high throughput.
Types and Applications
There are several types of roller bed conveyors available, each designed to meet specific transportation needs. Gravity Roller Conveyors utilize the force of gravity to move items, ideal for downslope applications where products need to flow downhill.

Powered Roller Conveyors are equipped with motors to drive the rollers, allowing for control over the speed and movement direction of the items being transported. Accumulation Roller Conveyors are designed to accumulate goods without pressure, preventing damage to fragile products while maintaining a steady flow.
Heavy-Duty Roller Conveyors are built to handle heavy loads, ideal for industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and logistics. These conveyors are commonly used in applications where high-capacity and reliability are required.
Roller bed conveyors have found their application in numerous industries due to their flexibility and efficiency. They are used in manufacturing, warehousing, food & beverage, and automotive sectors to streamline processes and improve production efficiency.
Here are some key applications of roller bed conveyors:
- Manufacturing: Used for moving products through various assembly stages or to connect different machines.
- Warehousing: Streamlines the process of sorting, packing, and shipping goods, enhancing logistics and reducing operation times.
- Food & Beverage: Facilitates the transportation of packaged goods, ensuring hygiene and safety standards are met.
- Automotive: Supports the efficient movement of car parts through assembly lines, improving production efficiency.
Snub Idler
The Snub Idler is a type of idler that's worth mentioning. Its adjustable 2-1/8″ diameter roller makes it a versatile option for various applications.
Pre-lubricated ball bearings ensure smooth operation and reduce maintenance needs. This feature is particularly useful in high-usage settings where downtime can be costly.
Guards are included with the Snub Idler, providing an added layer of protection and safety. This is especially important in environments where accidental contact with the idler could be a hazard.
Applications

Roller bed conveyors are incredibly versatile and can be found in a wide range of industries. Their flexibility and efficiency make them a popular choice for many applications.
In the manufacturing sector, roller bed conveyors are used to move products through various assembly stages or to connect different machines. This helps streamline the production process, reducing the time and effort required to complete tasks.
One type of roller bed conveyor, the gravity roller conveyor, utilizes the force of gravity to move items. This is ideal for downslope applications where products need to flow downhill.
Roller bed conveyors are also used in warehousing to streamline the process of sorting, packing, and shipping goods. This helps enhance logistics and reduce operation times.
In the food and beverage industry, roller bed conveyors facilitate the transportation of packaged goods, ensuring hygiene and safety standards are met.
The automotive industry also makes use of roller bed conveyors to support the efficient movement of car parts through assembly lines, improving production efficiency.
Some of the key applications of roller bed conveyors include:
Heavy-duty roller conveyors are also used in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and logistics to handle heavy loads.
Hytrol Model Th Trash Slider

The Hytrol Model TH Trash Slider is designed for long conveyor runs with high rails to help keep trash from falling from the conveyor.
This design ensures that trash stays on the conveyor, making it ideal for handling waste in various settings.
Hytrol Model TH Trash Sliders are specifically designed to handle trash, which is a testament to their effectiveness in this application.
Features and Advantages
A roller bed conveyor system is a fantastic investment for any operation. It's designed to be durable, with high-quality materials like steel or plastic that can withstand heavy workloads.
One of the key benefits of roller bed conveyor systems is their low maintenance requirements. They're built to last, with a robust design that minimizes the need for upkeep and reduces operational costs over time.
The modular design of roller bed conveyor systems is another major advantage. It allows for easy expansion and customization to fit specific layouts and needs, making it a versatile solution for various applications.

In addition to its durability and low maintenance, a roller bed conveyor system can also increase efficiency by automating material handling. This reduces manual labor and speeds up processes, ultimately improving productivity.
Here are some of the key features and advantages of roller bed conveyor systems:
Case Studies and Inventory
Roller bed conveyor systems are used across various industries, including e-commerce, automotive manufacturing, and food and beverage. They streamline processes, improve efficiency, and reduce delivery times.
In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, roller conveyors facilitate rapid movement and sorting of packages, directly impacting delivery times. They're also used in assembly lines, where they transport parts and assemblies between workstations with precision and efficiency, contributing to the streamlined production of vehicles.
Roller conveyors are also used in the food and beverage industry, where they move products through processing and packaging with minimal contact, ensuring food safety standards are met. They're also used in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry, where contamination control and precision are paramount.
Here are some examples of roller bed conveyor applications:
- E-commerce Fulfillment Centers
- Agriculture and Farming Equipment
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Food and Beverage Industry
- Pharmaceuticals
- Logistics and Distribution
Case Studies Across Industries

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, roller conveyors can streamline the sorting, packaging, and shipping processes, directly impacting delivery times.
Roller conveyors are also used in automotive manufacturing to transport parts and assemblies between workstations with precision and efficiency, contributing to the streamlined production of vehicles. This is especially important in high-production environments where efficiency is key.
In the food and beverage industry, stainless steel and plastic roller conveyors are used for hygiene and easy cleaning, moving products through processing and packaging with minimal contact. This helps ensure food safety standards are met.
In the pharmaceutical industry, roller conveyors handle sensitive products through production lines, where contamination control and precision are paramount. This is crucial in a highly regulated industry where accuracy is essential.
Roller conveyors can be used in logistics and distribution to facilitate the movement of goods in warehouses and distribution centers, optimizing space usage and improving inventory management through automated sorting and stacking. This can help reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.
Here are some industries where roller conveyors are used:
- E-commerce Fulfillment Centers
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Food and Beverage Industry
- Pharmaceuticals
- Logistics and Distribution
- Agriculture and Farming Equipment
View Our Hytrol Inventory

We have a wide variety of Hytrol Conveyors to choose from, including Powered Belt Conveyors, Slider Bed, Powered Belt Gapping Conveyors, Wire Mesh, and Plastic Belt.
Belt Conveyors are particularly useful for moving items with uneven or irregularly shaped bottom surfaces, like small bagged items that can sag or fall between rollers.
Our inventory also includes Floor-to-Floor & Incline Conveyors, which can be used in a variety of applications.
Some of the other options in our inventory include Powered Curves, Roller Bed, and Trough Roller Bed Conveyors.
These conveyors are ideal for packaging lines and fragile products that need to be conveyed carefully.
Here are some of the specific types of conveyors we have available:
- Powered Belt Conveyors
- Slider Bed
- Powered Belt Gapping Conveyors
- Wire Mesh
- Plastic Belt
- Floor-to-Floor & Incline Conveyors
- Powered Curves
- Roller Bed
- Trough Roller Bed Conveyors
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of roller conveyors?
Roller conveyors are heavy and prone to speed control issues, making them less efficient for certain applications. They can be a challenging choice for businesses seeking flexible and high-speed material handling solutions.
Sources
- https://www.matrixok.com/product/roach-roller-bed-belt-conveyor/
- https://materialflow.com/p/roller-bed-conveyors/
- https://www.cc-efi.com/products/conveyor-systems/rb-roller-bed-horizontal-belt-conveyor/
- https://www.gramconveyor.com/roller-bed-conveyor-design/
- https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/roller-bed-conveyor.html
- https://acgconveyors.com/partners/hytrol/belt-conveyors/
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