Lightweight, energy-efficient and durable HDPE roller for safer, low-maintenance operations

Rulmeca TOP series is a totally thermoplastic polymer roller, with the exeption of steel in the ball bearing and shaft. In fact, a reinforcing steel tube is fitted inside the high density polyethylene shell for rollers lenghts B>600 only.

The high density polyethylene tube has about 50% lower weight with respect to steel rollers. First, this ensures easier and safer transportation, mounting and maintenance operations. Especially where such interventions may be critical – like in suspended, long or hard-to-access belt conveyors – operators can better prevent back injuries. Moreover, lightness means lower power consumption during start/stop operations of the belt conveyor and therefore a reduction of power requirements on the plant. Even the low running resistance sealing system of our TOP roller has the same effect by requiring lower motor torque in conveyor starts, lower motor power size and therefore a reduction of energy consumption of the belt conveyor.

Other advantages come from the construction material of an HDPE roller. First, thermoplastic noise and vibration absorption result in low noise emission. Second, low level of abrasion and corrosion denotes high wear resistance which guarantees longer life of the roller itself and lower maintenance of the whole plant. Third, the self-cleaning surface of our roller favors the prevention of build-up of material – main cause of belt mis-tracking – and the consequent reduction of spillage from the belt.

One of the most versatile and used type of polymer rollers

By now, polymer rollers have become integral to modern material handling and HDPE is among the most widely used materials by manufacturers. While not designed for extreme heavy-duty applications where other materials may be better suited, it has the ideal balance between mechanical and chemical resistance, cost-efficiency and operational reliability for most bulk handling operations.

At Rulmeca, we chose to design and engineer an HDPE roller able to deliver higher performance, safer and lower maintenance operations in light and medium duty conveyor systems. Our TOP roller is a very flexible series, suitable for use in a wide variety of applicationa and products such as cement, coal, gravel, fertilisers, ports, chemicals and many others.