Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a roller conveyor system?
A roller conveyor system is a series of rollers mounted in a frame that moves cases, totes, cartons or pallets along a set path, either by gravity or by powered rollers. Addverb's roller conveyor range includes spur, curve, belt-over-roller, gravity, accumulation and pallet roller conveyors. They suit heavier, non-fragile items with flat, solid bottoms, and they link receiving, picking, packing and shipping areas. -
What is the difference between a gravity roller conveyor and a powered roller conveyor?
A gravity roller conveyor uses a slight slope or a push from the associate to move items with no motor, while a powered roller conveyor drives the rollers so items move at a controlled speed on level runs. Gravity conveyors are low-cost and suit short runs such as packing benches. Powered conveyors, such as Addverb's motorized driven roller (MDR) range, suit longer automated lines that need speed control. -
What are spur and curve roller conveyors used for?
A spur roller conveyor merges items from several conveyor lines into one controlled stream, or branches them off a main line, while a curve roller conveyor turns products around corners without manual handling. Addverb's spur conveyor carries about 20 lb per foot on frames up to 26 in wide. Together they let one conveyor network route cartons and totes through complex layouts. -
Should I choose a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor?
Choose a roller conveyor for cases, totes and cartons with firm, flat bottoms that need to accumulate or be diverted, and a belt conveyor for polybags, small, soft or irregular items and inclines. Roller conveyors have fewer moving parts than belt conveyors, which lowers maintenance and energy use. Addverb also offers belt-over-roller conveyors, which combine a belt surface with a roller-supported frame. -
When is a roller conveyor not the right choice?
A roller conveyor is a poor fit for polybags, envelopes, very small items or soft-bottomed packages, because they can sag between rollers, snag or tip. Rollers also give little grip on steep inclines, so loads may slide back. For these items and elevation changes, a belt conveyor is the safer choice, and Addverb's belt-over-roller variant covers mixed flows on one line.