Projections show that the global gravity roller conveyors market will reach a value of $6.124 billion by 2030.

If your business includes material handling, gravity rollers can improve the overall efficiency of operations. While these aren't the only option for material handling, they are often the most effective. But what are gravity rollers, and how can they help your business? Keep reading to find out.

What Are Gravity Rollers?

A gravity roller conveyor system is used to transport items without the need for power. It simply leverages gravity to move products from one location to another.

They're often used in lieu of gravity chutes or powered conveyor systems. In some situations, these other systems may be more suitable, so it's important to understand how gravity rollers work and what the benefits are so you can determine the best system for your business.

How Do Gravity Rollers Work?

Gravity roller systems include rollers that are fitted to a frame, and these can roll freely as products move across them. The system sits on an incline which allows items to move without the need for a power source or other kind of intervention. This is one of the most energy-efficient methods of product transportation in a material handling environment.

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Gravity Roller Uses

Gravity rollers can be suitable for any environment where products need to be moved from one place to another. Some of the most common things that are moved on gravity rollers are:

  • Barrels
  • Canisters
  • Drums
  • Lumber
  • Wire bins
  • Wooden boxes
  • Strap items
  • Blocks
  • Cans

You should use gravity rollers to transport any items that have a bottom that's open, uneven, or rimmed. Ensure that these items are never wider than the rollers.

You can use gravity rollers for items with a smooth or flat bottom, but these can also be transported using skatewheel conveyors. In these cases, the item can be a bit wider than the conveyor itself (about 6" max on each side). You can move significantly wider items if necessary - you just need to ensure they're centered well so that they don't fall off.

Gravity rollers are very common in several industries. This includes packaging, food & drink handling, logistics, manufacturing, and postage. While these are some of the most typical examples, gravity rollers could be suitable for a wide range of other applications.

Customized Options

Different companies always have different needs, and there are various options for designing a gravity roller system. There are several factors you need to consider before proceeding with a new system for your business.

The diameter of the rollers can vary. Larger rollers tend to be more expensive but can also support heavier loads. You can also vary the length of sections depending on how far you need to transport goods.

You can choose between different frame styles. The material will determine things like durability, lifespan, and cost. The width is one of the most important aspects as it will determine the size of the products it can transport.

At Stock MHS, we can custom-design your gravity roller system so that it meets your needs perfectly. This will ensure you have the most suitable solution for your business.

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Other Options

A similar option is a Skatewheel Conveyor system. These use skatewheels rather than gravity wheels but are more suitable for different types of loads.

A skatewheel is thin, and there are several on each axle, whereas a gravity wheel is full-width and has its own dedicated axle. For heavier items, skatewheel conveyors may not be suitable due to the weight distribution.

Powered solutions are also available. Powered roller conveyors use a motor or a chain to drive the rollers. Belt-driven conveyors are also sometimes used - most commonly when the conveyor is curved.

Benefits of Gravity Rollers

While there are various options when it comes to material handling, gravity rollers perform best in several situations. They provide several benefits over other solutions.

Simple Installation

At Stock MHS we can custom-build material handling systems to meet specific requirements. This means we can design your system so that it fits perfectly into your work environment.

We have the flexibility to make something that's effective, while still being easy to install. This gets your system up and running quickly, while keeping any downtime to a minimum.

Easy to Maintain

Gravity rollers generally have a simple construction and layout, making them easier to maintain and keep clean. Easier maintenance means reduced downtime and a longer lifespan overall.

Work Well With Powered Conveyor Systems

Depending on the goods you'll be transporting, you might benefit from implementing some sort of powered conveyor system along with your gravity rollers. We can easily design and install both, and they'll work together efficiently.

Cost Effective

The ease of installation and maintenance helps keep costs down. As gravity rollers don't rely on motors to work, this also helps to reduce costs in terms of design and utility bills.

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Gravity Rollers for Your Business

If you think gravity rollers would be suitable for your business, look no further than Stock MHS. We specialize in designing and installing various material handling solutions. On top of gravity rollers, we can also provide gravity chutes, ball transfers, caster decks, and more.

If you want to know more about how we can help your business, contact us today.