Roller Conveyors

Lineshaft or roller conveyors feature cylindrical rollers that move primary cartons or secondary packaging such as cases, through a production line.

Category Explained

Roller Conveyors, including lineshaft and gravity-fed designs, utilize a series of cylindrical rollers to transport products along a production line. These conveyors are commonly used for moving larger, heavier items such as primary cartons, trays, or secondary packaging like shrink-wrapped bundles and corrugated cases. Depending on the system, the rollers may be powered—driven by belts, chains, or a central lineshaft—or non-powered, relying on gravity or manual force to move the product.

Roller conveyors are known for their simplicity, reliability, and ability to handle a wide range of package sizes and weights. Their modular structure allows for easy customization and integration into automated systems. They are also compatible with accumulation zones, merge points, and transfers, which helps manage product flow and reduce congestion in the line. Key features include:

  • Cylindrical rollers for smooth, low-friction movement of packaged goods
  • Powered or gravity configurations based on product weight and layout
  • Modular frame designs for flexible line construction and scalability
  • Integration with sensors and diverts for sorting, merging, and accumulation
  • Rugged construction for reliable handling of heavy or bulky packaging

Typical products and applications include:

  • Corrugated cases: Transported from case packers to palletizing stations
  • Shrink-wrapped bundles: Moved through checkweighing, scanning, or labeling systems
  • Trays of bottles or cans: Carried downstream for final packaging or stacking
  • E-commerce cartons: Routed through sorting systems in fulfillment centers
  • Consumer goods cases: Accumulated for manual or robotic palletizing

Roller conveyors are a staple in both manufacturing and distribution environments, offering a durable and versatile solution for transporting a wide variety of package types with efficiency and control.