What Is Urethane Lined Rollers?
Urethane-lined rollers are rollers covered with a thick layer of urethane.
Lining is a surface treatment in which the surface is covered with a material such as resin. Urethane-lined rollers use urethane rubber to line the metal inside the rollers, preventing metal-to-metal contact in conveyor systems and preventing wear and tear on the roller fittings.
Urethane is resistant to abrasion caused by friction. Therefore, urethane-lined rollers can be expected to function effectively over a long period of time and have a long service life. In addition, urethane’s elasticity and moderate flexibility allow it to absorb shock and protect the goods being transported.
However, urethane is generally sensitive to low and high temperatures. When used in extreme temperature environments, the performance and life of urethane linings may be affected.
Uses of Urethane Lined Rollers
Urethane-lined rollers are widely used in a variety of industries and applications due to their properties. The following are some examples of applications:
1. Printing Machinery
In printing machinery, rollers are used to apply ink or coating to printed materials as they are fed. Urethane-lined rollers enable uniform printing by feeding the printed material as it glides. In addition, the urethane’s abrasion resistance enables high-quality printing to be maintained over a long period of time.
2. Conveyor
Conveyor belt systems are used to automatically transport industrial products and goods. In this system, a conveyor belt rotates on rollers to transport goods.
Urethane-lined rollers can extend the life of the belt because the urethane’s abrasion resistance reduces belt slippage and wear. The elasticity of the urethane also absorbs shocks, thereby softening the impact of the goods being transported. This can improve system reliability and efficiency.
3. Food Industry
Food processing and packaging lines require hygienic and slippery rollers. Urethane-lined rollers are suitable for contact with food products and enable clean and smooth conveying. This ensures food quality and safety.
Principle of Urethane Lined Rollers
The principle of the urethane-lined roller is a mechanism in which a special synthetic resin called urethane is coated on the outside of the roller to take advantage of its excellent properties. Urethane, formally known as polyurethane, is a compound formed through the reaction of isocyanate and polyol components, creating urethane bonds.
It is characterized by a wide variation in hardness and strength, as well as excellent elasticity. Urethane rubber is also characterized by its simple raw materials and lack of additives. For this reason, urethane itself does not alter or adversely affect materials or substances that come into contact with it in rollers. This material is easy to use with rollers.
However, urethane rubber is not suitable for use in humid environments due to its low resistance to moisture and heat. In addition, care must be taken when using it in environments with temperatures exceeding 80°C (140°F). In such locations, select a lining roller made of urethane rubber with increased heat resistance.
How to Select Urethane Lined Rollers
Several important factors should be considered when selecting urethane-lined rollers. The following are examples of key factors:
1. Core Material
The core material of urethane-lined rollers is the central part that forms the interior of the rollers. Commonly, metals, especially aluminum and stainless steel are widely used. The selection of an appropriate core material is an important factor affecting roller stability and load-handling capability.
2. Urethane Hardness
Urethane hardness is an indicator of roller surface flexibility. It is generally expressed in terms of Shore hardness. The choice of hardness should be made in accordance with the operating environment and the nature of the material to be transported.
Harder urethanes are more abrasion-resistant, while softer urethanes are more shock-absorbent. For heavy loads, hard urethane is the best choice. However, softer urethane is often used for high impact.
3. Dimensions
Urethane-lined roller dimensions include roller diameter, width, and shaft hole size. It is important to select the appropriate dimensions for the equipment and conveyor system used. The thickness of the urethane lining should also be considered.