Fully functional conveyor systems are integral to the success of nearly every manufacturing and distribution company. When individual rollers or skatewheels are compromised, production can grind to a halt, causing costly losses in productivity. Here are some considerations to help extend the life of conveyor rollers through proactive maintenance.
Scheduled inspections
How often are rollers examined for wear and tear? No matter what types of products are being moved across conveyors, ongoing friction will take its toll on rollers. Hard or worn metal surfaces can shorten equipment life and damage the products being conveyed. Maintenance regimens that include a monthly or quarterly review of all moving parts, including conveyor rollers and skatewheels, can save thousands of dollars in unexpected repair costs and down time.
Optimum conveyance reviews
How efficiently are products moving across existing rollers? Close examination of finished parts can help reveal whether worn rollers are inadvertently impacting product quality. Random scratches, dents, or other damages to finished surfaces could be the result of deteriorating rollers. At higher speeds of product movement, even a single damaged roller can cause a great deal of harm.
Bounce and traction evaluation
The more delicate or fragile the part, the more critical it is for conveyance to be as smooth as possible. A layer of protective foam cushioning can be added to rollers to help mitigate harmful bouncing and offer better protection against accidental nicks and dings. Worn or unprotected rollers can also contribute to slippage issues. If products slide out of the designated conveyor path, backups or bottlenecks can occur on the line, impacting efficiency and even safety. Coverings specifically designed to heighten traction can be added to rollers to significantly increase gripping power.
Cleaning assessment
Dirt, grime and other substances can easily build up on rollers over time, affecting their ability to work properly. Proper wash downs and sanitizing operations are critical, but cleaning products and chemicals can also damage equipment over time. Protective coverings designed to endure even the toughest of cleaning regimens can be added to rollers to extend their life and make sanitizing procedures even easier. Clean, protected conveyor lines help to keep both employees and products safer – a winning combination.
Budget protection
Costly equipment expenditures impact your company’s bottom line success, making it vital to stretch each dollar dedicated to proactive maintenance. Global supply chain challenges have made it increasingly difficult to purchase replacement parts, making renewal options for existing equipment more attractive than ever before. Companies everywhere are asking the same question daily: renew existing equipment – or replace it?
If you’re ready to focus on the significant cost savings offered through roller cover renewal, VinylGuard® Solutions can help. Proudly made in the USA, VinylGuard® roller coverings provide cost-effective protection with excellent resistance to cuts, abrasion, chemicals, moisture, fungus, and corrosion. Available in three formulations – standard, cushioning, and TractionPlus™, VinylGuard coverings are flame retardant, lead-free, RoHS compliant, and environmentally safe. Easy to apply, VinylGuard products will not stain, rust, crack or peel. Food-grade formulations that comply with the Food and Drug Administration’s USFDA 21CFR requirements for indirect contact with food are also available upon request.