Plastic Rollers
Plastic rollers in nylon, UHMWPE, acetal and polyurethane are machined or moulded for conveying, guiding and tensioning. They are quiet, light, non-marking and corrosion resistant, and often fitted with bearings or on shafts.
What it is
Rollers are turned from solid rod or tube, bored for bearings or shafts, and may have grooves, flanges or crowning. Polyurethane can be cast onto metal cores for grip and cushioning.
Material choice depends on load, speed, environment and whether the roller must grip, slide or avoid marking the product.
Typical applications
- Conveyor and transfer rollers
- Guide and idler rollers
- Printing and packaging machine rollers
- Door and gate rollers
- Rope and cable sheaves
Materials & grades
- Nylon (cast and extruded)
- UHMWPE
- Acetal (POM)
- Polyurethane (cast on cores)
Points to consider
- Specify bearing type and fit for bearing-mounted rollers.
- Cast nylon suits large-diameter rollers.
- PU gives grip; UHMWPE and acetal give low friction.
- Consider thermal expansion in long rollers.
Frequently asked questions
Why use plastic rollers instead of steel?
They are quieter, lighter, don't rust and don't mark products, with lower cost in many uses.
Can plastic rollers be fitted with bearings?
Yes. Rollers are bored and bearings are pressed in to your specification.
Which plastic is best for conveyor rollers?
Nylon or UHMWPE for general conveying, acetal for precision, polyurethane-coated for grip.