THE successful penetration of polymer rollers as replacements on conveyors for traditional metal rollers has highlighted a new question.
Are the rollers recyclable?
“Yes most definitely”, say’s Neil Kinder, director of Kinder & Co .
Even though the rollers are made of composite materials, these can be separated and shredded to be put into the recycling chain to produce, for example, fence posts as an alternative to CCA treated posts.
The rollers do not contain PVC which is considered toxic and carcinogenic.
Due to the light weight construction of the product compared to steel, the new generation K-Polymer conveyor rollers are said to be much safer for manual handling and installation, particularly along conveyor inclines.
Considering that the Federal Government’s Department of Employment Workplace Relations has publicly stated that back injuries account for about one third of all workers compensation costs and one third of all workplace injuries, site managers see lighter alternatives as a major benefit. They are also quiet with field reports showing a 10dBA reduction.
Because the roller is 50% lighter than steel the rollers they draw less energy.
Rim drag is also low so savings can be made in the actual running of the conveyor.
In terms of efficiency they are “New Generation”.
The head of US Boeing predicts many future travellers will be flying in plastic planes.
All Boeing’s popular 737 planes would be made from non-metal materials, or composites, in future, the BBC quoted Boeing’s president Alan Mulally.
Ahead of Britain’s Farnborough Air Show, the US plane giant boss said “all future planes will be made out of composites” that do not corrode, and are strong and light.
Kinder says the lighter properties of this new generation release of polymer rollers further reduces prospects of the archaic habit of employees lugging steel rollers up steep conveyor gantries and then manoeuvring them under structures into awkward positions.
“As the technology is light, maintenance crews can position them with far greater ease and with less risks of personal injury,” said Kinder.
“But they are also robust – a truly heavy duty alternative to the steel shell roller and just as tough.
This article was written, prepared and submitted by Val Pavlovic of . Australian Mining magazine does not endorse any products, or support any vendor’s claims.