Track Rollers

10th December 2021

Track rollers—also referred to as idler rollers—are motion transmission components designed to work with all varieties of tracks. They see use in conveyor systems, cam drives, and a wide range of similar material handling systems. Regardless of the material or machine, these components play a critical role in track and rail operations. When selected, employed, and maintained properly, they facilitate system operations, allowing for greater speed and efficiency. Track rollers are available with outer ring running surfaces or cylindrical (or flat) outer ring running surfaces. While the ideal variety of track roller varies depending on intended use and application, the outer ring running surface is widely considered the gold standard.

Selection Considerations for Track Rollers

Industry experts employ track rollers to solve a variety of challenges. However, selecting the proper track roller for your application depends on several considerations, including:

What type of load are you moving? Track roller assemblies are designed to support either moving (dynamic) loads or stationary (static) loads.

How will the load be applied? Track rollers can support radial or axial (thrust) loads. Radial loads are applied at 90 degrees to the bearing bore or axis of rotation, while thrust loads are applied parallel to the bearing bore or axis of rotation.

What are the motion requirements and restrictions? Load bearing assemblies are typically designed to facilitate movement in some directions while restricting motion in others.

What is/are the applied speed(s)? The speed of the moving object can be described in terms of linear (distance over time, such as FPM or M/sec) or rotational (revolutions per minute or RPM) movement.

Key Features of Track Rollers

Although there are similarities between track rollers and cam followers, there are notable differences between the two components, particularly in regards to their intended use. For example, cam followers are generally used to handle radial loads, while track rollers are specifically designed to handle applications with a combination of axial and radial loads. Additionally, track rollers are more effective at supporting axial loads than many standard cam followers.

Additional features of track rollers include:

Use of tapered roller bearings or ball bearings to handle radial and axial loads

Special seals for extreme environments and operating conditions (lifelong seals and lubrication that withstand dirt, sand, and moisture)

Availability in inch and metric sizes in stud- or yoke-type varieties with options for larger sizes suitable for heavier radial and thrust loads

Inclusion of thru-shafts

Integration of high-shear strength studs with a hex socket for ease of installation

Engineered Rail Systems

Despite the numerous advantages afforded by employing track rollers, many bearings fail to reach their full potential. This result stems from many customers attempting to run track rollers on inexpensive load rails.

Flanged O.D. Designed for side guiding and for loads that ride up against the flange

V-Groove. Designed for use on V-shaped tracks, which minimize contaminant buildup

U-Groove. Custom-made and commonly utilized for wire guiding

Some examples of custom designs and special features for track rollers include:

Crowned profiles

Double-flange rollers

Non-metallic construction materials (e.g., urethane, nylon, etc.)

Specialty plating (e.g., zinc, chrome, etc.)

Specialty seals and lubricants

Operating temperatures ranging from -30–225 °F

Special seals and lubrication provisions allow for operations in extreme temperature environments from -40–325 °F

Applications of Track Rollers

Track rollers find application in a wide range of use cases, such as robotic welders, assembly and paint line conveying systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, and fracking equipment. Some of the typical industries which employ track rollers include:

Architectural

Automotive assembly

Cement and concrete plants

Fiberglass manufacturing

Food and beverage production

Foundries and mills

Medical

Metal processing

Mining

Pharmaceutical

Pulp and paper

Sand and gravel