STAINLESS STEEL CONVEYOR ROLLER BASICS AND USES

WHAT IS STAINLESS STEEL?

“Stainless” was a word used in the early development of steels for cutlery applications. It was used as a generic name for the steels used in cutlery manufacturing. It now encompasses a wide range of corrosion resistant grades.

Stainless steels are iron alloys with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. To enhance the structure, corrosion resistance, machinability, formability and strength other alloys are added.

The main objective for stainless steel conveyor rollers is that they are corrosion resistant for a specified application. Since corrosion resistance is not the only consideration, physical and mechanical properties must be considered when specifying a grade of stainless steel.

For corrosion resistant conveyor roller applications, either PVC (plastic) conveyor rollers or stainless conveyor rollers are commonly utilized in the material handling industry. “Stainless” steel is a term used to describe steel that is not affected by corrosive substances.

A variety of stainless steels are available for specific applications with varying degrees of corrosion resistance in conveyor rollers.

In this article T-303 stainless steel will be discussed as it pertains to corrosion resistant conveyor rollers. This grade of stainless is austenitic and is normally non-magnetic and has high levels of chromium and nickel.

Austenitic Grades:
This group of stainless steel contain the following compounds:

  • 17%-25% Chromium
  • 8% Nickel
  • Other compounds are added to achieve the required properties

Stainless steels are iron alloys with degrees of nickel, molybdenum, titanium and copper. These alloys are combined to give stainless steel its properties. The main objective for stainless steel is corrosion resistance for a specific application. It is important to know the properties of the different stainless grades.

The T-303 stainless steel alloy was developed as a “free machining” grade. This grade has either Sulphur or selenium added to give for excellent machining properties. By adding the “free machining” alloys, T-303 grade of stainless steel is slightly less corrosion resistant than T-304 grade of stainless steel. The addition of Sulphur to T-303 stainless may cause pitting corrosion in certain applications. Corrosion resistance for T-303 stainless remains to be acceptable in mild environments.

1. COST:

The cost of T-303 stainless is slightly higher than T-304 stainless steel, however, due to the added sulfur for machinability, T-303 stainless is not easily welded. T-304 is easier to weld.

2. DURABILITY:

The properties of stainless steel makes them corrosion resistant. T-303 stainless steel is slightly less corrosion resistant than T-304. T-303 is slightly more corrosion resistant that T-304. In typical conveyor roller applications T-303 stainless is acceptable. Each application should be reviewed to make certain that the stainless.

3. EASE OF USE:

T-303 stainless is not as easy to machine as T-304. However, conveyor rollers do not require extensive amounts of machining. The axle is typically sheared to length and the tube is cut with a saw or rotary cut-off blade. If large amounts of rollers are being machined, it might be better to purchase T-304 stainless grade.

4. WELDING OF T-303 STAINLESS STEEL

Due to the Sulphur in T-303 stainless steel, weldability is poor. For chain driven live roller conveyors, sprockets are welded to the roller tube. If it necessary to use T-303 stainless, the recommended welding electrodes or filler rods are grade T-308L and T-309 stainless. Annealing the welds will result in better corrosion resistance.

5. HEAT RESISTANCE OF T-303 STAINLESS STEEL

The heat resistance of T-303 is good. Carbide precipitation occurs with continuous use at 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Oxidation occurs when T-303 stainless is exposed to continuous use to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. DURABILITY:

Stainless steel is corrosion resistant in many conveyor roller applications. Where plastic conveyor rollers do not have the capacity required, stainless is a good alternative.

7. APPLICATIONS:

Stainless conveyor rollers are typically utilized in the following material handling applications:

The components must meet corrosion resistance in order for the conveyor roller to operate properly under the environment that it will be subjected.

CONSULTATIVE APPROACH:

CSE utilizes a consultative approach to achieve the proper selection of its corrosion resistant conveyor rollers. By consulting with the customer as to the requirements and customer’s objectives, CSE will recommend the proper materials utilized in the corrosion resistant conveyor rollers.

The components must meet corrosion resistance in order for the conveyor roller to operate properly under the environment that it will be subjected.

DISCLAIMER:

Conveyor Systems & Engineering, Inc. (CSE) makes no warranty, representation, or guarantee regarding the information contained herein or the suitability of the information contained herein or its products and services for any particular pupose, nor does CSE assume any liability whatsoever arising out of application or use of any product CSE markets or sells. The products sold hereunder and any other products sold by CSE have been subject to limited testing and should not be used without testing by customer for customer’s specific application. Any performance specifications are believed to be reliable but not verified, and Buyer must conduct and complete all performance and other testing of the products, alone and together with, or installed in, any end-products. Buyer shall not rely on any data and performance specifications or parameters provided by CSE. It is the buyer’s respomsibility to independently determine suitability of any products and to test and verify the same under the conditions that customer intends to use equipment supplied or specified by CSE. The information provided by CSE hereunder is provided “as is, where is” with all faults, and the entire risk associated with such information is entirely with the Buyer. CSE does not grant, explicitly or implicitly, to any party any patent rights, licenses, or any other intellectual property rights, whether with regard to such information itself or anything described by such information. Information provided in this document is proprietary to CSE , and CSE reserves the right to make any changes to the information in this document or to any products and services at any time without notice. This data is indicative only and must not be seen as a substitute for the full specification from which it is drawn. In particular, the mechanical property requirements vary widely with temper, product and product dimensions. The information is based on our present knowledge and is given in good faith. However, no liability will be accepted by CSE in respect of any action taken by any third party in reliance thereon. As the product(s) detailed may be used for a wide variety of purposes and as CSE has no control over their use; CSE specifically excludes all conditions or warranties expressed or implied by statute or otherwise as to dimensions, properties and/or fitness for any particular purpose. Any advice given by CSE or its personnel to any third party is given for that party’s assistance only and without liability on the part pf CSE. Any contract between CSE and a customer will be subject to CSE’s Condition of Sale. The extent of CSE’s liabilities to any customer is clearly set out in those Conditios; a copy of which is available on request.

A man in a suit and tie is pointing at a graph in a warehouse.

Warehousing: How to Effectively Enhance Efficiency to Increase Output

August 1, 2024
An Increase in client and customer demands has caused you to search for new ways to scale up your warehousing processes. For months, your production team has been falling behind on timelines, effecting quality and consistency. So, how can you enhance efficiency and boost productivity to increase output while lowering costs without sacrificing quality? The Backbone of Your Operations You have always relied on manual labor to pick-and-pull, assemble, package, and distribute products for many clients. However, consumers across the globe now require faster delivery services, exposing your employees to unprecedented burden and strain. Here is some advice. You might want to turn your attention to the types of processing equipment you are using. This means you should consider installing a conveyor belt system for added support. Workflow Processes: Enhancing Efficiency While Lowering Costs The first thought that may come to mind when it comes to a conveyor roller system is that it will increase energy consumption, adding to costs. While there are fully automated systems that can be combined with renewable energy solutions, you can also turn to using quality gravity conveyor rollers , lowering costs while effectively enhancing efficiency. Custom Conveyor System Solutions Perhaps you have decided to utilize these types of rollers and are searching for a company you can trust to help design and build a custom system that utilizes gravity conveyor rollers. Contact the professionals at Conveyor Systems & Engineering, Inc. They have served many clients throughout several industries and are committed to client satisfaction. You can trust them for quality, consistency, durability, and reliability. Visit our website to get started right away.
Advantages Gained by Using Industrial Rollers in Factory Setting

The Advantages Gained by Using Industrial Rollers in Factory Setting

October 19, 2023
If you run a factory or warehouse, you know how much trouble it can be to get products from one place to another. Sometimes forklifts are too much for the job, but OSHA rules won’t allow workers to carry them, either. This is where industrial rollers come into play. They provide many benefits that you might not be aware of. Move Things Quickly When products are moving through the production line, they need a fast and efficient way to get to where they need to be. Conveyor rollers are the best way to do this. The items simply roll along until they get to their intended spot. Versatile Positioning Rollers can be placed in virtually any position and any direction that you need them to be. They are not meant to be permanently fixed into place, which makes them a versatile solution no matter how large or small your workplace is. Safety First Instead of facing the potential for injury and insurance claims by having employees lift heavy objects and carry them to a different location, they can simply roll them along the conveyors after they come through the manufacturing machines. This makes for a great ergonomic situation as well as keeps the work environment in line with OSHA safety standards. All-Purpose No matter what materials the industrial rollers are made from, whether they be high-density rubber to stainless steel, there will be a roller that suits your needs. They can be used for machinery parts to medicine to foodstuffs.
A conveyor belt filled with boxes in a factory.

Why Stainless Steel Makes for the Best Conveyor Rollers in Your Plant

October 18, 2023
When you are looking for the best conveyor rollers to use in your warehouse, the material from which they are crafted makes a huge difference. In fact, many business owners swear by using a steel conveyor roller system exclusively. No Risk Of Contamination If you are dealing with products that are sensitive in nature and open to contamination, then stainless steel should always be your first choice. The material itself is inert and will not introduce any impurities into the finished product that you are moving through the warehouse or factory setting. This is an especially popular roller when medicine or food products are involved. Cleaning Is Easy When it is time to clean the rollers, nothing could be simpler. Since stainless steel is not porous, all you really have to do is wipe the rollers down with bleach and water to disinfect them and you are good to go. No special scrubbing or abrasives are required. Does Not Alter Food Flavor There are times when raw food will need to be transported via conveyor rollers. Stainless steel is the preferred material to do this with because it does not transfer anything directly to the food. There will be no change in flavor from the beginning of the transport period to the end. Resistant To Temperature Extremes No matter whether the temperature of the product becomes extremely hot or extremely cold, a steel conveyor roller will be able to handle it. If you are interested in purchasing high-quality stainless steel rollers for your conveyor system, please contact Conveyor Systems & Engineering, Inc. at https://www.conveyorsystemsandengineeringinc.com
A close up of a conveyor belt with metal rods on it.

How Manufacturers Can Protect the Steel Rollers in Any Conveyor System

October 18, 2023
When your manufacturing facility relies on the use of a conveyor system, even a small malfunction can result in costly downtime. Preventing this situation requires consistent maintenance of the entire system. In particular, you should have a plan for ensuring the continued efficient operation of each steel conveyor roller in the system. Knowing good maintenance practices for these rollers will help you extend the lifetime of the entire system. Oil the Drive Screw Each roller has a drive screw and nut. These components help control the direction each roller rotates to ensure the product moves in the proper direction. Failing to keep these parts lubricated can inhibit the functioning of each roller. Be sure to add oil to the drive screw and nut on a consistent basis. Lubricate the Bearings and Drive Chain The bearings and drive chain keep the entire system of rollers working together in unison. To promote more efficient operation of the system, the drive chain and bearings should be lubricated prior to use. In a facility that operates on a 24-hour schedule, oil these components at the start of every shift. Check the Rollers for Debris Your employees should be instructed to watch for debris in the tracks and under the rollers. Allowing debris to sit in the system will lead to roller damage and poor operation. Check with the manufacturer or owner’s manual to determine how frequently you should rinse your steel conveyor roller system with soap and water. Additionally, make sure to regularly inspect your steel rollers for damage. Replacing damaged rollers will help you keep the entire system running more efficiently.
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