Rollers That Keep Production Moving: Choosing the Right Roller for Every Application
Publish Date: 12 Jan 2026
In material handling and automation, rollers rarely get the spotlight—but they are the reason systems move smoothly, quietly, and reliably. From transporting delicate glass panels to handling heavy pallets on conveyors, the right roller selection directly impacts product quality, noise levels, vibration, and system life.
MISUMI offers a wide range of urethane, metal, plastic rollers, and adjusting components, designed to meet diverse industrial requirements with precision and consistency.
Understanding Roller Types and Their Roles
1. Urethane / Rubber Rollers
Urethane rollers are engineered for applications where surface protection, noise reduction, and wear resistance are critical.
MISUMI urethane rollers feature a urethane layer directly sintered onto the core material, creating a high-adhesion coating that does not peel or detach during operation. This construction makes them ideal for the transportation and sliding of sensitive or brittle workpieces.
Key Advantages
- Excellent wear resistance and mechanical strength
- Reduced vibration and noise compared to metal rollers
- Low dust generation
- Protection against scratches and cracks on glass, acrylic, and similar materials
- Easy hardness identification through color coding
- Green: Shore A90
- Black: Shore A70
MISUMI uses ether-type urethane, offering superior resistance to hydrolysis and lower environmental sensitivity while maintaining high abrasion resistance.
2. Metal Rollers
Metal rollers are preferred where high load capacity, rigidity, and durability are required.
MISUMI metal rollers are available in:
- Straight and crowned shapes
- Steel (S45C equivalent), stainless steel (SUS304), and aluminum alloy
- Various surface treatments
A key advantage is the L-dimension specification, allowing total roller length to be selected in 1 mm increments, enabling precise conveyor and mechanism design. Optional additional machining allows tapped holes on the outer diameter for flexible mounting options.
3. Plastic Rollers
Plastic rollers combine lightweight construction with smooth rotation, making them suitable for clean environments and moderate load applications.
MISUMI plastic rollers are resin-based with press-fit bearings, available in straight and double-flanged types. Bearing material can be selected as steel or stainless steel, depending on environmental needs.
Resin Options
- Polyacetal: Excellent mechanical strength
- Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene: Outstanding abrasion resistance and compliant with food sanitation regulations
- Polypropylene: Superior chemical resistance
- MC Nylon: High mechanical strength and wear resistance
These rollers are commonly used in food processing lines, packaging systems, and light-duty conveyors.
Roller Shapes: Matching Form to Function
Roller shape plays a crucial role in guiding and stabilizing conveyed products.
- Straight rollers support standard linear conveyance
- Crowned rollers help center belts and prevent lateral drift
- Grooved rollers enable belt or O-ring drive systems
- Knurled rollers improve grip and traction
Selecting the correct shape improves tracking accuracy and reduces system wear.
Design and Processing Details That Matter
MISUMI rollers are designed with manufacturing practicality in mind:
- Urethane is sintered directly on the core perimeter
- No surface treatment on the core material
- Hole machining varies depending on roller length and diameter
- Relief groove and relief processing options are available for set screw types
These details ensure consistent fit, smooth rotation, and long service life in real-world applications.
Application Example: Pallet Vertical Transfer Mechanism
In a pallet vertical transfer mechanism, urethane rollers play a critical role by receiving workpieces transferred from motor-driven rollers. The urethane coating absorbs impact, minimizes surface damage, and ensures smooth directional change—protecting both the product and the system.
Why Choose Rollers from MISUMI?
MISUMI simplifies roller selection by offering:
- Urethane, metal, and plastic rollers in multiple configurations
- Clear specifications and dimensional drawings
- Options for precision or economy requirements
- Reliable quality and consistent supply
Whether you’re designing a new conveyor system or upgrading an existing mechanism, MISUMI provides the flexibility.
