March 2021 | Luff Industries

The types of idlers for different applications

March 20, 2021/0 Comments/in Blog /by Jules Winfield

Idlers are the cylindrical rollers underneath the conveyor belt that supports the weight and impact of transported materials. Because this conveyor component takes the impact of material, it’s crucial to have the right idlers in place for specific applications. In this article, we detail the different types of idlers and their role in specific applications.

Conveyor idler suppliers

Idler for Applications with High-spillage, High-humidity, or Excessive Moisture

Our CEMA B, CEMA C, and CEMA D idler are ideal for industries that transport material with the risk of spills or in an environment that sees excessive moisture and high-humidity.

As a leading name in conveyor idler suppliers, we use our patented impact-resistant polymer endcaps to extend the life of each roller. When compared to regular steel end caps, our polymer end caps are more lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective. Idlers are at risk of seizing due to excess debris or spillage for industries that operate in an area with potential for particle contamination. To prevent this issue, our rollers are equipped with:

A Triple Labyrinth Seal, standard in all Luff idlers.

An optional Safety Anti-Lock Shield, a polymer disc inside the endcap, that remains stationary as the roller rotates around it.

An optional High Moisture Seal, the grease-packed cavity behind the shield for extra protection against moisture or contaminants.

Idler for Heavy-duty Applications

Heavy-duty industries such as mining, ship-loading, steel and iron manufacturing, and construction, among others, require CEMA E and CEMA F rollers. These idlers are designed for heavy applications and come standard with our High Safety Anti-Lock Shield and High Moisture Seal.

When it comes to tough conveyor applications, conveyor idler suppliers focus on providing durability and strength that minimizes damage to conveyor components. These idlers are manufactured with a steel end cap and an oversized shaft resulting in a longer life and less maintenance, which leads to reduced downtime and an improved bottom line.

3 Factors to consider when looking for a drum pulley supplier

March 15, 2021/0 Comments/in Blog /by Jules Winfield

Businesses that rely on the performance of their conveyor components know how crucial it is to partner with a drum pulley supplier that is reliable. It could be the difference between minimal disruption to the business and unnecessary downtime that can cost companies a significant amount of revenue. Whether you’re a new business looking for the right drum pulley manufacturer or you’re seeking to switch to a different supplier, here are some key factors to consider during your search.

What is the turnaround time for the drum pulley supplier?

When you’re dealing with drum pulleys or other conveyor parts that need repair or replacement, you need to know how quickly the turnaround time is. While drum pulley manufacturers can promise the lowest price or more incentives, if their turnaround time is too long, businesses may lose out on more money than they save on the low-cost product. As a manufacturer of conveyor components, we provide delivery of just five days on non-stock standard products. This helps our clients reduce operational costs and minimize downtime by getting their business up and running as soon as possible.

What is the warranty offered by the drum pulley manufacturer?

Before purchasing a part, be sure to ask about the company’s warranty and policies related to the supplier’s workmanship. Typically, drum pulley suppliers offer a warranty on products that are used under normal operating conditions. Look for a supplier that offers at least 2 years warranty from the date of delivery that includes correcting defects in material or workmanship. Be wary of any manufacturer that doesn’t have a warranty policy. Having a warranty in place demonstrates that the company is confident in the quality of its products and services.

How does the company differ from other drum pulley suppliers?

When you do a search on drum pulley suppliers, you’ll likely come across hundreds of manufacturers that offer the same products and services you’re looking for. To help you narrow down your search, we recommend reading reviews from past and current customers and take a look into how the company differentiates itself from other companies like them. As a pioneer in the conveyor industry, what sets us apart from our competitors is our heavy duty pulleys. Luff uses steel tubing to manufacture all drum pulleys, instead of rolled steel, providing a thicker shell. This shell is then machined with a trapezoidal crown to ensure maximum pulley concentricity. The thicker shell absorbs more stress and protects against abrasive wear meaning less maintenance and reduced belt wear.

How can they help find a solution to your specific problem?

A good supplier carries the products that you’re looking for, provides good customer service, and quick turnaround time. A great supplier does all of the above while working with you to find the right solution for your specific application. When you have a unique conveyor system, you need a supplier that has an in-house engineering team that can design customized solutions. This ensures that you have the right part with the correct dimensions and material required.

What does pulley refurbishment mean?

March 12, 2021/0 Comments/in Blog /by Jules Winfield

Many types of pulleys may need refurbishing to ensure your pulley systems are all running top-notch. The most common pulleys that are available are wing, drum, helical designs, and spiral wrapped. Depending on the job needing to be done, you can choose between standard-duty and mine-duty designs.

A refurbishment of your pulley system is vital to your productivity. Well-functioning pulleys can reduce the risk of damaged products, decrease repair downtime, increase efficiency, and ensure the quick transportation of products. Generally speaking, it is much more cost-effective to repair rather than to replace a pulley. If your pulleys are not kept up, it can cause a lot of unnecessary strain on other integral parts that help keep your machine operating functionally.

Pulley reconditioning

What should I have inspected during pulley reconditioning?

Be sure to have every pulley component professionally inspected to ensure no shortcuts are taken and that the professional that is refurbishing your pulleys has a good reputation for quality work.

The pulley maintenance may include examining the following parts:

Your pulley could be lagging. If your pulley is lagging, it can cause the belt to become unbalanced and pull to one side of a conveyor. Be sure during the pulley refurbishment that a lagging inspection is completed. This process could include removal or replacement of your pulley depending on what issues are found during the inspection.

Pulleys commonly start to have issues when the bearings start to fail. In the refurbishment process, it is smart to ensure your bearings are carefully inspected. Pulley bearing inspection, removal, and replacement could save you more in the long run.

The shaft ensures the movement and directional change of your belt or your taut cable and is also responsible for the power transfer between the shaft, belt, or cable. In your refurbishment process, it is important to inspect the shaft and repair any issues you may find.

When refurbishing your pulley system, a good inspection of the hub and bushings will ensure the gripping force between the shaft, and is ensuring the bushing transmits the proper amount of torque and resists slippage.

Have your shell and welds inspected during your refurbishment process. When failures occur in conveyor pulleys, the welding between the diaphragm and plate and shell could be failing.

Pulley maintenance is something that is required along the way for a good working pulley system. If you want to save on repair costs, you can have your damaged or worn pulleys refurbished as a more cost-effective route compared to replacing pulleys.

The refurbishing, and scheduled maintenance of pulley units, as well as the possibility of saving money, have led to a significant reduction in overall maintenance costs for many companies. With just a few simple steps your machine can be inspected and repaired, resulting in a significantly reduced lead time – compared to having to build a completely new pulley.

Archive for month: March, 2021