Clarification on McMaster Rollers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the mechanics and design considerations of McMaster rollers, particularly regarding their assembly, motorization, and the necessity of bearings. Participants seek clarification on how to effectively implement these rollers in a project involving a conveyor system or a bare bed of rollers.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the need for additional bearings when using McMaster rollers and expresses confusion about the functionality of the hex axle.
  • Another participant clarifies that no extra bearings are required as the hex-bore bearings are already integrated into the roller design, and explains that the hex axle does not spin.
  • A participant asks how to motorize the rollers without direct contact, suggesting a chain and sprocket method.
  • Responses indicate that a drive roller with a solid axle and external bearings is necessary for effective motorization, but there is uncertainty about the specific project requirements.
  • Further inquiries are made about the configuration of the rollers, particularly for transporting insulated panels, and the need for rollers of a specific length.
  • Links to external resources are provided for additional information on roller conveyors and their design.
  • One participant seeks clarification on the terminology for a specific component related to the hex axle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic mechanics of the rollers and the necessity of a drive roller, but there is no consensus on the best method for motorization or the specific design requirements for the user's project. Multiple competing views and suggestions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific application and configuration of the rollers, including the need for additional components and the method of motorization. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding about the project requirements and roller mechanics.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals involved in mechanical design, conveyor systems, or those seeking to understand the assembly and operation of roller mechanisms may find this discussion relevant.

thoain14
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I just wanted some clarification on how these rollers worked. All you would technically need to do is to build the frame and attach these to the frame and motorize it correct? Do you still need to add a bearing to the sides? If you do, how would you because the axle length on each side is about half an inch if not less for other rollers? I'm basically confused on whether the hex axle on the side spins as well or does it stay stationary and the roller frame spins. Thanks, any clarification would be helpful
 

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thoain14 said:
Do you still need to add a bearing to the sides?
No extra bearings are required. There are two hex-bore bearings pressed into the ends of the roller. The hex axle rod passes through both of those bearings.

thoain14 said:
I'm basically confused on whether the hex axle on the side spins as well or does it stay stationary and the roller frame spins.
The hexagonal axle does NOT spin. The hexagonal end of the shaft rests in a narrow slot that you provide to prevent the shaft from turning. The inner races of the hex-bore bearings are also prevented from rotating. The outer races rotate with the roller.

A bearing failure will not cause the axle to rotate. It will lock that roller. That will prevent continuous axle rotation from damaging the support structure.

https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/2277t413
See the column on the left for details of the ball bearings.
 
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Okay, thank you! How would you go about motorizing this in a roller set high format (above the frame), while it not having any contact with the rollers itself (so something like chain and sprocket welded onto the roller)?
 
That is an idler roller. You need a drive roller, that has a solid, longer, round axle, with bearings external to the roller.

We do not yet know enough about your project to advise you how to drive the belt or rollers.
Will you be using a conveyor belt? or making a bare bed of rollers ?
 
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Please, see:
https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/...about-roller-conveyors-types-design-and-uses/

https://docs.rs-online.com/beca/0900766b8007c523.pdf

p1.jpg

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hex-axle-1024x469.png
 
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Baluncore said:
That is an idler roller. You need a drive roller, that has a solid, longer, round axle, with bearings external to the roller.

We do not yet know enough about your project to advise you how to drive the belt or rollers.
Will you be using a conveyor belt? or making a bare bed of rollers ?
I basically need to make a bare bed of rollers. I will be moving around insulated panels that will have to lay on the rollers with their longer side facing forward similar to how you would insert the tape into a VCR (so basically 1/3 of the panel will be hanging off the bed hence the above frame method). I need rollers that are about 5.5' - 6' long. Any suggestions on how I would motorize this up? I can't have this method touch the panel itself like using the sprocket and chain method mentioned above. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you!
 
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