Idlers are critical components of belt conveyors, serving to

support the conveyor belt, maintain its smooth operation, and

ensure proper shape. They are one of the primary wear-prone

parts of belt conveyors. The service life of idlers directly

determines the operational costs of the conveyor system.

Steel Idlers: Historically, belt conveyors predominantly used

steel idlers manufactured via mechanical processing of seamless

steel tubes. These idlers are constructed by welding pressed

bearing housings to cylindrical shells.

Advantages of Steel Idlers: High strength, impact resistance,

mature manufacturing processes, precise control over

production accuracy, and widespread application.

.Disadvantages of Steel Idlers: Significant drawbacks include

heavy weight, high operational resistance, intensive

maintenance labor, high manufacturing costs, and limitations in

specialized environments.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) idlers

utilize a cylindrical body made from UHMWPE with a molecular

weight exceeding 1.5 million. These idlers offer advantages such

as wear resistance, corrosion resistance, impact resistance,

lightweight design, low friction coefficient, and belt-friendly

properties, making them a superior alternative to steel idlers.

Key features and benefits include.Key advantages include:

Density 0.94-0.98g/cm³ (1/8 of steel),

50% weight reduction for easier handling

4× more durable than 45# steel

pipes, 2.5× better than cast iron.

Self-lubricating properties (with

graphite/paraffin) protect belts during bearing failure.

50% noise reduction compared to steel

rollers.

17,520 hours (2 years) lifespan, 5×

longer than steel rollers (4,000 hours).

Withstands 80% concentrated HCl and

75% concentrated H2SO4.

Prevents belt damage and enables unmanned

operation, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

Although UHMWPE idlers are slightly more expensive upfront,

their extended lifespan and belt protection capabilities offer

substantial long-term savings. The total cost of ownership is

significantly lower, as UHMWPE avoids costly belt

replacements and reduces downtime.

Inner Mongolia Sending EP&ES Co., Ltd.