What is Knife Edge Rollers?

                                                                                 Figure 1: igus® Knife Edge Roller

As a motion plastic company, we receive a lot of questions surrounding our products. from polymer bearing, cable to energy chain. Today’s topic will cover one of our product: Knife Edge Roller.

Definition of a rolling knife edges

Knife edge rollers are small rollers which form a continuous gliding edge on conveyor belts. Although it is commonly found on the edge of conveyors, it can be easily overlooked and considered as a non-essential machine component. However, this unnoticeable rollers do play an important part to ensure the smooth flow of products on a conveyor. Knife edge roller comes in different standard size of 50 mm or 70 mm long with diameter starting from 3 mm to 10 mm id. 

Knife edge roller is usually found at the end of conveyor belts, forming a tight radius for the belt to run around. Because of its small outer and inner diameter, knife edge roller can tightly fit over a metal shaft and sit side by side forming one long roller. One industry that utilizes knife edge roller on its production is food and packaging industry. As the industry relies on smooth and sliding motion, without the assistance of a knife edge roller, the transported products will experience more breakages due to non-fluid momentum. Causing unbalancing of products.

                                                                                 Figure 2: Conveyor with Knife Edge Roller

Benefits of igus® knife edge rollers

igus® Knife edge rollers not only offer a tight deflection radius for conveyor system but also fulll benefits from iglidur® material. iglidur® material is free from chemical and lubricant to ensure no contaminant shall be imparted to the food/product. Igus® Knife Edge Roller is also approved by FDA which makes it a suitable component to be used in a food environment. In addition, igus® polymer is also known for its self-lubricating property which helps to reduce cost up to 40% and simplify the work during maintenance and servicing. igus® self-lubricating knife-edge roller does not require lubricant hence changing the component is easier and less messy.

What other applications could you use knife edge rollers in?

Although knife edge roller is mainly used on conveyor for food and packaging industry. Knife edge roller can be used in other industry that requires a smooth edge with low coefficient of friction and a smooth gliding surface. Other industry that follow this requirements are medical, pharmaceutical and labelling. If you are interested to learn more about igus® knife edge rollers. Click here to learn more.