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This section provides an overview for conveyor pulleys as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 30 conveyor pulley manufacturers and their company rankings.
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A conveyor pulley is a disc-shaped component used in belt conveyors to transmit power from the belt.
In a belt conveyor system, the conveyor belt operates as the drive pulley, which functions like a pulley to move the conveyor belt. There are various types of pulleys that play different roles, such as changing the direction of the belt or pulling it, and the belt conveyor operates through multiple pulleys positioned at key points of the belt conveyor system.
Conveyor pulleys are primarily used in belt conveyor operations. Industries where conveyor pulleys are commonly used include:
Additionally, pulleys themselves are used in various devices beyond belt conveyors, such as car engines, agricultural machinery, compressors, pumps, and office automation equipment.
The main components of a conveyor pulley include the shaft, bearing, end disc (side plate), hub, and shell (outer ring).
The shell makes contact with the belt, while the end discs support it on both sides. The shaft rotates, transmitting power to the hub and end discs, causing the outer ring to rotate and move the conveyor belt. The bearing supports the shaft, ensuring it remains in the correct position.
During belt conveyor operation, the conveyor belt and pulley can become misaligned. To prevent such occurrences, the pulley shell may undergo crown processing, where the diameter of the central part of the outer ring is made larger than that of the ends. Additionally, the surface may be coated with rubber (lining processing).
Types of lining processing include:
The double helical type is highly effective in increasing friction with the belt and preventing foreign matter from entering. The diamond type features a larger rubber surface area in contact with the belt, enhancing friction and bearing larger surface pressure. Unlike the double helical type, it also easily accommodates bidirectional operation.
Conveyor pulleys primarily include:
Each type has its role, and selecting the appropriate one depends on factors such as the length of the conveyor and the type of material being transported.
Belt conveyors have a head (drive side) and a tail. The pulley at the head is called the head pulley, while the one at the tail is called the tail pulley.
The pulley that drives the conveyor is known as the drive pulley, and it is generally the head pulley. However, in some cases, the head pulley and drive pulley are separate in belt conveyors.
The tension pulley maintains the tension of the conveyor belt, preventing deviation or skewing. The bend pulley changes the direction of the conveyor belt. The snub pulley increases the wrap angle of the conveyor belt around the pulley, preventing the belt from slipping or sagging.
The appropriate size of the pulley is closely related to the selection of the conveyor belt. For example, rubber conveyor belts typically require pulleys with larger diameters compared to resin conveyor belts. Additionally, the greater the tension on the conveyor belt, the larger the pulley diameter required.
A smaller pulley diameter causes the conveyor belt to bend more sharply. The sharper the belt bends, the greater the stress on the belt, increasing the likelihood of belt joints coming apart or detaching. If the pulley diameter is smaller than required, the belt may slip at the pulley. Larger pulley diameters reduce the bending degree of the conveyor belt, thereby minimizing stress and extending belt life. However, larger diameters generally increase the manufacturing cost of the pulley.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Established in 1961, JRC Co., Ltd. is based in Osaka, Japan. The company designs, manufactures, and sells belt conveyor components such as rollers, pulleys, and stands for outdoor bulk handling. JRC serves key infrastructure sectors including power plants, steel mills, mining, cement factories, recycling plants, and wastewater treatment facilities, as well as civil engineering projects like tunnel, landfill, and dam construction. With fully automated production facilities, JRC ensures consistent quality, short lead times, and competitive pricing, holding a top market share (52%) in Japan. The company has 8 sales offices, 4 factories, and 2 logistics centers nationwide, providing tailored and rapid services to meet customer needs.
West River Conveyors & Machinery Co. is the manufacturer and supplier of conveyor systems and related equipment since 1981 and is based in Oakwood, Virginia. The company designs and constructs a wide range of conveyor systems and components. Their product line includes belt conveyors, overland conveyors, underground conveyors, and terminal equipment such as drives, take-ups, and pulleys. The company serves industries that require efficient material handling solutions and transport of bulk materials such as coal, ore, aggregates, and other resources. These industries include mining, construction, power generation, tunneling, and processing plants.
Douglas Manufacturing, founded in 1978 with headquarters in the USA, is a manufacturer of numerous bulk material handling components and conveyor systems. The company's products include spiral clean pulleys, wing pulleys, pulley lagging equipment, electromagnetic separators, and other conveyor components used in the agriculture, mining, construction, and oil and gas industries. The company also offers custom-engineered conveyor assemblies to meet client-specific requirements. Douglas Manufacturing was acquired by Rulmeca Holding Spa in 2023.
ASGCO, founded in Nazareth, PA, in 1971 is a manufacturer of proprietary bulk conveyor components and accessories that enhance material flow performance. The company's product portfolio includes Manufacture & service of bulk material handling conveyor equipment, Conveyor Belt Cleaners, and Conveyor Belt Idlers. The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. They also provide services including product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
Martin Sprocket & Gear, Inc. (MSG) is an Arlington, Texas-based manufacturer and supplier of power transmission products, material handlers, and industrial hand tools. Founded in 1951, the company primarily serves clients in the pulp and paper, petrochemical, automotive, and agriculture industries. The company produces various products including conveyors, sprockets, sheaves, bushings, and custom products for client companies like John Deere and General Electric. MSG has over thirty operating plants across the United States, with retail locations and storage facilities on three continents.
Belt Power Co., founded in 1989 and headquartered in Marrieta, Georgia, USA, is a manufacturer of conveyor belting and specialty fabrication products. The company specializes in producing a comprehensive range of conveyor belt varieties, including PVC, rubber, and modular belts, along with custom-made specialty belts to suit diverse industrial needs. The products offer robust durability, stability, and efficiency, resulting in enhanced conveyor performance and reduced maintenance costs for customers. These conveyor belts find extensive application in industries such as manufacturing, food processing, distribution, and logistics, providing vital solutions for material handling and transportation needs.
Heinrich Brothers, Inc. was founded in 2000 by Jim and Ben Heinrich and is headquartered in MacMurray, Pennsylvania. The company is a manufacturer of material handling systems used in the manufacturing, packaging, and warehousing industries. The company’s product lineup includes small components, large machines, and turnkey solutions. Components include boxes, casters, doors, and carts. Machines include conveyor systems pulleys, rollers, and systems along with mezzanines and other structures. The company offers services including layout design, assembly, installation, and repair.
SUPERIOR INDUSTRIES, INC., founded in Southfield, Michigan, in 1957 is a supplier of aluminum wheels. The company's product portfolio includes Aluminum Cast and Flow Formed Wheels, Premium Finishes, Light Weight Technologies, and Forged wheels. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. They have sales channels in the European and US markets and they also offer services such as custom packaging, warehousing, and distribution services.
Hebei Joyroll Conveyor Machinery Co., Ltd., based in Handan City, Hebei Province, China, and established in 2008, is a manufacturer specializing in belt conveyors and related parts. The company delivers idler rollers, including automatic conveyor idler roller production and electrostatic powder coating. These rollers offer advantages such as low runout, reduced revolving resistance, dust and water resistance, low noise, efficient operation, energy savings, and a long service life. The company serves a wide range of industries, including coal, mining, ports, construction, steel mills, and electric power plants.
Rulmeca Holding S.p.A, established in 1962 and headquartered in Almè Bergamo, Italy, is a manufacturer of material handling components for conveyors. Its extensive product range includes rollers/idlers and motorized pulleys for heavy-duty belt conveyors in industries like quarries and mining. It also provides fabricated pulleys, drum motors for various belt conveyor applications, and 24V drive rollers for intralogistics. The company adheres to a Quality Management System compliant with PN-EN ISO 9001:2015-10.
Halley & Mellowes, established in 1966 and headquartered in New South Wales, Australia, is a manufacturer of capital plant equipment for various industries. The company offers a diverse range of products, including vibratory equipment, conveying, chutes and gates, weighing systems, and more. It also offers aluminum dome covers, road rail conversions, nucleonics, boiler management, and safety guarding. Its product is designed for direct burials in-fills and dam embankments. Furthermore, it serves the mining sector, processing, material handling, power generation, and oil refineries.
PCI ProCal, Inc. is a US-based company that offers calibration services for various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and aerospace. They provide instrument and equipment calibration services, as well as equipment rental and repair services. The company was founded in 1996 and has built a solid renown in the industry due to its team of highly skilled professionals who ensure accurate and efficient calibration. They are acknowledged for their dependable services to delivering top-notch calibration solutions to their clients.
Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
10 | 83.3% |
|
China
|
1 | 8.3% |
|
Italy
|
1 | 8.3% |
