Track rollers with plastic coat

What is a plastic-coated track roller?

A plastic-coated track roller is a single-row or double-row track roller bearing with an outer ring that is sheathed with plastic. The internal bearing design is based on proven rolling bearing technology, while the plastic outer surface influences running noise, wear behaviour, friction, contact pressure and protection of the counter surface.

This makes plastic-sheathed track rollers especially useful when the roller runs directly on rails, profiles, guideways, cams or transport tracks and when the running surface must be protected against excessive wear or noise.

The right running surface for your application

Plastic-coated track rollers are often selected when steel-on-steel contact would create too much noise, wear or surface stress. Depending on the operating conditions, the running surface can be designed as a plastic sheath, plastic cover or material-specific polyamide / nylon coating. The goal is always the same: reliable movement, lower noise, protected mating tracks and a roller design matched to the machine.

For softer running surfaces, higher grip or additional damping, related designs such as polyurethane-coated rollers, urethane-covered bearings, rubber-coated rollers or rubberized rollers can also be evaluated. Artur Küpper checks the right material, hardness, bonding concept, bearing clearance, sealing system and lubrication based on the real operating data.

Typical applications

• Guide rollers, roller bearing guide wheels and support rollers in conveyor and intralogistics systems
• Track rollers, cam followers and stud-type track rollers for cam controls in packaging, filling and automation systems
• Low-noise plastic-covered rollers in linear guidance systems and transfer systems
• Nylon-coated or polyamide-coated rollers for applications with sensitive mating surfaces or coated rails
• Special track roller bearings for food, beverage, machine building and plant engineering

Technical advantages of plastic-sheathed track rollers

• Reduced running noise: the plastic running surface can significantly reduce rolling noise compared with steel-on-steel contact.
• Protection of the raceway: the plastic sheath can reduce wear on rails, profiles and guide tracks.
• Application-specific friction behaviour: material selection and surface geometry can be adapted to the required rolling resistance and starting torque.
• Customized geometry: crowned, cylindrical or application-specific outer contours can be produced depending on the mating track.
• Integrated functions: eccentric studs, relubrication channels, special seals, corrosion protection or special greases can be integrated where required.

Design options

Plastic-coated track rollers can be designed as yoke-type rollers or as stud-type track rollers with a combined inner ring bolt. The stud can also be designed eccentrically to enable precise adjustment against the raceway. Relubrication can be provided through holes in the inner ring or through a relubrication channel in the stud, depending on the installation situation.

For applications where standard catalogue rollers are not sufficient, Artur Küpper can adapt dimensions, bearing clearance, outer ring profile, sealing concept, lubricant, plastic material and corrosion protection to the real operating conditions.

Load capacity and design limits

The permissible radial load of a plastic-coated track roller is not determined by the bearing alone. It is also limited by the strength, deformation behaviour and wear resistance of the plastic sheath. For this reason, the load case must be assessed together with the mating track, contact geometry, speed, duty cycle, temperature and environmental conditions.

As a rule, the ratio between radial load and dynamic load rating must be considered carefully. Our engineering team checks the bearing arrangement and the plastic running surface so that the solution is not only dimensionally suitable, but also reliable in operation.

Bearing clearance

In the standard version, track rollers are designed with bearing clearance class CN according to DIN 620-4. Depending on fits, temperature, preload, speed and operating conditions, other clearance classes may be useful. The final selection should therefore always be made on the basis of the actual application data.

Sealing and lubrication

Depending on the installation space and the environment, plastic-coated track rollers can be equipped with dust covers, RSR sealing discs or application-specific sealing systems. For dusty, wet, chemically exposed or hygienically sensitive environments, the sealing concept is one of the decisive factors for service life.

Lubrication can be selected for the operating temperature, speed, load and media exposure. For applications in the food and beverage industry, suitable food-grade lubricants can be considered where required.

Cages and materials

Depending on the bearing design, the rollers can be equipped with plastic or metal cages. The bearing rings are typically manufactured from rolling bearing steel such as 1.3505 / 100Cr6 and hardened for reliable bearing performance. Corrosion-protected versions are available on request.

The plastic sheath is usually made from a reinforced polyamide material, which is why the product may also be described as a nylon-coated or polyamide-coated track roller. Depending on the application, other engineering plastics may be used to improve wear resistance, temperature behaviour, chemical resistance, moisture behaviour or friction characteristics. Where a softer running surface, higher grip or damping behaviour is required, related concepts such as polyurethane-coated rollers, urethane-covered bearings or rubber-coated rollers must be evaluated separately according to load, hardness, bonding, speed and media exposure.

Why Artur Küpper?

Artur Küpper is not only a supplier of standard rollers. We develop and manufacture rolling bearing solutions for applications where catalogue products reach their limits. With in-house turning, grinding, washing, assembly, greasing and engineering expertise, we can support customers from the first technical clarification through to series production.

• Customized rolling bearing and track roller solutions made in Germany
• Engineering support for load, speed, installation space and operating conditions
• Application-specific sealing, lubrication and material selection
• Solutions for demanding industries such as packaging, food, automation and conveyor technology
• Production-oriented development for reproducible quality in series applications

Frequently asked questions about plastic-coated track rollers

When should a plastic-coated track roller be used instead of a steel track roller?

Plastic-coated track rollers are useful when low noise, protection of the mating track, adapted friction behaviour or a specific material pairing is required. They are often used in guideways, conveyor systems, cam controls and automation equipment.

Can the plastic material be adapted to the application?

Yes. Polyamide is a common solution, but other engineering plastics can be selected depending on load, temperature, chemical exposure, moisture behaviour and wear requirements.

Are plastic-coated track rollers suitable for high loads?

They can support radial and axial loads, but the permissible load is limited by the bearing design and by the plastic sheath. The complete load case must therefore be checked for each application.

Can Artur Küpper manufacture special dimensions?

Yes. Artur Küpper develops and manufactures customized track rollers and special rolling bearings according to application requirements, drawings or installation space constraints.