Supporting Frame Assembly

We are manufacturing idler supporting frame assembly made up of MS material in various length and design specification as per customer drawing.

An idler support frame assembly is a structural component of a conveyor system that holds the idler rolls in place. Its technical specifications are based on the load it needs to carry, the environment it operates in, and the dimensions of the conveyor system itself. These specifications ensure the frame is rigid, durable, and compatible with the idlers and the overall conveyor structure.

Key Technical Specifications

1. Structural and Dimensional Specs

• Belt Width: The frame’s length must be sized to accommodate the conveyor belt width. It is typically slightly wider than the belt to ensure the idlers provide full support.
• Trough Angle: For troughing idlers, this is the angle of the two outer rolls relative to the horizontal center roll. Common angles are 20°, 35°, and 45°, and the frame is designed with mounting holes or brackets to maintain this specific angle.
• Material: Frames are usually made from formed steel channel, angle iron, or welded rectangular tubing. The grade and thickness of the steel (e.g., 1/8″ or 3/16″ thick) are chosen based on the required load capacity and CEMA rating.
• Mounting Centers: This refers to the distance between the mounting holes on the frame that attach it to the conveyor’s main stringers. Standardized mounting centers ensure interchangeability between different manufacturers’ idler frames.
• Idler Spacing: The distance between consecutive idler frames along the conveyor’s length. This is a critical design parameter that prevents excessive belt sag and ensures proper load distribution.

2. Load and Performance Specs

• CEMA Class Rating: The most common standard for conveyor components, set by the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA). The CEMA class (e.g., B, C, D, E, F) specifies the maximum load capacity and corresponding idler roll diameter for a given application.
  • CEMA B/C: For light to medium-duty applications, such as package handling or grain.
  • CEMA D/E: For heavier-duty applications like coal, aggregate, and cement.
  • CEMA F and above: For severe, high-stress applications like mining and large-scale bulk material handling.
• Load Rating: The maximum safe load the idler assembly can support, including the weight of the belt, the material being conveyed, and the idlers themselves. It is typically expressed in pounds (lbs) or newtons (N) per foot.
• Impact Resistance: For idlers located at loading points, the frame must be reinforced to absorb the shock of falling material. This is often achieved with thicker steel, additional bracing, or a specific design for impact idlers.
• Corrosion Resistance: The frame’s finish is specified to protect it from the operating environment. This can include:
  • Paint or Powder Coating: A basic layer of protection for dry or mildly corrosive environments.
  • Galvanization: A zinc coating applied for superior corrosion resistance in wet, humid, or outdoor conditions.