Less space but a lot of protection - roller covers for tight spaces
There are several reasons for using roller cover: In some applications, there is not enough room for a bellow cover, in others, a complete cover is not necessary. For these cases, HEMA manufactures a range of compact roller covers and link aprons, which offer effective protection against smaller amounts of chips and coolants.
What are the typical applications for roller covers?
Roller covers can be installed on many machines. They are always prefered when a protection against chips or coolant is necessary, but only little space is available. We manufacture roller covers for different installation situations:
- Without housing: this type needs less space, best used with smaller diameters and short extensions
- With housing: We recommend this type for safety reasons when longer extensions are used and especially when steel is used for the band material.
Always the right drive
HEMA offers three different drive concepts for its roller covers:
Torsion springs TF
This drive is suitable for high mileages at low stress and for plastic belts. The springs are made of a high-quality special wire, which achieves an up to ten times longer service life than conventional spring wires.
Steel belt motor SA
A steel belt motor should be used in applications with high tensile load. The outer band used for the cover serves as a spring motor at the same time.
Steel belt motor FM
This motor is also suitable for high tensile load.
Your advantages with roller systems
Flexible mounting
For roller blind covers with housing, you can choose between twelve standard mounting positions.
Individual equipment
Depending on the application, we use cover strips made of steel or robust plastics.
Variable mounting positions
The operating position can be vertical, horizontal or transverse, with an extension to the left, right, up or down.
Compact construction
Our roller shutter covers without housing and our link aprons can be easily installed even in tight installation spaces.
The TF-RS drive for roller covers - Fast and durable drives for demanding applications
Space-saving protective covers for high travel speeds: The TF-RS drive for roller covers
HEMA's roller covers are ideal, space-saving protective devices for confined spaces in machine tools. These roller covers are particularly suitable for applications that don't require complete sealing but do need some protection from chips or coolant. HEMA roller cover systems are also available with TF-RS drive, which allows travel speeds of up to 80 m/min.
Success in the long-term test
Roller covers have to meet special requirements in terms of durability. For this reason, HEMA paid special attention to durability and low maintenance during the development of the drive. The drive was also subjected to a long-term test in the test laboratory and tested in over 1.25 million cycles at 80 m/min. and an acceleration of 1g. The result is promising: there were no effects on the functionality. Thanks to the new type of connection and bearing of the TF-RS drive, roller conveyor covers with plastic belts achieve a significantly longer service life.
HEMA supplies roller covers both with and without housing, depending on the individual requirements. While the roller cover without housing is particularly suitable as a space-saving version for confined spaces, the housing version is the safer choice for longer extensions and metal bands. Both versions are available with the TF-RS drive as original equipment. However, adaptation to the new drive concept can also be carried out in the retrofit of existing applications. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Aprons: Cost-effective protection
If your machine is exposed to a low chip load from the front, a link apron is sufficient as a protective measure completely. HEMA manufactures these devices in different variants:
FLEXPRO Link aprons
The metal sections are flat or semi-circular aluminium, brass or steel sections. They are bonded and riveted on a very tear resistant synthetic carrier material.
FLEXSTAR aprons
These aprons are made up of anodized hollow aluminum sections joined with a polyurethane strip. On the visual side the glider elements are rounded at the edges. FLEXSTAR-S can move freely in both directions, FLEXSTAR-C/CR permits only one-way bending, adopting a stable flat position in the other direction.
FLEXSTAR-Windows
FLEXSTAR aprons combined with vision inserts are very popular in the assembly sectors.
FLEXWALK
Link aprons are also available as a "walk-on" design.
Combination of link aprons with ROLLER system
The link aprons can be combined with a system of roller blinds. The link apron is wound on top of the ROLLER standard system. The ROLLER diameter is considerably increased in its wound-up state.The drive unit is exactly matched to the additional weight and forces. We offer complete guide systems based on travel rails, steel cables or aluminium profiles.
FAQ Roller cover
What is a roller cover?
Roller covers are space-saving covers, particularly suitable for confined spaces. They can be used as an alternative to bellows when a complete sealing is not required. Roller covers provide protection wherever moving parts, guides, or openings need to be protected or covered – without disrupting the flow of movement.
In which machines and applications are roller covers used?
Roller conveyor covers are used in machine tools, CNC machines and machining centres, in production and industrial plants, and in automation and conveyor technology. They are also used on construction machinery, in agriculture, and on mobile equipment.
For which applications are roller covers used?
Roller covers are used to protect linear guides, ball screws, slide rails, axes, and components from chips, dirt, and coolants. They are also suitable for protecting pick-and-place units, transfer and robot systems, or for covering small passageways or openings in machines. As part of workplace safety equipment, roller covers prevent accidental access to machine areas and protect hazardous areas.
What types of roller covers are available?
The roller covers can be manufactured with or without a housing. For smaller versions with shorter fabric band extensions, roller covers without a housing are often preferred. However, when using steelbands, a housing version is recommended.
What material is used for outer band?
Technical textile materials as well as steel or stainless-steel material can be used for the outer band; these are resistant to sparks and welding spatter, dust, oil, chips, and coolant. The use of a link apron is also possible.
Which drive options are available?
The drive can be powered by a torsion spring, spring motor, or steel band motor. Customized solutions with electric motor drives are also possible.
How fast can a roller cover be extended?
Depending on the model, the textile band roller covers be extended at speeds of up to 80 m/min and retracted to save space. The maximum acceleration is 1g. For optimal performance, smooth and consistent movement is crucial, ensuring uniform extension and retraction of the band. Both the desired speed and acceleration must be considered during the design process.
In which temperature ranges is the application possible?
The recommended temperature range for application and optimal performance depends on the material of the band. Ideally, the temperature range for continuous use is a maximum of +40°C. The band material is selected according to the application; our band materials cover a temperature range of -30°C to +90°C, and even higher temperature peaks are possible.
How can the roller cover be mounted?
Roller covers without a housing are attached using special brackets; the band is secured with a flat or angled strip.
Roller covers with a housing are attached directly to the housing, either via screwed-on brackets or pre-drilled holes.
Can the outer band be replaced?
Replacing the outer band is possible but cannot be done on-site. The roller cover must be sent back to HEMA; all components will be inspected during the replacement process.
