Bare metal conveyor rollers cause noise, product and roller damage, and slippage that slow your throughput and increase scrap rates. POLY-PRO slip-on conveyor roll covers solve all three problems with a single upgrade. Manufactured from cast polyurethane by Polyurethane Products in Addison, Illinois, these polyurethane conveyor roller covers fit the O.D. of standard-size rollers and deliver a cushioned, wear-resistant, non-marking surface that keeps your line running at full capacity.
Polyurethane Conveyor Roller Covers
POLY-PRO Slip-On Roll Covers are made of durable polyurethane materials in several durometers. The polyurethane roll sleeves are designed to fit on the O.D. of standard size conveyor rollers, providing a cushioned, wear resistant, quieter system. They protect the products from damages and are non-marking. Additionally, we provide rubber conveyor rollers.
Available Polyurethane Roll Cover Durometers & Compounds
POLY-PRO slip-on conveyor roll covers are stocked in four standard hardness compounds, each color-coded for easy identification:
- 95A Shore A (Orange) — Firmest option. Best suited for heavy loads and high-speed lines where maximum wear resistance is the priority.
- 85A Shore A (White, FDA-compliant) — Ideal for food and beverage processing and pharmaceutical conveying where FDA-grade contact surfaces are required. Explore our full line of food-grade polyurethane products.
- 60A Shore A (Yellow) — A mid-range durometer that balances cushioning with durability. Well suited for general material handling and automotive component conveying.
- 40A Shore A (Green) — Softest compound. Provides maximum cushioning and vibration dampening for fragile or cosmetically sensitive products.
Polyurethane Roll Sleeve Installation
One of the biggest advantages of POLY-PRO slip-on conveyor roll covers is the ability to install them on-site with your own personnel, eliminating the need to ship rollers out for covering and reducing equipment downtime.
- Standard press-fit method: Lubricate the O.D. of the metal roller with a water-soluble oil or soap solution. Push the polyurethane roll sleeve onto the roller from one end. The slightly undersized I.D. grips the roller securely once the lubricant dries.
- Air-assisted method (for faster installation): A special installation tool fits onto one end of the sleeve with a hose clamp. Compressed air enlarges the tube diameter, allowing you to slide the sleeve along the full length of the roller with minimal effort. When using this tool, order sleeves 2" longer than the roller face width and trim the excess with a razor blade after installation.
Both methods can be performed by maintenance staff during a scheduled changeover, keeping your conveyor system operational and avoiding extended production stoppages.
Why Polyurethane Roll Covers Outperform Bare Metal and Rubber
Uncoated steel and aluminum rollers transmit vibration, scratch sensitive surfaces, and generate noise levels that contribute to worker fatigue. Rubber alternatives wear quickly and lack the tear and abrasion resistance needed for high-volume conveying. Cast polyurethane roll covers address both shortcomings.
POLY-PRO slip-on conveyor roll covers reduce system noise by as much as 10 decibels compared to conventional metal rollers, creating a more comfortable and safer work environment. The polyurethane material absorbs shock and vibration, which protects conveyed goods from dents, scratches, and cosmetic defects while simultaneously reducing mechanical stress on bearings and frames.
The high-friction urethane surface increases grip and traction, allowing you to convey products more reliably at steeper incline angles without upgrading the belt or vertical system. These covers also resist water, oil, grease, and a range of industrial chemicals, ensuring performance in wet or oily processing environments.
Because our polyurethane roll sleeve compounds are castable rather than extruded, they deliver greater density, more consistent durometer, and longer service life than extruded polyurethane alternatives.
Standard Sizes
POLY-PRO slip-on conveyor roll covers are designed to fit standard conveyor roller outside diameters. The inside diameter of each polyurethane roll sleeve is precision-cast slightly smaller than the corresponding roller O.D. to ensure a secure press-fit without adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Standard wall thickness is 1/8" or ¼”. Sleeves are supplied in lengths that can be trimmed to match your roller face width.
View the complete sizing chart with I.D., O.D., and wall thickness specifications (PDF)
Need a size not listed? We manufacture custom polyurethane tubes and rollers and wheels to your exact dimensions.
Industries and Applications
POLY-PRO polyurethane conveyor roller covers are used across a wide range of industries where product protection, noise reduction, and reliable conveying are critical:
- Material handling and distribution: Protect packages, cartons, and totes from surface damage during sorting and shipping.
- Automotive manufacturing: Convey stamped panels, trim components, and painted parts without marring finished surfaces.
- Food and beverage processing: FDA-compliant 85A white compound meets sanitary conveying requirements.
- Aerospace and defense: Cushion sensitive composite and aluminum components during assembly line transport.
- Construction and heavy equipment: Withstand exposure to oils, solvents, and abrasive particulates common in fabrication environments.
Request a Quote for Slip-On Conveyor Roll Covers
Whether you need a standard durometer for a single conveyor line or a custom compound for a facility-wide retrofit, Polyurethane Products has manufactured high-performance polyurethane stock and standard products since 1978. Call 800-772-7072 or request a quote online to get pricing and lead times for your slip-on conveyor roll covers.
Furth Polyurethane Roll Sleeve Reading
FAQs
POLY-PRO slip-on conveyor roll covers are manufactured from cast polyurethane, which is denser and more durable than extruded polyurethane alternatives. Cast compounds provide superior resistance to abrasion, tearing, water, oil, grease, and common industrial chemicals.
The right durometer depends on your application. Use 95A (orange) for heavy loads and high-speed lines, 85A (white) for FDA-compliant food or pharmaceutical conveying, 60A (yellow) for general material handling, and 40A (green) for fragile or cosmetically sensitive products. Our team can recommend the best compound for your specific use case.
Installation is done on-site by your maintenance staff. Lubricate the roller O.D. with a water-soluble oil or soap solution and push the sleeve on from one end. For faster installation, use the optional air-assisted tool that expands the sleeve diameter with compressed air so it slides over the roller easily.
These covers are precision-cast to fit standard conveyor roller outside diameters. The sleeve I.D. is slightly smaller than the roller O.D. to create a secure press-fit. View our sizing chart for available dimensions, or contact us for custom sizes.
Polyurethane conveyor roller covers can reduce system noise by as much as 10 decibels compared to bare metal rollers. This improvement creates a more comfortable work environment and can help facilities stay within OSHA permissible noise exposure limits.
Yes. The 85A Shore A white compound is FDA-compliant and suitable for direct or indirect food contact conveying applications. For additional food-safe urethane solutions, see our food-grade polyurethane page.
You have questions, we have answers. Contact us today. Our skilled customer service specialists can help you make the right choice in polyurethane applications.
