NCCER Millwright Practice Exam

In material handling, what is a common application for roller conveyors?

1. For heavy and bulky items

2. For fragile materials

3. For glass transport

4. For items requiring precise placement

The correct answer is: For heavy and bulky items

Roller conveyors are widely used in material handling primarily due to their design that facilitates the movement of heavy and bulky items. The structure of roller conveyors allows for the efficient and easy transport of sizable products without requiring significant manual effort from operators. They are commonly utilized in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers to streamline the movement of materials, reduce handling time, and improve workflow efficiency. For fragile materials, alternatives such as belt conveyors or specialized handling systems are preferable since roller conveyors may not provide sufficient support to prevent damage during transport. Similarly, when dealing with glass transport or items that require precise placement, there are more suitable conveyor systems designed specifically to handle such items carefully and accurately, avoiding the risk of breakage or misalignment. Thus, the effectiveness of roller conveyors is most prominently realized in the handling of heavier items where their design maximizes efficiency and minimizes labor.