More than just steel: How PU, rubber and PVC coatings protect the conveyed goods and the roller

28.08.2026

In harsh industrial environments, steel is the undisputed number one material for conveyor rollers. It is stable, durable, and long-lasting. However, there are situations where a bare steel tube reaches its limits – reasons include, for example:

• The products to be transported are extremely sensitive to scratches
• Inclines must be overcome.
• Deafening noise fills the hall.

In these cases, the solution is functional coatings. At FMG, we refine the surfaces of our conveyor rollers with specialized plastics and elastomers. But which coating is suitable for which application? An overview of the most common materials.

The three best-selling roller coatings

1. Rubber coating (NBR, EPDM): The classic grip and damping material

Vulcanized or bonded rubber coverings are the all-rounders in material handling technology.

• The advantages: Rubber offers excellent friction (grip). It prevents workpieces from slipping during acceleration or braking. Furthermore, rubber acts like a shock absorber: falling conveyed material does not hit the metal hard, which drastically reduces noise.
• Typical use: Transport of wooden boards, glass, sheet metal, or when overcoming inclines.

2. Polyurethane (PU): The indestructible one for maximum abrasion resistance

When it comes to extreme mechanical wear, polyurethane comes into its own.

• The advantages: PU is extremely cut- and abrasion-resistant. Sharp edges of metal or cast parts, which would quickly slice through a normal rubber layer, can hardly damage high-quality PU. At the same time, the covering protects the goods being transported from damage.
• Typical use: Automotive industry, sheet metal processing, heavy transport and sharp-edged conveyed goods.

3. PVC hoses: The flexible & cost-effective solution

Does it always have to be a complex vulcanization process? Often, a stretched PVC tube is perfectly sufficient.

• The advantages: A PVC coating is an inexpensive way to retrofit a standard steel roller with plasticizer protection. It protects against scratches, is easy to clean, and is gentle on the conveyed goods.
• Typical use: Intralogistics for containers and cardboard boxes, furniture industry, electronics manufacturing.

What advantages does a coating offer your business?

1. Protection of sensitive surfaces: Whether painted car parts, polished wooden surfaces or sensitive plastic housings – coatings prevent expensive rejects due to scratches and pressure marks.
2. Noise reduction (noise protection): The rolling noise of hard containers on coated casters is many times quieter than on bare steel. This noticeably improves workplace ergonomics.
3. Increased roller lifespan: With highly abrasive materials, the wear does not eat into the load-bearing steel running jacket, but is absorbed by the replaceable coating.

Conclusion: The right finishing makes all the difference.

An FMG conveyor roller is more than just a tube with bearings. By selecting the right surface coating, you can transform a standard component into a specialized solution for your production process.

Are you transporting sensitive or difficult goods?

We'd be happy to advise you on the optimal coating thickness, hardness, and material selection for your rollers. Contact us now. Contact up with us!