Unless one works in certain types of industries they are not able to experience the difference in roller materials. From what I hear, the best type of roller, regardless of the style or application, is polyurethane. Urethane rollers are used for a multitude of reasons within industrial and sometimes commercial contexts. Shaped like the roller I know best, except with varying degrees of length, width and thickness, urethane rollers imitate the shape of rolling pins found in kitchens across the nation. In industrial and commercial spectrums though, they are often attached to larger systems, whether they are conveyor belts, printing machines or other similar applications.

Urethane rollers are created by way of polyurethane molding, which is why there are so many varieties of size. Mass production is easy and necessary since urethane rollers are often incorporated into conveyor like systems known as rollers, which utilize large amounts of rollers for just one system. When a conveyor system is being installed in a large area, like an airport baggage claim, then the number of rollers needed is massive. Polyurethane molding involves melting down the base polyurethane material and adding other chemicals so that the correct texture and hardness will be achieved at the end of the process. This is important because polyurethane can range from soft foam to material as hard as stainless steel.

Once the correct chemical body is achieved, the molten substance is poured or injected into casts that have been designed for the exact shape desired by the buyer. The cooling process takes place quickly and occasionally secondary processing, such as sandblasting or the application of a protective coat, takes place after. Other specifications that manufacturers of urethane rollers need to abide by include what the rollers will be attached to. Some are connected to electric controls and turn in a controlled manner while others are free rollers.