In our previous blog, we discussed why conveyor brushes are essential for industrial applications. Today, we’ll dive deeper into two of the most common types of conveyor brushes—flat and roller—and explore their unique advantages and applications.
Understanding the differences between these two types will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right solution for your specific needs.
Roller or Flat Type?

1. Flat Type Conveyor Brushes
Flat type brushes consist of bristles mounted in a horizontal orientation, often attached to a strip or bar that runs along the length of the conveyor. These brushes are typically stationary, positioned against the conveyor belt or the products being moved.
Advantages of Flat Conveyor Brushes:
Cost-Effective – Compared to more complex brush designs like roller or spiral brushes, flat conveyor brushes with simple designs are typically more cost-effective.
The installation process for flat conveyor brushes is relatively straightforward. This ease of installation saves time costs by minimizing downtime during setup.
Efficient Cleaning – Flat brushes are particularly effective for conveyor systems that deal with light-to-medium-weight products or those that require less intense cleaning. The flat design allows for complete contact with the conveyor belt, making these brushes excellent for thorough cleaning of large, flat surfaces.
Low Maintenance Design – Regular cleaning of the brush and the conveyor belt is generally enough to keep the system running smoothly. In addition, these brushes can be replaced easily when necessary, without the need for extensive downtime or complicated procedures.
Applications of Flat Conveyor Brushes:
Food Processing – Flat brushes are ideal for cleaning conveyor belts in food manufacturing, helping to remove food particles, dust, and other residues to maintain hygiene standards.
Packaging – In packaging lines, flat brushes ensure that products are free from debris before being packaged or sealed.
Material Handling – Flat brushes are used in industrial settings to keep conveyor belts clean and avoid clogging or damage caused by built-up dirt or debris.
2. Roller Type Conveyor Brushes
Roller conveyor brushes consist of cylindrical rotating rollers mounted on a shaft. These brushes continuously rotate, gently brushing off dirt, debris, and contaminants from the surface of the conveyor belt. The rotating motion makes them ideal for dynamic cleaning, especially in high-speed conveyor systems.
Advantages of Roller Conveyor Brushes:
Highly effective for cleaning irregular surfaces and shapes: Unlike flat brushes, which are best suited for flat, uniform surfaces, roller brushes excel in more complex environments where the surface or product shape may not be entirely consistent.
The rotating motion of the roller brushes enables them to reach areas that flat brushes might struggle with. The roller brushes can clean around edges, corners, and hard-to-reach spots, ensuring thorough removal of dirt, debris, and contaminants.
Offers constant and dynamic cleaning: The rotating motion of the cylindrical rollers creates a dynamic scrubbing effect that is highly effective at dislodging dirt, oils, and residues, especially from challenging surfaces. This dynamic action ensures that contaminants are removed from both the conveyor belt and the products being transported, preventing build-up that could hinder the system’s operation.
Applications of Roller Conveyor Brushes:
Automotive Industry: In automotive manufacturing, roller conveyor brushes are used to clean heavy-duty conveyors that handle metal parts, removing grease, oil, and other residues.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Roller brushes ensure that conveyors used in pharmaceutical production are clean and free from contaminants, ensuring high hygiene standards.
Logistics and Distribution Centers: Roller brushes help keep conveyor belts clean in distribution centers, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted movement of packages and products.
Conclusion
Choosing between flat and roller conveyor brushes depends on the specific needs of your industry and operations. By understanding the advantages and applications of each type of brush, you can optimize your conveyor systems for improved performance and longevity.
Visit us at https://yewlee.com.my for more information.