Heavy-Frame Accumulating Curve for Wider Products and Higher-Capacity Systems
The Roach 596PRAC handles standard carton and tote accumulation through curves effectively, but some systems carry wider products, heavier loads, or operate at capacities that demand a more structural frame. The 796PRAC steps up with a 7 in. formed steel channel frame made from 12 ga. steel, compared to the 596’s 5 in. frame in 10 ga. steel. This larger, heavier bed provides increased stability through the curve and supports integration into conveyor systems where products are wider, heavier, or where the system must sustain higher throughput over longer operational runs.
Rollers in the 796PRAC are set low in the frame rather than high. This changes the conveying surface height relative to the frame side rails and affects how products transfer onto and off of the curve section. For system designs that require a lower conveying surface or that integrate with other Roach 796 series straight sections, the low-roller configuration ensures smooth product handoff between curve and straight zones.
Specifications
- Bed Widths: 15 in., 19 in., 21 in., 25 in., 27 in., 33 in., 39 in.
- Tread Rollers: 2-1/2 in. dia. to 1-11/16 in. dia. x 14 ga. steel tapered rollers, Model 254T
- Drive Belt: 3/16 in. dia. polyurethane belts, nominal 15 lbs. per roller drive
- Capacity: 15 lbs. per roller or up to 70 lbs. per zone
- Speed: 60 FPM constant
- Roller Centers: 3 in.
- Bed/Frame: Formed steel curve frame with tapered roller configuration
- Accumulation: Zone singulation operation; 24 in. zone length; photoeye actuated
- Motor Drive: Driven by 24V DC powered roller
- Bearings: Precision ABEC bearings
- DC Power Supply: 24V fixed output required
Rollers Set Low vs. Rollers Set High
Roach offers accumulating conveyors in two roller positions. The 596 series sets rollers high in the frame, which positions the conveying surface closer to the top of the side rails. The 796 series sets rollers low, which drops the conveying surface and creates more exposed frame height above the product path. The choice between high and low depends on how the curve connects to adjacent conveyor sections, how products need to be guided through the turn, and whether the system design calls for side containment from the exposed frame above the rollers.
When to Choose the 796PRAC Over the 596PRAC
Both curves use the same tapered rollers, zone singulation logic, speed, and accumulation capacity. The decision comes down to frame size and roller position. Choose the 796PRAC when your system uses 796 series straight sections (rollers set low, 7 in. frame), when products are wider and benefit from a more rigid frame, when Poly-V drive is needed for heavier loads, or when the application requires the structural stability that a heavier gauge frame provides. Choose the 596PRAC when you are integrating with 596 series straights (rollers set high, 5 in. frame) and standard-weight cartons and totes are the primary load.
Poly-V Drive Option
Many 796 series units can be equipped with Poly-V drive belts instead of standard polyurethane O-ring belts. Poly-V drives increase torque transmission between the powered roller and the idler rollers, which supports heavier product loads and reduces the chance of belt slip in higher-capacity applications. This option is not available on the 596 series, making the 796 the only Roach accumulating platform that can be configured for heavier conveyed loads.
Applications
The 796PRAC is specified in systems where directional changes occur in higher-capacity or wider-product conveyor layouts. Common installations include distribution center sort lines handling mixed-size cartons, packaging line routing around equipment and facility columns, accumulation buffers in manufacturing and assembly operations, and any 24V MDR conveyor system where the 796 series frame size and roller position are the system standard.
Accessories and Options
- Custom zone lengths
- Floor supports
- Ceiling hangers
- Variable speed motors
- Defused Smart Zone® controls
Selection Assistance from Barron Equipment
Choosing between the 596 and 796 accumulating curve models — and specifying the right bed width, zone length, and drive configuration — requires understanding your product mix, system layout, and capacity requirements. Barron Equipment’s conveyor specialists provide system design, installation, and service for Roach conveyor products across Iowa and the Midwest.