Alba Manufacturing has never believed that new technology excuses weak engineering. A 24-volt conveyor system only delivers real value when it’s built with the same discipline as traditional pallet conveyors—heavy steel, proven components, and controls that work in the real world. That philosophy is exactly how Alba approaches its 24V Motorized Driven Roller (MDR) Conveyor systems.

Why 24-Volt MDR Conveyor Systems Make Sense for Pallet Handling

At the heart of Alba’s 24-volt system is Itoh Denki motorized driven roller technology, which replaces large centralized motors with zone-based 24VDC rollers. Each zone runs only when a pallet is present—what Alba calls run-on-demand operation.

That single design decision delivers several practical advantages:

  • Lower energy consumption because conveyors aren’t running full-time.
  • Reduced noise levels, creating a noticeably quieter plant floor.
  • Improved safety, thanks to low-voltage power and controlled zone movement.
  • Less wear, because components only operate when needed.

Unlike traditional motor-and-lineshaft systems, MDR conveyors eliminate unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining controlled pallet flow.

Engineered for Real Pallets, Not Theory

Alba’s MDR conveyor systems are built around 2-1/2″ diameter, 11-gauge rollers—a deliberate choice for pallet handling. These rollers feature continuously welded sprockets and RC40 roll-to-roll chain, ensuring dependable torque transfer even with inconsistent or damaged pallets.

Roller centers are available at 3.25″, 4″, or 6″, allowing the system to be tuned for different pallet styles and load conditions. Rollers can also be set high or low on the non-driven side to match application requirements.

Speed ranges from 10 to 45 feet per minute, covering everything from accumulation zones to controlled pallet transport.

Heavy-Duty Frame Construction That Holds Up

Electrical efficiency doesn’t matter if the conveyor frame can’t take abuse. Alba’s MDR conveyors use welded, structural steel construction with effective conveying widths from 12″ to 65″.

Key mechanical details include:

  • Inline or underslung drive mounting
  • Scalloped #10-gauge roller chain guards
  • Dedicated drive chain guards where required
  • Adjustable heavy-duty channel supports
  • Standard Alba Blue paint with Safety Yellow guards

This is not light-duty conveyor dressed up with electronics—it’s a pallet conveyor first.

24VDC Controls Built for Reliability and Flexibility

Alba’s MDR systems operate on 24VDC power and are available with Ethernet-capable controls (KT roller applications). Itoh Denki PM635KE or PM635KT powered rollers are paired with proven driver cards, including standard CBM-103 cards and programmable options for more advanced control logic.

The brushless DC motors provide long service life with minimal maintenance. One-shaft mounting with a spring-loaded hex axle simplifies installation while maintaining precise roller alignment.

Photoelectric sensors can be pre-mounted and pre-wired back to the controller, allowing Alba to ship systems fully tested and ready to run.

True Zero-Pressure Accumulation for Pallets

Zone sizes are engineered based on the pallet load—not guesswork. Alba’s MDR conveyors provide zero-pressure contact zones, preventing pallet-to-pallet impact during accumulation. That means less product damage, fewer pallet failures, and smoother downstream operations.

This is especially critical in automated palletizing, staging, and shipping applications where consistency matters more than raw speed.

Low Profile, Low Maintenance, Long Service Life

One often-overlooked advantage of Alba’s MDR conveyors is their low-profile design, capable down to 4-3/4″ top of roller (and 9″ TOR on 3.25″ roller center conveyors). That makes them easier to integrate into existing facilities without costly elevation changes.

Other practical benefits include:

  • Minimal preventative maintenance
  • Fully assembled, pre-tested shipment
  • Easy installation
  • Quiet, safe operation
  • Two-year warranty on the conveyor
  • One-year warranty on the 24VDC rollers and cards

The Bottom Line

24-volt MDR conveyor systems offer clear advantages—but only when they’re engineered for pallet handling from the ground up. Alba Manufacturing combines Itoh Denki 24V technology with heavy-duty frames, properly sized rollers, and proven accumulation logic to deliver systems that are efficient, quiet, and built to last.

It’s not about chasing new voltage levels. It’s about applying modern controls to traditional, hard-earned conveyor engineering—and doing it right the first time.