Abstract: An improved conveyor roller (100) having a belt-engagement length (103) between a first end (101) and second end (102), and a necked-down portion (109) adjacent the second end, and a method of manufacturing such a roller are disclosed. The method comprises forming a roller from a metal tube (12) with a longitudinal axis (106), first and second ends, and an initial outer diameter by: rotating the tube about the longitudinal axis, the tube being substantially free of internal and external supports between the ends thereof, providing rollers (40,41) which are rotatable about corresponding axes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis; and urging the rollers against the tube and moving the rollers between the ends of the tube so as to alter the outer diameter of the tube to form the belt-engagement length and the necked-down portion, the necked-down portion providing a mounting surface for receiving a bearing assembly.

Abstract: An improved conveyor roller (100) having a belt-engagement length (103) between a first end (101) and second end (102), and a necked-down portion (109) adjacent the second end, and a method of manufacturing such a roller are disclosed. The method comprises forming a roller from a metal tube (12) with a longitudinal axis (106), first and second ends, and an initial outer diameter by: rotating the tube about the longitudinal axis, the tube being substantially free of internal and external supports between the ends thereof, providing rollers (40,41) which are rotatable about corresponding axes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis; and urging the rollers against the tube and moving the rollers between the ends of the tube so as to alter the outer diameter of the tube to form the belt-engagement length and the necked-down portion, the necked-down portion providing a mounting surface for receiving a bearing assembly.