When dealing with delicate or expensive substrates and materials, no-crush rollers (also known as spacer wheels and zero crush rollers) utilize a collapsible inner construction with flexibility that adjusts to pressure. The polyurethane construction of no-crush rollers provides a softer, smoother outer-contact surface, while the cut-away design of the inner core adjusts to external pressure so that the roller takes the extra force rather than the substrate or object.

No-crush rollers are vital for certain operations such as:

• glass and bottling
• processors and technology equipment
• cardboards and packaging
• certain laminates and embossed-finished goods

However, the flexibility of no-crush rollers is not limited to manufacturing.

Often, no-crush and zero crush rollers are also used widely in the field of robotics and vehicular technologies as they provide suitable traction for forward, backward, or sideways motion, but with increased durability over less flexible materials including hardened plastics or steel. For this reason, motorized wheelchairs and scooter manufacturers will choose a no-crush roller design for caterpillar treads or tread tracks. There are also applications for zero crush and no-crush rollers in defense and aeronautics/aerospace industries, particularly because of their adaptability, durability, and lower overall weight when compared with solid-core housings of steel or other metals.