DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

FIXING METHODS

There are various methods of fixing Alwayse ball units.A wide range of fittings enable them to be used with various different materials.

Alwayse ball units are available in various materials. The material required for your ball units should be quoted.

LUBRICATION

Each unit is pre-lubricated during manufacture and normally does not require further attention. In certain instances we will advise on lubrication. Greasing or oil points can be incorporated in some units.

CLEANING

A suitable cleaning or release fluid should be used in dirty conditions. For washing, a suitable detergent such as paraffin, for freeing, a suitable agent such as WD40 - please consult technical support. Most designs have dirt exit holes incorporated in the bearing cup, or these can be added on request.

SHOCK LOADS

When calculating loads, consider the possibility of impact caused by incorrect levels. Spring loaded units will reduce wear and tear if there are regular shock impacts. Shock loading can also be reduced by fitting compressible pads. Ball units can also be made retractable by other means, such as pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, cams or levers. They can be programmed to operate in sequence. All stated loads in the catalogue are dynamic loads.

SELF LEVELLING

Can be achieved by fitting rubber pads. This reduces excessive loads on just a few units. Details on request.

TEMPERATURE RANGE

Min. -30ºc to max. +70ºc continuous, or +100ºc intermittent. Special seals may need to be fitted to suit extreme conditions. In clean conditions and without seals +150ºc to +200ºc are possible, using Type 15 units at reduced loads.

CONVEYING SPEED

Maximum recommended conveying speed is 1 metre per second for steel load balls and 0.25 metres per second for nylon.

SEALS

These help resist ingress of dirt and swarf. They can be omitted on request.Woollen felt seals fitted as standard.

Breakaway Coefficient of Friction

The average breakaway friction for new ball units containing steel balls in a good working environment is 0.01 to 0.015 (1% to 1.5% of the load) and 0.02 to 0.025 (2% to 2.5%) for units with felt seals.

BALL TABLES

Red arrows indicate ideal movement.

QUANTITY CALCULATION

The weight of the article to be conveyed should be divided by 3. The result will give the maximum load any single ball will bear. On any accurately levelled or flexible surface, a number greater than 3 may be used. The surface hardness and condition of the article should be considered to avoid ball unit penetration.

SPACING

The pitch is calculated by dividing the narrowest dimension by 3·5, i.e. if the narrowest dimension is 350mm divided by 3·5=100mm pitch between ball centres. This ensures 3 ball units are always beneath the narrowest dimension of the load at any one time.