HepcoMotion's '1-Trak'offers complete freedom of 2D bearing track design
22 November 2012
While conventional track technology limits track paths to simple combinations of straights and circular curves, HepcoMotion's new '1-Trak' system allows any conceivable 2D shape of track to be constructed.
The entire 1-Trak track element is manufactured from a single piece of steel, which can include a base plate. Such is its strength and accuracy, it can be used as a key structural element of the machine. The product can be customised with holes, slots and other features, and supplied mounted to a HepcoMotion MCS frame as the basis for complete automation system.
1-Trak systems are completely seamless and free running with no possibility of misalignment during installation or in service.
The three-bearing geometry, combined with the track shape, ensures that the carriages suffer zero play at any point on the circuit. This is a key benefit, as with other tracks there is ‘lift off’ of the carriage from the track between straight and curved sections. These three-bearing carriages also provide a simple, low cost alternative to bogie carriages that are often chosen when the system includes both right and left hand bends.
Where the application involves higher moment loads 1-Trak is also available in a wide track section with widely spaced bearings both across and along the carriage to create a very rigid platform.
Track systems can be specified with a vee profile guide section of any size to suit bearings from the extensive HepcoMotion® PRT2 or Heavy Duty HDS2 ranges from 13mm to 150mm in diameter. Carriages can carry loads from 67 to 51,000N, and tracks can be made up to 5.5 x 1m or 1.9m square. Corrosion resistant versions are offered as standard.
A rack and pinion driven carriage is another standard 1-Trak option. The design permits a correct and constant mesh between pinion and rack around the entire circuit, so the pinion doesn't need to be sprung against the rack to compensate for varying engagement. This simplifies the carriage design, reduces cost and increases system driving forces.
The gear teeth on the track are precision machined and surface hardened to provide outstanding strength and durability. Gears are available from MOD 1.5 to MOD 10 and beyond, depending on application requirements. The system designer can specify pinions alone, a carriage complete with pinion and drive flange, or with pinions mounted on a geared motor.
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