Product category:
Ballscrews, Linear Guides, Jacks, Dampers
News Release from: Accuride International | Subject: Telescopic ball bearing slides
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 09 July 2002
Pentair switched on by Accuride slides
The problem of providing maximum access to bulky battery packs in electronic switching units for Nottingham's new tramway system has been solved by using telescopic ball bearing slides.
The problem of providing maximum access to bulky battery packs in electronic switching units for Nottingham's new tramway system has been solved by the use of telescopic ball bearing slides from Accuride International Easy access to the batteries was vital to facilitate essential maintenance work
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 21 Mar 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Ball bearing slides for automotive applications
Ball bearing slides are providing innovative solutions for sliding applications for access, space and comfort within automotive interiors.
Slides find further automotive applications
Ball bearing slides are providing innovative solutions for sliding applications within automotive interiors.
The switching units, built by Pentair Enclosures Scotland (formally Optima Enclosures) for tramway contractor Bombardier Transportation, had to house up to 10 battery packs for back up in case of electronic failure.
To provide the safest and most user-friendly method of gaining access to the batteries, Pentair decided to use four trays rack mounted on slides, which had to be capable of carrying up to 180kg.
"My main priority in choosing the right slides was their ability to handle the weight of the batteries", explained Mike McBrierty, Pentair's new product development manager, "and, having used them a lot in the past, I knew Accuride would provide a reliable product with a high specification".
With a load rating of 240kg, the Accuride slides installed by Pentair were more than capable of handling the weight of the batteries.
However, they also incorporated a number of other features that made them particularly suitable for this application.
Specially designed for rack mounted applications, the slides can be extended beyond their own length, which meant that the trays could be pulled out clear of the enclosure, facilitating easy access to the batteries.
Also, Accuride patented 'Flip-loks' were fitted, locking the slides when in the closed position, but more importantly from a safety point-of-view, holding them rigid when fully extended.
Finally, the switching units are sited by the roadside, so anti-corrosive components were a vital consideration.
Consequently, the Accuride slides were supplied with an electro zinc plating and a yellow chromate finish to ensure long-term corrosion-free operation.
• Accuride International: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
