Units move heavy loads with minimum effort

WDS has a new range of ball transfer units, which offer load carrying capacities up to 2033kg, enabling even the heaviest of objects to be moved smoothly, precisely and in any direction.

WDS has a new range of ball transfer units, which offer load carrying capacities of up to 2033kg, enabling even the heaviest of objects to be moved smoothly, precisely and in any direction.

The ball transfer units employ precision guide technology to minimise friction.

They are available in high capacity medium duty and lightweight configurations, and are ideal for any transfer operation, typically involving boxes, crates, pallets and magazines - especially those used on machine tools.

The comprehensive WDS range includes nine different models of ball transfer units, the largest of which allows packages weighing up to 6t to be moved easily by hand to transfer or collection areas.

This enhanced capability means that the ball transfer units can often be used as a more economical alternative to expensive conveyor systems.

To illustrate this point: moving loads on rolling decks using the ball transfer units requires a force equivalent to less than 5% of the total weight and then only 2-3% to maintain the movement.

In addition to their potential cost saving benefits, the minimum friction design of the ball transfer units also means that they can minimise strain injuries to workforce members and help to avoid damage to products.

At the top of the new WDS range are four high load capacity models equipped with hardened or stainless-steel balls, ranging from 12.7 to 50.8mm in diameter, and offering maximum carrying capacities from 35 to 2000kg.

Mounting of these units is easily achieved via four-screw rim or base flanges as well as bolt fixings that are supplied in sizes M8 to M24 (equivalent imperial sizes are also available).

Typical applications include, cargo and baggage handling, assembly lines, tool magazines, machine loading, machine tables - and even castors on heavy-duty equipment.

An additional design of high load capacity unit is also available, employing an external spring to minimise damage to the object being moved and extending the service life of the ball transfer unit itself.

These units effectively cushion impacts from dropped loads as well as transferring irregularly shaped objects more easily.

Offering a more compact solution in applications where space is limited is an internal spring-loaded example.

This shares the long-life qualities of the external spring -loaded unit but is housed in a far more compact casing.

Typical applications for these and the external spring units include: handling systems in surface coating plants, distribution networks and any other industry areas where condition of the product is paramount.

Also extending the scope of the WDS range are two medium-duty low-profile designs that offer press fit and securing ring design features for fitting in shallow deck plates.

Maximum load capacities for these units range from 40 to 500kg.

Completing the list of introductions are lighter duty, flange-mounted units, which offer maximum load capacities up to 120kg.

Ideal for less demanding packaging and handling applications, these units can provide a low cost, low maintenance alternative to standard conveyor systems.

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