- Can assembled CR composite channels be cut to a custom length?
- Can UtiliTrak be used in a clean room?
- How do I calculate end hole spacing for UtiliTrak channel?
- What types of applications are UtiliTrak suited for?
- What is the design philosopy behind UtiliTrak?
- Is the orientation of UtiliTrak assembly important?
- What is the benefit of the wheels running on the outer vees?
Can assembled CR composite channels be supplied to a custom length?
Yes, Bishop-Wisecarver can supply custom lengths of CR composite channel. Bishop-Wisecarver recommends against the end user cutting their own lengths. Due to the different properties of stainless steel and aluminum, saws may have difficulties cutting both materials at once.
Can UtiliTrak be used in a clean room?
UtiliTrak has not been certified to a clean room level, but the composite CR system can be supplied with either clean room or vacuum grade lubricants such as Krytox or Braycoyte.
How do I calculate end hole spacing for UtiliTrak channel?
To calculate end hole spacing for UtiliTrak SW and PW Series channel:
Step 1: Calculate the number of spaces:
Length (mm) - X = # of spaces (round down to the nearest whole number)
80
X = 14 (size 0)
16 (size 1)
18 (size 2)
20 (size 3)
Step 2: Calculate end hole spacing:
Length (mm) - (# of spaces X 80) = Hole End Spacing (M)
2
What types of applications are UtiliTrak suited for?
The UtiliTrak linear guide is designed for applications where low cost and easy maintenance are primary design objectives. Constructed with proven DualVee Motion Technology, UtiliTrak offers high reliability, easy installation and low maintenance in a sleek, compact design.
Designed primarily for transport type applications, UtiliTrak is intended for use where load capacity, stiffness, and positional accuracy are less demanding than machine tool grade applications. UtiliTrak offers a low cost alternative to square rail recirculating element technologies, which often require a significant amount of surface preparation, adding substantially to the total installed cost.
What is the design philosophy behind UtiliTrak?
UtiliTrak is constructed with DualVee Motion Technology, built into 3, 4 and 5 wheel carriages. These carriages are mounted in-line and roll along (and are captured within) the UtiliTrak channel. The carriages incorporate both eccentric and concentric studded integral guide wheels. By using concentric and properly adjusted eccentric wheels, all axial play (both vertical and horizontal) can be eliminated.
Fit up is pre-set at the factory, but is easily field adjusted by rotating the eccentrically mounted center guide wheels. This allows modification of running characteristics such as drag, breakaway, and preload.
In addition, large stud thread diameters accommodate high installation torques, ensuring the wheels keep their adjusted preload value despite vibration.
Is the orientation of UtiliTrak assembly important?
The UtiliTrak vee assembly can be employed to accept loads in all orientations. However, it is primarily intended to support loads in the radial plane. As such, it is good engineering practice to orient the guide so that the two outside wheels (concentric) support the load radially. Each carriage assembly includes an arrow pointing toward the optimal direction of load orientation. Loads oriented in this direction will produce optimal load on each of the concentrically mounted guide wheels.
What is the benefit of the wheels running on the outer vees?
Capturing the wheels and running the wheels on the outer vees provides additional stiffness and higher load capacity.
