Feature Machine Building & Frameworks
Friction-free linear movement in harsh working environments
Linear motion products from HepcoMotion are being utilised on a sash centraliser system from subcontractors, F. W. Frost, that accurately assembles uPVC doors
T
he development and fabrication work undertaken by the Norwich subcontracting com- pany, F. W. Frost (Engineers), helps to ensure the accurate assem- bly of most uPVC doors. Central to this is a sash centraliser system - a manufacturing fixture that allows the door to be mounted within the frame very accurately, ensuring that the lock and handle mechanism on the door will operate efficiently and the threshold clearance will be correct. F. W. Frost initially developed this concept for a leading UK uPVC manu- facturer but now its sash centraliser has largely become an industry stan- dard, with each fixture being tailor- made to the different specification of each manufacturer. However, a common feature of each of these fix- tures has been HepcoMotion linear motion products.
Low friction is key
HepcoMotion LBG linear ball guides are responsible for carrying the two symmetrically opposed sliding frames of the centraliser, maintaining their co- ordination throughout the range of motion. They provide low friction movement, an important feature as the frames are manually positioned. The three arms that position the cen- tral clamping units are supported by a HepcoMotion UtiliTrak guide and the system also uses HepcoMotion Pacific Bearings. These provide low friction guidance to pneumatically operated lifts that elevate the door from its frame to allow the fitting of hinges. To support and guide the multiple clamp heads, positioned along the length of the centraliser to clamp the frame and the sash independently, F. W. Frost specified HepcoMotion GV3 single edge linear slides.
“The performance of these slides really stands out for this application as they provide a very smooth and reliable solution,” explained Tony Bayliss, the company’s sales manager. “The cen- traliser is a manually operated piece of equipment that is used repetitively, so
32 MARCH 2013 Automation
smooth and easy movement is vital to prevent operator fatigue.”
Operation in harsh environments Another factor governing F. W. Frost’s selection of the HepcoMotion GV3 system is its ability to provide consis- tent and reliable operation in harsh manufacturing environments. The V- principle that is the trademark of the HepcoMotion linear motion concept is a key factor in this regard as it pro- vides an effective self cleaning action. Swarf from drilled mounting holes and fasteners that have been mis- placed are characteristic of the sash centraliser’s working environment. Therefore, the ability of the HepcoMotion GV3 to prevent the ingress of debris onto the contact faces is vital to smooth movement and the system’s suitability for use in a high production environment.
HepcoMotion GV3 is a well suited system for tough environments. Its all steel slideway is three times stiffer than composite aluminium systems. Low friction movement helps to lower energy consumption and long re-lubri- cation intervals cut maintenance costs. Thanks to its adjustable eccentric bear-
Below: F. W. Frost’s sash centraliser system has largely become an industry standard with each fixture being tailor-made to the different
specification of each manufacturer. However, a common feature of each of these fixtures has been HepcoMotion linear motion products
ings, GV3 will also continue to work even when worn - other systems would have to be replaced.
The surface finish also plays an important part in the performance of the GV3 system. Quite simply, the better the finish, the less likelihood of surface corrosion and for this purpose HepcoMotion has invested heavily in the latest manufacturing technology. Bayliss added, “We didn’t need to consider any other linear motion sup- plier for this project as we had used HepcoMotion components on previous equipment with great success. The qual- ity of its products is excellent and they are supported by very good technical staff. We could also source all that we needed from a single supplier.”
Summary
Proof of the importance of the F. W. Frost sash centraliser to uPVC manu- facturers is the ongoing demands for variants of the system. For example, the company has now developed a ver- sion for hanging composite doors. All have been designed to meet the needs for continuous manufacture and mini- mum down-time. The HepcoMotion components are fit-and-forget which has been an important contributor to this performance.
HepcoMotion
www.hepcomotion.com T: 01884 243 400
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