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Ball transfer units

Plastic ball transfer units
Ball transfer units are important components in conveyor technology that enable the flexible and low-friction movement of goods on conveyor systems. They consist of a running ball embedded in a housing with additional balls and allow movement in all directions. Thanks to their design, they can be used in various industrial applications, for example in logistics, mechanical engineering and production automation. Ball transfer units of this type help make transport processes faster and more cost-efficient. They are available in various sizes and materials to meet different requirements and bear a variety of loads. Loads of up to 1,470N can be picked up without any problems, meaning that even heavy goods can be moved effortlessly.
 
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Advantages and disadvantages of ball transfer units

The advantages are manifold. They are low-maintenance, durable and can be used in various environments. They play a major role in automation technology as they help improve production processes by optimising the material flow.

Benefits

  • Facilitating the transport of heavy loads on smooth surfaces
  • Easy movement in all directions, which improves manoeuvrability
  • Installation is straightforward and does not require sophisticated tools
  • Available in various sizes and materials to meet different industry requirements
  • Extremely durable, requiring replacement very rarely if properly maintained, which is easy on customers' wallet

Disadvantages

  • Relatively unstable on uneven surfaces; can make loads uncontrollable
  • Not suitable for very high loads as the pressure on individual balls can lead to damage
  • Can generate noise during prolonged use, which can be disturbing in quiet environments
  • Small particles such as dirt or chips can restrict the balls' movement
  • Less effective at high speeds; precision of movement can be impaired

What are the advantages of ball transfer units from igus?

Compared to metallic solutions with steel housings or aluminium types with steel balls, our igus solutions have the following advantages:

✔️ 100% lubrication-free
✔️ Low-maintenance
✔️ Corrosion-free
✔️ Can be used in any installation position, e.g. horizontally, vertically or overhead
✔️ Made from our in-house material xirodur, which is particularly abrasion-resistant, durable and even electrically insulating upon request thanks to its technical specifications.

How are the plastic ball transfer units constructed?

The xiros ball transfer unit with housing has a housing made from high-performance plastics with an embedded housing pad. This pan serves as a running surface for the support balls. If the load ball rotates, the support balls roll on the housing pad. Depending on the application, various materials are available for the running ball and the support balls. The situation is completely different with the sliding ball transfer unit. The support balls previously used in our ball transfer units are replaced by a sliding insert made of the in-house iglidur J3B. The stainless-steel load ball therefore no longer runs on the support balls as in previous versions, but on the particularly wear-resistant sliding insert.
Plastic ball transfer unit
POM running ball and support balls
Ball transfer unit made of plastic with stainless steel support balls
POM running ball, stainless steel support balls
Sliding ball transfer unit made of plastic
Running ball made of stainless steel, sliding insert made of iglidur J3B
Ball transfer table with igus ball transfer units

Application areas of ball transfer units

They are used in a wide range of industries and make it easier to move loads on flat surfaces. In the manufacturing industry, they are often used to transport heavy workpieces on assembly tables or in conveyor systems. They are also indispensable in the logistics sector as they simplify the transfer of goods to storage and sorting areas. Another area of application is mechanical engineering, where the ball transfer units are integrated into machine tables or packaging machines. They are also used not only in industry, but also in public facilities such as airports or shopping centres to make luggage or shopping carts easier to manoeuvre.

Selection criteria

When selecting ball transfer units, it is important to consider several factors so as to ensure proper function in your application. Firstly, the load capacity of the ball transfer units should fulfil your requirements. Pay attention to the pressure load limits as well as hole and height tolerances. Other important parameters:
 
  • Choice of materials: depending on the application and requirement profile, there are solid-plastic solutions and hybrid solutions made of plastic and stainless steel
  • Surface finish: depending on the transported goods, the surface has to be smooth or slip-resistant. The size and shape of the profiles should be suitable for your application to ensure a smooth operation.
  • Installation environment: check the available dimensions of the installation space and the mounting options for correct installation. Clamping rings are available as accessories in the online shop.

Installation and maintenance

Ball transfer units are always an effective solution when it comes to moving heavy loads with minimum effort. During installation, it is important to take the load capacity limits into account to avoid overloading.

Make sure that the mounting surface is even and clean for optimum function. The maintenance of ball transfer units is also essential to ensure their longevity. Regular inspections help recognise wear and tear or damage at an early stage. There is no need for lubrication as our plastic solutions do not require grease. This extends maintenance intervals.

Also bear in mind in which environmental conditions ball transfer units are used. Extreme temperatures or chemicals may require special materials or protective measures so that they can maintain full functionality.

Where can I buy the plastic ball transfer units?

You can buy our plastic solutions in our online shop. There you will find different versions for the following requirements, among others:

Frequently asked questions:

 

What exactly are ball transfer units?

Ball transfer units are components that enable the smooth movement of transported goods in various industrial environments in material handling. Transporting heavy loads from A to B: ball transfer units make it possible to transport food, airport goods or glass. Ball transfer units in conveyor tables make it easy to roll sensitive goods in various directions.

 

What materials are used for ball transfer units?

Depending on the application, they are made from different materials such as steel, stainless steel or plastic. At igus, we rely on tribologically optimised high-performance plastics.

 

Where are ball transfer units used?

Ball transfer units are used in a wide range of industries. In manufacturing, for example, they are used in conveyor systems, assembly lines and automated storage systems. Ball transfer units are also used in mechanical engineering to improve the manoeuvrability of machines and equipment. They are furthermore found in the furniture industry to make it easier to move heavy cabinets, tables and other pieces of furniture.

 

Why should you opt for ball transfer units with a housing and not simply with a threaded pin?

The housing protects the running ball and the balls inside the housing from dirt and dust, significantly extending the service life.

Consulting

I look forward to answering your questions

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Marcus Semsroth

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