PLC

General

Precision Link Chassis Introduction:

The Stelron Precision Link Chassis (P-Link) provides increased performance and exceptional accuracy in an indexing chain type assembly chassis. The prime mover in the indexing system is the time proven Stelron RD Series Index Drive. This heavy-duty cam driven index drive provides optimum dynamics by providing a modified sine motion through a set of hardened and CNC ground drive sprockets. The indexer also provides overload protection in the event of a jam. This overload protection is integral to the RD unit and can be adjusted to match the dynamic load of each particular application.

The chassis is available in “Carousel”, “Over/Under” and “Module only” configurations. All types are provided in precision jig plate aluminum construction. This is similar to the Stelron RWB Chassis construction. The entire chassis is basically one piece and consists of precision machined bottom, middle and top plates that allow convenient mounting surfaces for both synchronized and non-synchronized components at each station.

Standard features:

• Robust, one-piece precision machined chassis
• Heavy duty Stelron RD Series Index Drive
• Precision machined aluminum links
• All potential wear components are hardened and ground for long service life
• Standard Line Shafts provide for easy integration of synchronous ancillary equipment
• Removable Top Plate for custom machining and mounting of ancillary equipment
• 3.000-inch, 4.500-inch, 6.000-inch & 9.000-inch Pitch Links. (Other sizes available)
• Module-Only and Constant Lead/Servo drive version are also available
• Dual chain systems

General:

An optional Shot Pin locking device is available for the 6.000-inch and 9.000-inch link “Carousel” versions. When the optional Shot Pin locking device is provided, the index cam has relief ground into dwell profile to allow for +/-.003 accuracy at every in-line station. This synchronized LLS-5 Locking Reciprocator provides better “long term” accuracy and will minimize the station drift that is common with other indexing chain systems.

The take-up and idler end of the conveyor incorporates a chordal compensation cam and linear slide assembly. The idler cams are hardened and ground for minimal wear and long service life. The tension is factory set and should not need further adjustment. But, field adjustments can be easily made to keep proper chain tension during high speed indexing.

Each link of the chain is precision CNC machined and selectively matched at assembly. These 6061-T6 aluminum links have one set of fixed cam followers and one adjustable cam follower  which ride on hardened and ground plates. These cam followers eliminate excessive play and provide smooth rolling contact. The hardened link pins and needle bearings provide smooth, wear-free pivoting around the sprockets and minimal (.001) clearance in the hardened steel linear guide ways.

The highlight of this link design is the oversized link pins. On the 3.000-inch and 4.500-inch link, these hardened pins are .472” diameter for the full length of the pin. The 6.000-inch and 9.000-inch versions have a pin diameter of .625” for the full length. Competing designs have a smaller dowel pin (approximately half the STELRON main pin size) pressed into each end of the pin. The capacity of this pin to resist bending is governed by the section modulus which is a function of the third power of the diameter. Therefore, if the end of the STELRON pin is twice the diameter of competing link pins, it will have eight times the capacity to resist bending during normal or overloaded conditions