Corrosion resistant linear motion systems are a must in many industries. Whilst most manufacturers make provision for this need HepcoMotion goes one step further. The company’s policy to offer a stainless steel or corrosion resistant option within its standard range. From a specifier’s point of view this brings important benefits. Instead of being a ‘special’ subject to long lead times, popular sizes of the HepcoMotion corrosion resistant linear motion systems are available ex-stock.
There is of course a trade-off between corrosion resistance and long life. Non-magnetic stainless steel is obviously the most corrosion resistant type but it is also basically soft and is generally unsuitable in linear systems under load or subject to high duty cycle. In designing its various systems HepcoMotion has therefore been highly selective in the materials it chooses to achieve the best compromise between corrosion resistance and wearability.
The slideways in HepcoMotion’s corrosion resistant systems will typically be machined from martensitic stainless steel conforming generally to AISI 420. The company has invested heavily in capital equipment to provide a superior surface finish. Quite simply, the better the finish, the less likely surface corrosion will be evident. Slideways ground all over for maximum corrosion resistance are also highly durable; V-edges are typically hardened to 52 HRC.
For those seeking maximum corrosion resistance in a linear motion system, the SL2 stainless steel range uses many of the standard slide options in the company’s GV3 Series for general automation but in ground stainless steel. The system is designed to be maintenance free and is therefore ideal for use in arduous conditions.
All bearing assemblies are of stainless steel construction and available in either twin bearing or double row format. They are hardened and precision ground to special tolerances and raceway conformity to suit the application. The double row assembly has a high radial load capacity and is eminently suited to harsh environments and high speed conditions where extra long life is required. Both types are supplied lubricated for life but for applications where low level radiation is a consideration they can be supplied with special grease lubrication internally. Special bearing greases for high temperature and food compatibility can also be provided similar to the lubrication products used in the cap seals.
Of course the corrosion resistant options are not just restricted to basic X-Y linear systems. The company offers standard ground rings up to 1.6m diameter, with chioces extending from small sizes for light load applications to high capacity rings for heavy indexing requirements. Complete ring and track systems with multiple carriages are available for packaging, medical device manufacture and for filling lines. Heavy duty single and double edge systems complete with stainless bearings up to 95mm in diameter may be specified for high load applications where corrosion resistance is required.