English (UK) 
简体中文 I. Basic questions: What core parameters are needed for selection?
Number and spacing of workstations
The core index of elliptical conveying line is the number of workstations and workstation spacing. The number of stations determines the number of sliding seats, which needs to match the number of production processes; the distance between stations affects the total length of the track, which needs to meet the operating space of the equipment. For example, electronic assembly line commonly used 8-12 workstations, the distance is usually ≥ 400mm to avoid interference.
Positioning accuracy and load capacity
Positioning accuracy is directly related to production quality. The secondary positioning system can improve the accuracy from ±0.1mm to ±0.05mm, and the automotive parts industry requires ≤0.1mm. load needs to be calculated as "self-weight of the slide + maximum weight of the workpiece", and the heavy load scenarios (such as metal processing) need to choose the arc tooth synchronous belt, the tensile strength of trapezium teeth is higher than the trapezium teeth of 40%.
Speed and beat
Beat = total running distance / conveying speed. A power plant measured: when the speed > 1.5m / s need to increase the track quenching hardness (HRC60 +), otherwise the curved section of the wear increased by 3 times. Low-temperature environment (such as cold chain) need to use cold-resistant PU rubber sleeve, -30 ℃ still maintain the elasticity.
lesson learnt through blood and tears
An agricultural machinery factory in Shandong has ignored the bias force parameters, resulting in unilateral wear and cracking of the track. In fact, when the centre of gravity of the workpiece is offset from the centre of the slide > 50mm, it is necessary to use reinforced V-shaped rollers.
II. Scenario questions: how to match production needs?
Space-constrained scenario solution
Priority is given to vertical layout when the floor height is <4 metres. Case of Suzhou medical enterprise: double-layer elliptical track (upper feeding/lower recycling) + lift articulation, saving 60%. roof racking scheme (e.g. -18℃ cold chain) releases floor space, cold storage volume up 15%.
High-precision Scene Adaptation
| demand (economics) | Configuration programme | Case Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Chip Mounting | Ultrasonic vibration + piezoelectric ceramic fine tuning | ±0.03μm |
| Bearing assembly | Cylinder secondary positioning + hardened steel railways | ±0.05mm |
| general assembly | Single servo drive + timing belt | ±0.1mm |
Flexible Manufacturing Configuration
Zhejiang garment factory with magnetic suction module track, line change time from 3 hours to 20 minutes. The key is to reserve "track expansion interface" and "20% motor power redundancy" to avoid disassembling the whole set of equipment when increasing the line.
Third, the solution: choose the wrong model how to remedy?
Accuracy loss of control rescue measures
When the timing belt slips causing positioning drift:
- Emergency programme: Adjustment of the tensioning wheel for temporary increase of the coefficient of friction (only for light loads)
- Root and Branch Programme: Replacement of polyurethane + carbon fibre core timing belts with 3 times higher tensile strength
- Black Tech Programme: Loaded with GH-Link monitoring system, real-time compensation of ±0.2mm error
Handbook for coping with a sudden drop in life expectancy
Failures occur mostly in curved sections! An electronics factory experience:
- mistake: Ordinary alloy steel track was used throughout the line, with curves worn as deep as 0.5mm after 6 months
- Correct transformation: Replacement of hardened steel track (HRC60) for curved section only, cost reduced by 34% and lifetime maintained.
Daily maintenance requires attention: monthly check the bending roller clearance, > 0.3mm immediately adjusted.
Cracking the Cost Trap
"High performance = high cost" is a misnomer! Reference:
- electrical machinery: Selection according to the maximum load × 1.2, to avoid burning the drive with a small horse-drawn cart.
- fig. conventional way of thinking: galvanised steel for straight sections, partially hardened for curved sections
- disposablesScrap Timing Belts Cut for Cleaning Strips, Saving $120,000 a Year
IV. Exclusive maintenance framework: the three-phase protection approach
Daily maintenance (8 minutes per day)
- Alcohol cotton pads to wipe track contact surfaces (avoid strong acids!)
- Listen to the noise: bearing damage will have a "click" sound, roller failure hair "rustle" sound
Monthly focus (2 hours/month)
- Tension detection: use a tensiometer to measure the synchronous belt, sagging amount > 2mm need to be adjusted
- Lubrication management: Spray silicone grease on straight sections, lithium grease on curved sections (temperature resistance 120°C)
Annual overhaul (1 day/year)
- Remove and clean all rollers, soak in paraffin to remove rust.
- Correct the straightness of the track with a laser calibrator, deviation > 0.1mm/m need to adjust the pedestal
future warning
Self-healing rails" will be commonplace by 2026 - microencapsulated technology embedded in steel, automatically releasing restorative agents when worn and cracked. One lab's data: 8 times longer life and half the maintenance costs!
A final word of advice.Don't pay for "ultra-high performance"! A battery factory has pursued ± 0.01mm accuracy, the result is that the cost of equipment doubled but with less than one-tenth of the accuracy. Remember - what is suitable is the best.
