With 8" (CF150) Flanges
The McAllister Technical Services' (MTS) Bellows Sealed Linear Translator (BLT) is the finest of its kind available anywhere. We recognize and appreciate the confidence our customers have placed in our company and we work hard to earn it.
Despite its modest price, the BLT86 will provide years of trouble-free service, especially if the simple maintenance is performed.
All BLT86s use double ball bearings on the jacking screws. The screws and bearings are lubricated with high temperature grease for low friction and long life. All parts are field replaceable. The traveling flange is supported by three jacking screws and aligned by three guide rods (see drawing) and actuated with an included ratchet wrench. All translators are also available with long strokes, motor drives, linear encoders, tapped flanges and special heights.
Maintenance:
The BLT86 needs only minimal maintenance. The linear bearings are bronze, and the guide rods need only be kept lightly lubricated and free from dirt, dust and debris. The jacking screws and bearings do, however, need periodic lubrication. As delivered, the jacking screws are coated with high temperature lubricant. This coating will degrade over time, due to bake-outs and moisture in the atmosphere. After each bakeout, lightly re-lubricate the screws with the provided high temperature grease or another equivalent. Be especially careful not to use a hydrocarbon grease such as Felpro C100TM unless you periodically clean the oxidized residue from all load-bearing surfaces. The normal bakeout temperature is 150°C, but higher temperatures can be used if needed. For bakeouts between 150°C and 210°C, increase the frequency and thoroughness of lubrication. Be sure to remove the motor and limit switches, if used, prior to bakeout.
Correct chain tension on the 6-ear model translators such as this is very important. The chain may stretch with use. This is normal. When assembled, the maximum lateral play in the chain should be no more than 1/2 chain width (+/-1/4 width each way). Should it become necessary to adjust the tension on the chain:
- First remove the retainer clip and master link from the chain, and then remove the chain from the sprockets.
- Loosen the screws that hold the bronze idler sprocket bearing around the guide rod. Note that the idler sprocket bearing is eccentric to the guide rod.
- Replace the chain temporarily, using only the master link but without the retainer clip.
- Adjust one or more of the idler eccentrics until the desired tension has been achieved. Using one finger, press the chain towards the bellows as shown. If the chain deflects more than 1 chain width, it is still a little bit loose.
- Tighten the screws that are not blocked by the chain.
- Remove the chain and tighten the remaining screw. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE SCREWS.
- Replace the chain using the master link and retainer clip.
- Refer to the User's manual for more details.
- Translate.
On both 3-ear and the 6-ear models, the flanges may need to be re-aligned to parallel after removing or replacing the chain. Should it become necessary to adjust the alignment of the two flanges:
- First remove the retainer clip and master link from the chain.
- Remove the chain from the sprockets.
- Using dial calipers or some other measuring instrument, measure the distance between the vacuum faces (or black rings) of the two flanges at three places around the circumference.
- Adjust the three jacking screws individually so that the flanges are parallel to within 0.005" (0.12 mm).
- Replace the chain and master link.
- Do science.
Model BLT86 Translator |
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| Model | Stroke | Clear I.D. | OAL Compressed |
Price* |
| BLT86-2 | 2" (50) | 5.87" (149) | 3.6" (91) | $3,850 |
| BLT86-3 | 3" (75) | 5.87" (149) | 3.76" (96) | $4,325 |
| BLT86-4 | 4" (100) | 5.87" (149) | 3.93" (100) | $4,800 |
| BLT86-6 | 6" (150) | 5.87" (149) | 4.26" (108) | $5,750 |
| BLT86-8 | 8" (200) | 5.87" (149) | 4.59" (117) | $6,700 |
| BLT86-10 | 10" (250) | 5.87" (149) | 4.92" (125) | $7,650 |
| BLT86-12 | 12" (300) | 5.87" (149) | 5.25" (133) | $8,600 |
| Dimensions are in inches (mm) - *Prices are in U.S. Dollars For tapped flange (5/16-24 or M8 X 1.25), add $55 - Stepper motor drive and limit switches, add $1400 Stepper motor controller, first axis, add $1500* *Additional axes (may be combined - consult factory), add $750. - DC motor and limit switches, add $1400 DC controller and pendant switch, add $1475 |
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