I only need a couple of units for a private project of mine – Is there a minimum quantity that I must order?

No Minimum Order Charges

No – and we want to keep it that way.

At Omnitrack we do not believe in minimum order or minimum value charges and can deliver as few or as many units as you require directly to your door. Most of our Ball Transfer Units and Movement Solutions can be despatched immediately from stock, offering you expedient delivery to over 52 countries worldwide. Our manufacturing facilities also allow us to quickly produce bespoke alterations of our standard range to suit your specific needs where necessary.

If you would like to receive a quote or require free technical advice for a private project, please send your details to info@omnitrack.co.uk or instant message our Technical Support Team using our Livechat feature on our website www.omnitrack.co.uk

I have an application that your standard units don’t fit into – What can I do?

 

Instant message our Technical Support Team now!

A better question to ask would be, ‘What can we do?’

As we are a family owned and run UK manufacturer of Ball Transfer Units and Movement Solutions, we may be able to design and produce one-off ‘special’ units to cater for your specific requirements. From bespoke housing design to particular material choices, our Technical Support Team will be able to offer you our best advice and help engineer an expedient solution to your application.

If you would like Free Technical Assistance regarding ‘specials’ production and what we may be able to offer you, please send your details to info@omnitrack.co.uk or contact our Technical Support Team directly using our Livechat feature on our website www.omnitrack.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you soon

What does ‘Shock Loading’ mean?

Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Units offer High Shock Resistance

‘Shock Loading’ refers to a sudden and drastic increase of load similar to a ‘hammering’ effect.  The most common occurrence is  when a load is dropped onto the ball transfer units from a height or when ball units travel over an uneven surface, causing uneven distribution of load. In these instances, although the load itself may be within the load bearing capabilities of the ball units, the forces involved that are generated by the ‘Shock Loading’ can momentarily increase the load beyond the ratings listed in our catalogue and on our website. This can, therefore, damage certain units and permanently affect their performance and durability.

Fortunately, Omnitrack have solutions for potential and actual ‘Shock Loading’ applications. Our High Capacity Range is specially designed to handle accidental shock loading better than conventional hemispherical ‘cup & ball’ units. For applications where ‘Shock Loading’ is a likely concern, we recommend using our High Capacity Spring Loaded range of Ball Transfer Units – which are available with several material upgrade options to resist the most demanding operating environments and conditions.

For more information:

• Visit www.omnitrack.co.uk and view the entire High Capacity Range of Ball Transfer Units
• Download 2D,  3D,  PDF & AutoCAD files of all our omnidirectional movement solutions
• Instant message our Technical Support Team using the LiveChat feature on our website
• Email your enquiry to info@omnitrack.co.uk with the details of your application

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

What do the Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Unit Part Numbers stand for?

Take a look at our Part Number Converter at www.omnitrack.co.uk

The Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Units Part Numbers consist of 4 digits which can be followed by a combination of letters to determine the particular characteristics of the unit.

1. The first digit of the Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Units Part Numbers is always 9. This allocates it to the High Capacity Range

2. The second digit of the Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Units Part Numbers corresponds to the particular Series within the High Capacity Range, as follows

• 0 = Plain Fit
• 1 = Threaded Stud
• 2 = Flange Mounted
• 3 = Flange Socket
• 4 = External Spring Loaded
• 5 = Housed Spring Loaded
• 6 = Flange Socket Spring Loaded
• 7 = Flange Mounted Spring Loaded
• 8 = Tolerance Ring

3. The third digit of the Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Units Part Numbers corresponds to the diameter of the main ball, as follows:

• 0 = 12,7mm (0.5″) – Variant 1
• 1 = 12,7mm (0.5″) – Variant 2
• 2 = 25,4mm (1.0″) – Variant 1
• 3 = 25,4mm (1.0″) – Variant 2
• 4 = 38,1mm (1.5″)
• 5 = 50,8mm (2.0″)
• 6 = 76,2mm (3.0″)

4. The fourth digit of the Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Units Part Numbers indicates the specific variant of the previous 3 digits put together.

 5. There are a number of letters that can follow the Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Units Range Part Numbers to indicate particular material upgrades, as follows:

• No letter = Standard Materials. High grade AISI 52100 chrome steel balls & zinc plated carbon steel housing
• -A = Stainless steel AISI 440 balls but other materials as standard
• -Z = ‘Arduous Conditions’. Stainless steel AISI 440 load bearing internal parts & balls, with ‘anti-oxide’ finish to outer housing.
• -SS = All parts stainless steel. Outer housing AISI 304, load bearing internal parts & balls AISI 440.
• -PB = Phenolic Resin main ball option available with Standard, -Z and -SS material options. Load bearing capabilities dramatically reduced.

If you have any confusion over part numbers, you can email info@omnitrack.co.uk for free advice, or visit our website www.omnitrack.co.uk and use our Instant Part Number Converter or instant message our Technical Support Team with the Livechat feature.

How do I service my Omnitrack High Capacity Units?

 This is a step by step guide on how to service your Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Unit for extended durability and performance (Only applies to 90, 91, 92, 93 & 98 Series with main ball > 12,7mm in diameter).

If in doubt, contact our Technical Support Team

1. Order your Service Kit (if spare parts are necessary) from Omnitrack ltd by phone, e-mail or fax stating the unit code you require the kit for plus S1 or S2 depending on the level of kit you require.
2. To remove the circlip that holds the top cap in place, use a flat headed screwdriver to ease the circlip from its groove, then unwind to remove.
3. You should now be able to remove the top cap – This retains a removable felt seal which can be replaced if required. 
4. Remove the Main Ball.
5. Remove the Retainer.
6. Remove the Table from the base of the unit.
7. Carefully remove the small recirculation balls. CAUTION: Ensure you do not lose any of the smaller balls as this will affect the performance of the unit greatly. We advise inverting the unit inside a clean, high-sided container for the interior components to fall gently into.
8. Inspect the interior components for wear / damage and replace as necessary.
9. Reassemble the unit in the following order: Table, Retainer, Small Balls, Main Ball, Top cap, Circlip. A very small amount of lubrication can be added to the recirculation balls just before the main ball is fitted. We only recommend using SAE30 oil.
10. Test the High Capacity Ball Transfer Unit against a steel strip in a figure of eight to ensure it has been re-assembled correctly and operates efficiently.

If you have any doubt over this procedure, or would like more information, you can contact us by e-mail (info@omnitrack.co.uk), by phone or via the LiveChat feature on our website (http://www.omnitrack.co.uk)

How can I convey delicate materials, such as glass? Will steel balls damage the material?

Omnifloat Ball Castor Unit

The standard ball material in our Omnitrack Ball Transfer Units is AISI 52100 Chrome Steel which is hardened to around 60 C Rockwell. This means that under load, it will mark / damage relatively softer materials (such as glass, wood and even aluminium). Fortunately, we offer a ‘non marking’ material upgrade option for most of our ranges – Phenolic Resin balls for our High Capacity Range and Acetal Balls for our Medium Duty and Light Duty Ranges.

A unit which is favoured by the Glass Handling Industry is our Omnifloat Ball Castor Unit. Available with a main ball in Rubber, Polyurethane or High Temperature Resistant Materials, it provides a cost-effective solution to applications where instantaneous change of direction is not essential.

Our Movement Solutions Range also includes the Omniwheel and Omniball which can also be used to handle delicate materials. The Omniwheel range is ideal for conveying irregular or deformable items (such as cardboard boxes) and can be easily integrated into existing conveyor systems. The Omniball range is suited to contaminated or washdown conditions due to its large drain channels which expel fluid / debris from the interior mechanism at any angle of orientation. It also has a far reduced trail than standard castors which provides near instantaneous change of direction.

If you would like any further advice regarding delicate material contact, please do not hesitate to contact the Technical Support Team via our LiveChat feature or by E-mail (info@omnitrack.co.uk)

Can Omnitrack Ball Transfer Units be used as replacements for castor wheels?

Ball Down Applications?

Yes – with a few recommendations. Conventional ‘hemispherical cup & ball’ units can work ‘Ball down’, however you need to derate the load bearing capacity of the unit by around 50%. The durability and performance quality of the unit are also affected. Therefore, for ‘Ball down’ applications we would advise using an Omnitrack High Capacity Unit which has been specially designed to work at all angles of orientation without any loss in load bearing capabilities. As a final note, careful consideration is required regarding the contact surface / flooring material as standard units can mark or damage relatively softer materials – we would recommend running the units on hardened steel or cold rolled steel whenever possible.

How do I decide which unit is best for my application?

Still Unsure? Ask info@omnitrack.co.uk

There are several key considerations that you need to consider when selecting the correct Omnitrack Ball Transfer Unit or Movement Solution for your Omni-Directional application.

1. Will the application use the units in the ‘Ball up’ or ‘Ball down’ position?

If it is ‘Ball down’, you should consider using a High Capacity Unit due to the specially designed ‘double recirculation’ interior mechanism which provides maximum precision and smoothest performance at any angle of orientation without any loss in load bearing capabilities.

2. What is the maximum load of the item you intend to convey?

Is this weight distributed evenly across the entire object? If uneven or shock loads are a concern, you should carefully consider the layout of the units and also consider the use of spring loaded units to ensure that the load is fully supported at all times.

3. What are the maximum and minimum dimensions of the item you intend to convey?

With ‘Ball up’ applications, the smallest dimension divided by 3.5 will determine the spacing of the units. This will ensure that the thinnest profile of the item you intend to convey will always meet a minimum of 3 units during movement.

4. What is the material that the Ball Units will be in contact with?

Standard ball materials are AISI 52100 Chrome Steel which is hardened to around 60 Rockwell ‘C’ and will therefore mark / damage relatively softer materials (such as wood, plastic and even aluminium). You should consider using either hardened steel or cold rolled steel track as the contact material for the Ball Transfer Units, upgrading the Ball Material to a ‘non marking’ option or use a sacrificial material between the running surface and Ball Transfer Units which can be replaced easily.

5. How fast will the Ball Transfer Units have to rotate?

Every range of Ball Transfer Unit and Movement Solution has a speed rating and you should ensure that the unit you choose is suitable for the speed of your application.

6. What type of fixing option do you require?

Choose from Plain Fitting, Flange Mounted, Socket Mounted, Threaded Stud, Tolerance Rings…view the full range at http://www.omnitrack.co.uk

7. What are the environmental conditions that the Ball Transfer Units have to work in?

Are the units likely to come into contact with water, dirt, debris etc? At what temperature do the units have to operate or be subjected to? Consider material upgrades to suit the potential risk of corrosion present in the application. For the most extreme environments (High Temperature, Nuclear environment, Subsea Conditions) seek Free Technical Assistance by sending an e-mail to info@omnitrack.co.uk.

If you have any doubt over which unit is most suited to your application, you can find Free Technical Advice at http://www.omnitrack.co.uk; Either the Technical Forum for FAQs, LiveChat for instant messaging or contact phone numbers / e-mail addresses for the Technical Sales team.

I can’t find the part number of a unit we have on your website…where can I find it?

Can't find a corresponding part number?

In our effort to make part numbers less confusing, some Omnitrack Ball Transfer Units Series have changed slightly to conform to the rest of our range. We have a part number converter (the link is situated in the left hand column of the website) which should instantly direct you to the new corresponding part number on our website. If you are still unsure, please feel free to contact our Technical Support Team via our LiveChat feature or E-mail (info@omnitrack.co.uk)

How do Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Units work?

Cross Section of an Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Unit

Omnitrack High Capacity Ball Transfer Units have a specially designed “endless track” double recirculation interior mechanism that overcomes the limitations of conventional ‘hemispherical cup & ball’ units. The innovative compact design provides high load capacity, incredibly smooth motion and resistance to shock loading at all angles of orientation without loss in load bearing capabilities, durability or performance. Unlike other Ball Transfer Units, the Omnitrack High Capacity Range are user serviceable and can be carefully dismantled for cleaning / component replacement where necessary, increasing the durability of the unit. Material Upgrade options are also available to solve specific application requirements.

If you require any help or advice regarding the suitability of Ball Transfer Units in your application, please do not hesitate to contact our Technical Support Team via LiveChat or send an e-mail to info@omnitrack.co.uk.