Vertical Tracks for Forklift

[GeeTwo]

We're using 2"x1"x1/8" aluminum c-channel for the frame and roller support. Since our height restriction is constant this year (don't have to be shorter at startup or go under some bar somewhere), we went with a single-stage lift rather than the two-stager shown above.
To keep the lift plate level on the roll axis, we're using two chains rather than one. To control pitch rotations, we've made a "double-decker sandwich" of teflon and aluminum. The center piece of aluminum is shorter than the others, and the c-channel frame fits into this groove. There's about a quarter inch of left-to-right play at the center that curves up to about half inch at the top and bottom. We're hoping that'll be enough to prevent binding. If not, we'll cut out a shape similar to half of a woodworiking biscuit from the central plate and put a matching piece of teflon there. Should that fail, we are considering rollers made of radial bearings mounted on bolts: two bearings on each side, all inside the C-channel, with the top one meeting the c-channel on the front face and the lower one contacting the back face. If we go to rollers, we'll have to move our limit switches, which are roller switches mounted inside the c-channel.

[GortGortGort]

We are using tel-power poles retrieved from dumpster diving .
Call around to electrical company's they toss these everyday .
Love free stuff !
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/41182

[abross]

We are using 80/20 for the rails 80/20 rollers.

[Mike Marandola]

Originally Posted by GortGortGort

We are using tel-power poles retrieved from dumpster diving .
Call around to electrical company's they toss these everyday .
Love free stuff !
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/41182

What is the profile of those? Are they channel, box, or something else?

[redsox11]

We're using 3x3 80-20 with linear slide bearings.

[RonnieS]

We have been using 6063 for years and it works just fine for us. I would love to get 1/16" wall but like others have said, its hard to find here in Michigan. But they sell 1x1" in 1/16" wall...I don't get it.
-Ronnie

[MrRiedemanJACC]

Hmmm, I'm really surprised ALRO doesn't have the 2"x1" x 1/16" . I'll call tomorrow to see if they have any here in Jackson (where they are based - I've been lucky enough to meet Mr. Al Glick through robotics - he's the Al of Alro and a great guy) We have some 2"x1"x1/8" but didn't use it. We were able to get our hands on Rev profile, the v-groove bearings, made our own mounts with the help of a local machine tool builder with a laser cutter, and made our own bushings for the bearings. So that's what we are going with.


So to hijack the thread a bit what is everyone powering their lift(s) with?

We are using a Cim with a 27 -1 versa planetary and a 12 tooth 35 chain sprocket .

No brake yet...

[asid61]

Originally Posted by MrRiedemanJACC

So to hijack the thread a bit what is everyone powering their lift(s) with?

We are using a Cim with a 27 -1 versa planetary and a 12 tooth 35 chain sprocket .

No brake yet...

RS-775 18v right now, as the power rating on it is enormous. We still need a brake though.

[BBray_T1296]

Originally Posted by asid61

RS-775 18v right now, as the power rating on it is enormous. We still need a brake though.

Are you looking at how the RS-775-18 runs on actual 18v? or a specification sheet detailing the performance at our 12v?

[Mike Marandola]

Originally Posted by BBray_T1296

Are you looking at how the RS-775-18 runs on actual 18v? or a specification sheet detailing the performance at our 12v?

After seeing many of Anand's posts I am confident he is looking at the specs @ 12v. Even at 12v the RS775-18(273W) has much more power than the RS775-12(83W).

[Gregor]

Originally Posted by MrRiedemanJACC

So to hijack the thread a bit what is everyone powering their lift(s) with?

We are using a Cim with a 27 -1 versa planetary and a 12 tooth 35 chain sprocket .

No brake yet...

1-2 Cims through a Vex Double Reduction gearbox. 40:12 * 40:14 * 22:15 chain reduction, and a disk brake. The "pulley" is a 15t 35 chain sprocket.

[Jared]

Originally Posted by MrRiedemanJACC

So to hijack the thread a bit what is everyone powering their lift(s) with?

We are using a Cim with a 27 -1 versa planetary and a 12 tooth 35 chain sprocket .

No brake yet...

We're using two 775's (18Team2383.com/blog) with a 4 to 1 versa planetary with dual motor input, then a 10:1 worm reduction driving a 22 tooth sprocket (#25 chain) for the lift.

We have no need for a brake because our worm gearbox.

[GeeTwo]

Originally Posted by MrRiedemanJACC

So to hijack the thread a bit what is everyone powering their lift(s) with?

We're using 1 CIM in a KOP-equivalent gearbox (so we only have one gearbox type to keep as a spare) at 8.45:1. A 15-tooth sprocket on this axle drives a 32-tooth sprocket on the lift axle, (now down to 18:1) and 15-tooth sprockets all around on the lift chain. Theoretical lift at 40A (before losses) is 125 lb.

We're planning more of a pawl than a brake - it'll be up to the motor to bring the load to a stop. We'll probably going to use a 1/2" ratchet wrench on the gearbox shaft and use a servo to move the toggle back and forth. If that's too finicky, we have several brake designs to choose from.

[apm4242]

2 CIMs on a toughbox mini with 10.71:1 reduction. After that, belts/pulleys provide further reduction to a final ratio of around 42:1. lift is a chain driven carriage with delrin roller sliders on tslot rails. Going to try counter-weighting the carriage so the motors are only lifting the game pieces.

Still not sure if we need a brake.

[z_beeblebrox]

MiniCIM in 50:1 (25:1?) VersaPlanetary driving 2" 3-D printed pulley. Bicycle disc brake.