Ball Transfer Tables and Transfer Plates
Laying out a ball table so an operator can rotate and align a load with one hand, and so the units survive the way the load arrives.
The problem
Ball tables are specified from the static weight of the product, then destroyed by how it is put down. A pallet set by a forklift can double or triple the instantaneous load, and it lands on a few balls, not all of them.
How the specification is built
Work out the real load per unit
Divide the load by the number of units actually in contact — for a flexible base, contacted units minus one.
Apply the impact coefficient
1 for hand placement, 1.5 for slow manual loading, 1.5 to 2 for forklift, 2 to 3 for hoist or crane, 3 for shoulder loading.
Set the ball pitch
Close enough that the smallest load always sits on at least three balls, allowing for a flexible base.
Choose mount style
Flange mount to retrofit on top of a plate, press mount for a flush finish in a punched plate, bolt-down or stud where vibration or lateral force is present.
Choose body material
Plated steel indoors, stainless for wash-down and product contact, nylon where the load surface must not be marked.
Plan cleaning access
Ball beds collect dust and fibre; on dirty lines specify units that can be blown out or replaced quickly.
Groups used in this solution
Ball Transfer Unit
183 models
CY Series
25 models
SP Series
15 models
KS KSM Series
24 models
NL Series
15 models
IA IS Series
10 modelsCutting Bearing Metal Skate Wheel W-32BS
Load Capacity: 90kgsCustomized Machined Ball Transfer Unit FB-030
Load Capacity: 10kgsFlange Mount Ball Transfer Unit CY-25A
Load Capacity: 25kgs
Disk Mount Pressed Ball Transfer Unit CY-25B
Load Capacity: 25kgsPress Mount Machined Ball Transfer Unit SP-60
Load Capacity: 800kgs
Press Mount Machined Ball Transfer Unit SP-90
Load Capacity: 3000kgsPipe Mount Ball Transfer Unit KSM-60
Load Capacity: 550kgs
Pipe Mount Ball Transfer Unit KSM-45
Load Capacity: 400kgsFrequently Asked Questions
How many ball transfer units does a pallet plate need?
Enough that no single unit exceeds its rating under the impact case, with the pitch set so the pallet always sits on several units.
Can units be fitted upside down?
Only the downward models such as the IK series, which retain the ball mechanically instead of relying on the load.
Send us the layout
Give the load, product size and line length and we will specify the components.