Tianhe Conveying Machine Co.,Ltd · Wuxi Jiangsu China
KS KSM Series

Pipe Mount Ball Transfer Unit KSM-8

The KSM-8 is a pipe mount ball transfer unit with a steel main ball, rated for 5 kg working load and 8 kg maximum load. It is designed to be mounted onto a pipe or tube with a 12 mm diameter, allowing a flat, smooth object such as a tray to be pushed and rotated in any direction by hand. The unit weighs 6 g and is available with a steel, galvanized steel, chrome plated, or stainless steel case.

Pipe mount ball transfer unit KSM-8 with steel main ball and steel case, mounted on a 12 mm diameter tube
Pipe mount ball transfer unit KSM-8 with steel main ball and steel case, mounted on a 12 mm diameter tube

Product Overview

The KSM-8 is a pipe mount ball transfer unit with a steel main ball, rated for 5 kg working load and 8 kg maximum load. It is designed to be mounted onto a pipe or tube with a 12 mm diameter, allowing a flat, smooth object such as a tray to be pushed and rotated in any direction by hand. The unit weighs 6 g and is available with a steel, galvanized steel, chrome plated, or stainless steel case.

Part of the KS KSM Series range, used in Warehouse and Distribution Centres.

Key Benefits

  • Carries 5 kg per unit in normal service and 8 kg at peak load
  • Pipe mount fits a 12 mm diameter tube for secure attachment without welding
  • Steel ball and case option for general industrial use with high wear resistance
  • Stainless steel (SUS304) case option for wet or corrosive environments
  • Low weight of 6 g reduces deck load and shipping cost

Application Scenarios

  • Transfer points on a conveyor line where trays need to be rotated between stations
  • Feeding systems in packaging machinery where flat items must be repositioned
  • Processing tables where a tray is manually moved and aligned before machining
  • Assembly line workstations where a fixture is turned by hand between operations
  • Curved work surfaces on router tables or band saws requiring omnidirectional movement

Who It Is For

  • Conveyor system integrators building low-load transfer points
  • Packaging machinery builders needing small ball transfer units for tray handling
  • Industrial equipment makers designing workstations with manual repositioning
  • Assembly line builders integrating low-load rotation points into production lines
  • Industrial distributors stocking small ball transfer units by load and mount type

Problems It Solves

  • Flat trays or components that jam when pushed across a fixed deck or plain rollers
  • Transfer points where product must change direction without powered diverters
  • Manual repositioning of light loads that require smooth, low-effort rotation
  • Mounting solutions that do not require welding or permanent attachment to a frame
  • Low load applications where a full-sized ball transfer unit would be oversized

Technical Features

  • Steel main ball with fine machining for consistent rolling under load
  • Pipe mount design with a 12 mm diameter hole for direct fit onto standard tubing
  • Ball diameter of 8 mm for compact fit and smooth movement of light items
  • Case available in carbon steel, galvanized steel, chrome plated steel, or stainless steel
  • Unit dimensions of 12 mm diameter by 10.3 mm height for tight space integration

Materials

  • Carbon steel ball and case for general industrial use with high strength
  • Galvanized steel case for improved corrosion resistance in dry or mildly humid environments
  • Chrome plated steel case for enhanced surface hardness and wear resistance
  • Stainless steel (SUS304) case for wet, washdown, or corrosive areas

Quality Control

  • Load capacity verified against the 5 kg working load rating before packing
  • Ball rotation checked by hand for free movement in all directions
  • Material grade confirmed against the case option ordered

Customization Options

  • Case material selected between carbon steel, galvanized steel, chrome plated steel, and stainless steel (SUS304)
  • Other KSM Series load ratings available where 5 kg is not the right size
  • Mount diameter can be adjusted if required for non-standard tubing

Use Guide

  • Ensure the pipe diameter is 12 mm for a secure fit
  • Divide the total load by the number of units in contact to stay under the 5 kg per unit rating
  • Keep peak and impact loading below the 8 kg maximum load figure
  • Use stainless steel case in wet or washdown environments
  • Avoid use on uneven or soft-bottomed items such as cloth-wrapped goods

Specifications

Model NoKSM-8
MountingPipe mount
Mount Diameter12 mm
Ball Diameter8 mm
Load Capacity5 kg
Max Load Capacity8 kg
Weight6 g
Ball MaterialSteel
Case MaterialSteel, Galvanized Steel, Chrome Plated Steel, Stainless Steel (SUS304)

Manufacturing Process

Step 1

Machining of the case and pipe mounting hole

Step 2

Assembly of the steel ball and support components

Step 3

Finishing of the case surface (galvanizing, chrome plating, or polishing)

Step 4

Load check and final inspection before packing

Compared With Other Options

Flange mount ball transfer unitsPipe mount fits directly onto tubing without additional brackets, while flange mount requires a deck plate and bolts
Press fit ball transfer unitsPipe mount allows removal and replacement without damaging the tube, while press fit units are harder to service
Higher load rated unitsThe KSM-8 is designed for 5 kg loads, so heavier applications require a larger unit with higher capacity

Pipe Mount Ball Transfer Unit KSM-8 Questions

What load can one KSM-8 ball transfer unit carry?

The rated load capacity is 5 kg per unit and the maximum load capacity is 8 kg.

How is the KSM-8 mounted?

It is a pipe mount unit, so it fits directly onto a 12 mm diameter tube.

Which case material should I choose?

Carbon steel for general use, galvanized steel for mild corrosion resistance, chrome plated for wear resistance, stainless steel (SUS304) for wet or corrosive areas.

Is a stainless steel version available?

Yes, the case can be supplied in stainless steel (SUS304).

How much does the unit weigh?

Each KSM-8 weighs 6 g, which is used for deck load and shipping calculations.

Can I get other load ratings in the same series?

Yes, the KSM Series includes other load ratings, so ask for the model that matches your load per unit.

Get a Price for Pipe Mount Ball Transfer Unit KSM-8

Send the quantity and any material or surface option you need, and a quotation comes back against this model number.