Ball Deck and Transfer Point Design
Sizing and mounting ball transfer units so a load can be pushed and rotated by hand at the point where a line changes direction.
Transfer points are the place where operators fight the product, and the fix is almost always the number and rating of ball transfer units rather than a powered diverter.
Step by Step
Count the Units in Contact
Problem: Total load is compared against a single unit rating
How it is handled: The load is divided by the units genuinely in contact and matched to a model whose rated load capacity covers that figure
Check the Peak
Problem: Occasional heavy items exceed the rating that normal work suggested
How it is handled: Peak loading is kept under the maximum load capacity published for the model
Choose the Mounting
Problem: The deck plate construction is decided after the unit is bought
How it is handled: Flange mount bolts through the plate and is removable, press mount installs into a hole, and stud mount fixes from below
Select Ball and Case Material
Problem: Steel balls mark painted or polished surfaces and corrode in wet areas
How it is handled: Nylon balls are used where marking matters and stainless steel ball and case where the deck is washed down
Set the Deck Out
Problem: Units sit at slightly different heights and the load rocks
How it is handled: Units are mounted on a flat plate so all balls sit at the same height, with unit weight used to calculate deck load
Product Families Involved
Models Often Selected Here
Cutting bearing metal skate wheel W-32BSSpring Loaded Press Mount Ball Transfer Unit KSF-22
Flange Mount Ball Transfer Unit CY-25A
Disk Mount Pressed Ball Transfer Unit CY-25B
Flange Mount Fine Machined Ball Transfer Unit D-24H
Flange Mount Fine Machined Ball Transfer Unit D-16H
Press Mount Machined Ball Transfer Unit SP-60Press Mount Machined Ball Transfer Unit SP-90Related Reading
Ball Deck and Transfer Point Design Questions
How many ball transfer units does a deck need?
Enough that the load divided by the units in contact stays under the rated load capacity of the model chosen.
What is the difference between flange and press mount?
Flange mount is bolted through the deck and can be removed for service, press mount is pressed into a hole and installs faster.
Which ball material avoids marking the product?
A nylon ball is used where painted or polished surfaces must not be marked.
Can ball transfer units be used in washdown areas?
Yes, with stainless steel ball and stainless steel case.
Do you publish unit weight?
Yes, load capacity, maximum load capacity and weight are listed for each model so deck load can be calculated.
Work Through Ball Deck and Transfer Point Design With Us
Send the figures you already have and the missing ones will be worked out together before a model is chosen.