Amacoil/Uhing has announced a speed control option for Model RG rolling ring traverse winding drives. Normally the traverse moves on the driven shaft with linear speed being adjustable via the pitch control lever located on the drive unit. Now, for applications that require special spacing of rows on the take-up spool, the new option lets users fix a specific traverse speed in one or both directions of travel. The fixed speed is achieved using set screws which Amacoil inserts into the traverse housing. No adjustments to motor speed or other controls are necessary.
On a standard Uhing RG traverse, the travel speed is adjustable, independently of motor speed, using the pitch control lever. When the set screw option is used, extra long hex head screws are inserted into one end of the traverse. The end of the screw protruding into the traverse housing contacts the rolling ring bearing assembly and holds it at a specific angle relative to the shaft. This gives the traverse a fixed speed.
If one set screw is used, the adjustable speed function via pitch control lever may still be used for the other travel direction. For example, in pattern winding of a fiber, the pitch control lever may be set to move the fiber guide mounted to the traverse at a specific speed for the fiber lay down stroke. This creates the desired spacing between the rows of fiber. A single set screw may then be used to cause a rapid return of the traverse to home position to set up for the next layer of fiber. If two set screws are used, the traverse moves at pre-selected fixed speeds in each direction of travel. In this case the pitch control lever and dial are removed. The traverse speed in each direction of travel may be the same or different depending on the winding pattern required.
Based on application needs, Amacoil will work with customers to determine the settings for the set screw speed control option. The option is inexpensive (less than $100.00) and is easily retrofitted to existing Uhing traverse drive set ups. Once the set screw is in place it should not be changed by the user. Changing the depth of the set screw will change the travel speed of the traverse.
The Uhing traverse unit runs on a smooth shaft. There are no threads where dirt and debris can collect which minimizes the chances of jamming or clogging. Amacoil designs and builds traverse spooling drive assemblies based on customer needs. Uhing traverse units provide from seven to eight hundred pounds of axial thrust for spooling everything from hair thin fiber to heavy gauge rope and chain.
