Ball transfer units play an important part in many industries, facilitating the transport of a diverse range of goods. From tulips to trucking, they provide a quick and easy omnidirectional load-bearing solution that helps keep business moving smoothly, whatever that business may be. You’ll find them hard at work in factories, moving parts from one station to the next; in warehouses and on loading docks— even in some industrial kitchens! They’re incredibly versatile, but there are a few applications in particular where ball transfers really shine.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common applications for ball transfer units and how they can benefit your facility.
Ball Transfer Units in Manufacturing
One of the most common uses for ball transfer units is in manufacturing, where they are often used to connect different machines or conveyor belts. This allows products or materials to be quickly and easily transferred between different stages of the manufacturing process, without the need for manual intervention. Ball transfer units can also be used on assembly lines to allow workers to quickly and easily rotate or position products for assembly.
conveyor systems
Ball transfers increase the efficiency of conveyor systems, as objects can be quickly and easily transferred between machines or sections of the conveyor. They also increase the capacity of the conveyor, as they can handle heavier objects than traditional conveyor systems. The omnidirectional nature of ball transfers makes them an ideal mechanism for complex multilinear conveyance systems.
assembly lines
Ball transfer units are often used in assembly line applications, especially high-volume capital equipment. They help to move objects quickly and easily between machines, or from one station to another. This helps to improve the efficiency of the assembly process, as well as prevent damage to the products being assembled.
loading docks
Ball transfer units are commonly used in loading docks to help load and unload vehicles quickly and easily. The units are placed on the dock so that the vehicle can be driven onto the dock and deliver its cargo directly onto the ball transfer decking. Trucks and other vehicles can be quickly and easily load and unload using a ball transfer loading dock.
Ball Transfer Units in Military Applications
Ball transfer units are also commonly used in military applications, where they are often used as part of cargo handling equipment. In this role, they can help to quickly and easily move heavy loads of supplies or equipment around military bases or between different vehicles. Ball transfer units can also be used in cold applications, such as in freezer units, to help move products or materials around without the risk of them becoming stuck.
Ball Transfer Units in Air Cargo
cargo handling
Roller decks that use ball transfer units are an efficient way to load and unload aircraft quickly and easily. This eliminates the need for lifting equipment during the loading and unloading of cargo, which can save a significant amount of time. By eliminating opportunities for erratic movement ball transfer units also help to keep cargo safe and secure during transport.
air cargo floor scales
Air cargo floor scales are used to weigh containers or ULDs (Unit Load Devices). These decks are designed with built-in weighing scales. This helps to ensure that the aircraft is not overloaded. The ball transfer units make it easy to move the ULDs on and off the scale, help to speed up the weighing process, and prevent accidental damage to the ULDs’ contents.
Ball Transfer Units in Food Processing
Ball transfer units are also commonly used in food processing, especially in low-temperature environments like freezers and refrigerators, where they can help to quickly and easily move food products around different areas of the facility. In this role, they can help to reduce the need for manual handling of food products, which can reduce the risk of contamination. Ball transfer units can operate smoothly at both high and low temperatures without lubricant, which makes them ideal for use in cooking or freezing processes. Ball transfer units can also be used in food packaging or labeling lines to help position and sort products.
Ball Transfer Units in Horticulture
Ball transfer units are also commonly used in the flower industry, where they can help to quickly and easily move plants around refrigerated storage facilities. Flowers are a perishable product and need to be moved quickly and carefully to avoid damage. Ball transfer units can help to quickly and easily move heavy loads around the flower processing facility, preventing accidental damage and helping to keep the flowers fresh.
There are a variety of other applications for ball transfer units, such as mobile work stations and inspection stations, packaging lines, shipping lines, production lines, and conveyor lines. Ball transfer units are an essential part of many industrial applications, and their versatility makes them a perfect choice for a wide range of tasks.
Ball Transfer Units Encourage Innovation
Overall, the advantages of using ball transfers include increased efficiency and productivity, while reducing wear and tear on equipment and objects being transported. Ball transfer units are a simple but highly effective design that can be found in a variety of applications across many industries. Their versatility and reliability make them an ideal choice for a wide range of tasks, and that list is growing every day.
The experts at Lutco can help you identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs with ball transfers in your facility. Our experienced engineers have the knowledge and expertise to help you find the best solution for your specific application. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve efficiency and productivity in your facility.
Lutco's ball transfers: The solution to your material handling woes.
Reducing friction on the production floor?
Now that’s a smooth move.
