Standard parts designed to suit metalworking machinery

A good example of this is the new range of LW.A vibration damping units that feature natural rubber damping pads built into an adjustable levelling foot. They have been designed to dampen vibrations, shocks and noise from moving components or imbalanced masses. This vibration can be detrimental to the operator's health, as well as causing poor surface finish on the workpiece and premature wear to the machine or adjacent equipment.

'Active' machine isolation is described as being for vibration-producing equipment such as presses, machine tools and transfer equipment, as well as 'passive' isolation - which is generally considered to be for equipment that might be adversely affected by external vibration, such as quality testing, measuring or performance assessment equipment. This 'bi-directional' isolation is an important feature of the LW.A levelling elements.

Sizes of the LW.A damping elements range from 80mm up to 200m diameter, with the maximum static load capacity being 40,000N. Documentation is available that gives full technical guidance on correct selection to ensure the damping/isolation level required, dependent upon frequency of vibration, static load and amplitude/deflection of the equipment.

Standard machine handles

Heavy-duty, ergonomically designed handles are important in machinery operation; Elesa's handle ranges include the M1066 lift and grab handle that is centred around a 30mm diameter aluminium or stainless steel tube. Available in blind rear mounted (BM) and male stud (FM) versions, the M1066 is expected to find applications on large CNC machine guards, trolleys and inspection hatches.

Double-handled, variable-grip positioning is possible with the M1066 to accommodate different sizes and positions of operations. Standard sizes are 200mm to 600mm in six stock lengths. However, for custom situations (and batch quantities) lengths can be specified by the customer, as can the paint colour. Standard finish is a metalflake expoxy/polyurethane coating with aluminium with reinforced polyamide shanks. The tube finish can alternatively be in any RAL colour, matt anodised aluminium or self-finish stainless steel. Fixing is by standard M8 thread.

Other tubular handles in aluminium from Elesa are configured to the latest style and design concepts incorporating simple robust fixing methods. The M, ETH, and GN handles can replace older bent steel tube handles that often needed welding in place. They offer flexibility of application, with the style possible from composite construction at off-the-shelf prices and delivery.

Large-diameter aluminium tube is characterised by its rigidity and pleasant tactile feel, in standard or custom lengths. The Ergostyle ETH variant also features off-the-shelf colour options for end caps - to meet custom requirements the tube may be cut to length or bent around corners. GN426 handles are unusual in their double-curved form, which allows offset placement of the hand for reasons of safety and convenience. Typical installations include machine tool doors and trolleys.

Stainless steel standard machine components

For the ultimate in tubular handles, the benefits of stainless steel equipment components are now becoming available at greatly reduced cost and are often used for reasons of hygiene, aesthetics and strength. Consequently, the GN333.5 tubular handle in stainless steel is of great interest to equipment manufacturers.

The GN333.5 provides a 28mm diameter tube handle grip up to 600mm long, with matt finish and matching handle shanks. Sealing between the parts is achieved by O-rings, thereby preventing any spray water from entering the tube and, therefore, reducing the risk of bacterial build up. Mounting is by means of M8 blind fixings provided in the handle shanks. Further information regarding Elesa's standard parts for metalworking machinery may be found at www.elesanow.co.uk.