BCHM Ball Transfer Unit | Round Head Stud Mount | 304 Stainless Steel | JDF
The BCHM Series Ball Transfer Unit is a round-head stud mounted omnidirectional load-bearing unit with a 440C stainless steel main ball and 304 stainless steel body. The main ball is surrounded by multiple sub-balls, creating a small friction coefficient that allows workpieces to be transported with minimal force in any 360° direction. The round-head stud design provides a smooth, low-profile mounting surface, making it suitable for conveyor systems, assembly lines, and material handling applications where space is limited and a flush appearance is preferred.
How to select the right BCHM unit:
Determine the weight of the heaviest item to be moved.
Estimate the minimum number of units that will bear the load at any moment (typically 3-4 for flat loads).
Divide the total load by the minimum supporting units to get the nominal load per unit.
Apply a safety factor: divide the rated capacity by 2 for steady handling, or by 3 for shock/impact or continuous duty.
Calculate the maximum spacing between units: divide the shortest edge of the load by 2.5.
Select the model whose rated capacity exceeds the required per-unit load after applying the safety factor.
Example: For a 150 kg load supported by 4 units, the nominal load per unit is 37.5 kg. With a safety factor of 2, the required rated capacity is 75 kg (approx. 735 N). BCHM16 (343 N) or BCHM20 (412 N) may be suitable depending on the actual number of supporting units.
Installation Notes:
Round-head stud type: thread the stud into a pre-tapped mounting hole. Since the round head cannot be gripped by a standard wrench, use a dedicated wrench (available as BCHM-BR) or a lock nut to tighten the unit securely.
Ensure the mounting surface is clean and flat. Do not strike the main ball directly during installation.
The lock nut (if supplied) can be used to secure the unit at the desired height and prevent loosening under vibration.
Working temperature range: -20°C to +70°C (standard type). Max speed: 1 m/s for steel ball types.
For high-speed applications, BCHMJ (Polyacetal Ball) is not recommended.
Technical Specifications Table
| Model | Thread M | L (mm) | L1 (mm) | H (mm) | D (mm) | d (mm) | Allowable Load N (kgf) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCHM10 | M10 | 12 | 2.5 | 10 | 18.5 | 8.73 | 55 (5.6) |
| BCHM12 | M12 | 15 | 3.5 | 11 | 22 | 10.32 | 62 (6.3) |
| BCHM16 | M16 | 20 | 5.3 | 15 | 27 | 15.87 | 343 (35) |
| BCHM20 | M20 | 25 | 6.3 | 18 | 33 | 19.05 | 412 (42) |
Typical Applications
The BCHM Series Ball Transfer Unit is widely used in the following applications:
Conveyor Systems & Transfer Points: Direction changes at conveyor curves or intersections, with round-head stud design for installation in tight spaces
Assembly Lines & Workstations: Multi-directional transfer and positioning of workpieces between stations
Packaging & Inspection Stations: Free movement of workpieces on packaging or inspection tables
Mold Handling & Changing: 360° movement and positioning of molds on mold change carts
Logistics & Warehousing Equipment: Low-friction movement of heavy loads on transfer tables or storage racks
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between BCHM and BCHL?
A: BCHM uses a round-head stud that requires a dedicated wrench (BCHM-BR) or lock nut for tightening, making it suitable for space-constrained applications with a smooth profile. BCHL uses a hex-head stud that can be tightened with a standard wrench, making it ideal for applications requiring frequent replacement and easy maintenance.
Q2: What models are available in the BCHM series?
A: The BCHM series includes four standard models: BCHM10 (M10 thread), BCHM12 (M12), BCHM16 (M16), and BCHM20 (M20). The model number corresponds to the thread size, with load capacity ranging from 55N to 412N.
Q3: Can BCHM units be used in wet or corrosive environments?
A: Yes. The 304 stainless steel body and 440C stainless steel main ball provide good corrosion resistance, making BCHM units suitable for food processing, pharmaceutical, and outdoor applications.
Q4: How do I install a BCHM unit?
A: BCHM units are round-head stud mounted. Thread the stud into a pre-tapped hole. Since the round head cannot be gripped by a standard wrench, use a dedicated wrench (BCHM-BR) or a lock nut to tighten the unit. Ensure the mounting surface is clean and flat, and do not strike the main ball directly.
Q5: What is the operating temperature range and maximum speed?
A: The standard type operates from -20°C to +70°C with a maximum speed of 1 m/s. BCHMJ (Polyacetal Ball) is not recommended for high-speed applications.
