BCSB Ball Transfer Unit | Set Screw Height Adjustable | Stainless Steel | JDF
The BCSB Series Ball Transfer Unit is a set screw mounted omnidirectional load-bearing unit with a 440C stainless steel main ball and XM-7 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 set screw design allows precise height adjustment of the ball protrusion, making it suitable for precision fixtures, jigs, and equipment where the ball working height needs to be fine-tuned. Available in sizes from M6 to M20 thread.
How to select the right BCSB 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 20 kg load supported by 4 units, the nominal load per unit is 5 kg. With a safety factor of 2, the required rated capacity is 10 kg (approx. 98 N). BCSB16 (55N) or BCSB20 (62N) may be suitable depending on the actual number of supporting units.
Installation Notes:
Set screw type: thread the unit into a pre-tapped mounting hole. Use a hex wrench to adjust the set screw and fine-tune the ball protrusion height. The set screw allows precise adjustment of the ball working height after installation.
Ensure the mounting surface is clean and flat. Do not strike the main ball directly during installation.
The set screw can be locked in position using a lock nut or thread-locking compound to prevent loosening under vibration.
Working temperature range: -20°C to +70°C (standard type). Max speed: 1 m/s for steel ball types.
For applications requiring higher load capacity, BCHL or BCHM series are recommended.
Ball Height Adjustment:
The BCSB series features a set screw that allows the ball protrusion height to be adjusted after installation. This is particularly useful in precision fixtures and jigs where the ball working height needs to be matched to the workpiece surface. Simply use a hex wrench to turn the set screw until the desired ball height is achieved, then lock in position.
Technical Specifications Table
| Model | Thread M | L (mm) | L1 (mm) | D (mm) | d (mm) | S (mm) | t (mm) | Allowable Load N (kgf) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCSB6 | M6 | 12 | 0.9 | 3.5 | 3.18 | 3 | 4 | 2 (0.2) |
| BCSB8 | M8 | 14 | 1.3 | 5 | 4.76 | 4 | 5 | 5 (0.5) |
| BCSB10 | M10 | 16 | 1.2 | 7 | 4.76 | 5 | 6 | 14 (1.4) |
| BCSB12 | M12 | 20 | 1.5 | 8 | 5.56 | 6 | 8 | 41 (4.2) |
| BCSB16 | M16 | 25 | 2.5 | 12 | 8.73 | 8 | 10 | 55 (5.6) |
| BCSB20 | M20 | 30 | 3.5 | 15 | 10.32 | 10 | 12 | 62 (6.3) |
Typical Applications
The BCSB Series Ball Transfer Unit is widely used in the following applications:
Precision Fixtures & Jigs: Set screw allows precise adjustment of ball protrusion height to match different workpiece surfaces
Assembly Lines & Workstations: Multi-directional transfer and positioning of workpieces between stations
Conveyor Transfer Points: Direction changes at conveyor curves or intersections
Inspection & Packaging Stations: Free movement of workpieces on inspection or packaging tables
Mold Handling & Changing: 360° movement and positioning of molds on mold change carts
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between BCSB and BCHL?
A: BCSB uses a set screw that allows precise ball height adjustment with a hex wrench, making it suitable for precision fixtures and jigs. BCHL uses a hex-head stud with fixed height (fine-tunable via lock nut), making it ideal for conveyor applications requiring frequent replacement.
Q2: What models are available in the BCSB series?
A: The BCSB series includes six standard models: BCSB6 (M6 thread), BCSB8 (M8), BCSB10 (M10), BCSB12 (M12), BCSB16 (M16), and BCSB20 (M20). The model number corresponds to the thread size, with load capacity ranging from 2N to 62N.
Q3: Can BCSB units be used in wet or corrosive environments?
A: Yes. The XM-7 stainless steel body and 440C stainless steel main ball provide good corrosion resistance, making BCSB units suitable for food processing, pharmaceutical, and outdoor applications.
Q4: How do I install and adjust a BCSB unit?
A: BCSB units are set screw mounted. Thread the unit into a pre-tapped hole, then use a hex wrench to turn the set screw and precisely adjust the ball protrusion height. After adjustment, use a lock nut or thread-locking compound to secure the position and prevent loosening under vibration.
Q5: What is the operating temperature range?
A: The standard type operates from -20°C to +70°C with a maximum speed of 1 m/s (steel ball type). For higher load capacity, consider BCHL or BCHM series.
