SLIDING INTO PLACE The HepcoMotion® SL2 Stainless Steel Based Slide System is an adaptable addition to our range of linear rails, and offers the user with basic interchangeability with our line of GV3 linear guidance components such as stainless steel bearing assemblies, flat slides, spacer slides, etc. The SL2's complete corrosion resistance protects its linear motion bearings and ground stainless steel slides, which also comes with special surface treatment to beef up that corrosion resistance to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture standards for food processing applications.
We wanted to hear more about the SL2's capabilities, so we caught up with our [ Project Manager Brian Burke ] to pick his brain about this prominent part of our collection of guided motion technologies.
The GV3 linear guides are made of hardened 52100 carbon steel and are available in three grades of precision with bearings and track rollers also made from 52100 carbon steel. In the SL2 product line the most popular sizes and profiles from GV3 are available in 420C and 440C stainless steels and an additional offering is provided for assembled systems of carriage assemblies and tracks. At the core, SL2 is based upon flat tracks and double edge spacer slides made from 420C stainless steel with in the P1 precision grade with ground surfaces.
The SL2 product line does not include flat tracks or gear racks, but does offer carriage assemblies with stainless steel guide wheels and accessories such as aluminum flange clamps.
Question: How does the SL2 stand up in a wet, washdown environment? What about other types of harsh environments?
BB: SL2 can withstand moist environments much better than GV3 products because of the use of 420C and 440C stainless steel compared to the 52100 carbon steel. The 400 series of stainless steel is considered corrosion resistance steel, but can still oxidize and create rust. To improve corrosion resistance of 400 series steel, the spacer slides and flat tracks are fully ground to improve the surface finish. A ground surface has smaller bumps and cracks and much less surface area for the formation of oxidization. Therefore, the SL2 stainless steel tracks can withstand washdown environments better than GV3 products. Additionally, and screws, washers and fasteners are made from 300 series stainless steel.
Question: What materials are SL2 carriages comprised of? What's the benefit of each alloy?
BB: The carriage plates themselves are made from high strength aluminum and are surface treated for additional environmental compatibility. The guide wheels are made from 440C stainless steel with 300 series mounting studs and contain lithium based NLGI2 grease. These materials are more corrosion resistant that carbon steel alternatives found in GV3 products.
Question: Can SL2 rails be configured with any of our other product offerings? Which ones and in what scenario would you do that?
BB: SL2 is compatible with other GV3 products and can be combined or substituted if desired. However, to maintain corrosion resistance of the entire assembly it would be best to stick to all SL2 products. Because the components are identical in form, and fit, alternates from GV3 can be utilized as is the case with cap wipers, track lubricators, and other accessories.
Question: What industries is the SL2 ideal for? What about food processing applications – what advantages does the rail bring to that industry specifically?
BB: SL2 can be utilized by any industry for applications where corrosion resistance is a concern. For the most part, SL2 is used in food production and packaging environments and clean room or low contamination environments. The corrosion resistance materials and surface preparations of SL2 make the product line well suited to applications in these industries.
Question: What's one of the most interesting SL2 application examples that comes to mind? Why did it work so well in that case?
BB: An interesting application for SL2 is pharmaceutical packaging operations where products are assembled into packaging and sealed for future use all inside a clean room environment.
[ To download a FREE catalog and CAD drawings, visit the SL2 product page ]
