Spectra Logic Corporation manufactures innovative storage products for data protection, backup and lower cost of ownership. The company uses plastic linear slides on an automated entry/exit port for tapes which load into an automated tape backup library.

Originally looking at linear ball bearings, it was determined that they were too costly and that when the bearing blocks fall off the end of the rail, it would ruin the bearings. A cheaper bearing was sought: one that would not bind and that was designed so that the bearing blocks could extend off the end of the rail for assembly purposes.

The round rails of DryLin® W work very well. DryLin® W from igus® Inc. frees up an axis of rotation so that the bearings won’t bind even if the sheet metal mounting bracket does not align exactly square. The bearing blocks can slide off the end of the rail with no damage. With no extra friction, the motor has ample torque to handle the load. DryLin W has a low clearance, costs much less than a linear ball bearing and is simple to assemble. It also can easily handle the 30-pound load and secures the entry/exit port in line for high accuracy.

“The plastic bearings enabled the design group to meet the cost and reliability goals for the entry/exit port design,” said a company spokesperson.

To learn more about Spectra Logic, visit www.spectralogic.com.