How do I lock the carriage position?

[patriqq]

I'm building a manually-operated (no leadscrew) positioning assembly using 2 end-supported round shafts and 4 closed Pacific Simplicity bearings.

What is the best way for me to lock the carriage to the rails?

thanks

[Al_The_Man]

I am just working with a company designing a machine doing a similar operation, the carriage had to be clamped due to a hydraulic ram being used to oppose/clamp a part.
To visualize, the clamp consisted of a cylinder that was sleeved with material similar to a Simplicity composite lined bearing, but split in half from end to end.
these were then used in two half round shells that were hinged on one side, on the other a small short stroke hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder is used to clamp the opposing side.
One on each side was integrated into the carriage.
The clamp cylinder travel is extremely short.
This resulted in sufficient clamp force, but did not mar the surface of the rods.
Al.

[DIYaholic]

You mean "Duct Tape" won't work?

Randy,

[esdios]

Have you tried calling PBC Linear and asking to speak to an application engineering? I'm sure they would be more than happy to help; the number is 1-800-962-8979.

[sonic19]

patriqq,

esdios had a good suggestion, call the 800 # and ask for Dave H. PBC does not currently offer a brake for a configuration such as you describe, but they offer a cam lock brake on the Uni-Guide system that you may be able to mimic.

sonic19

[loka]

Zimmer has round shaft clamp called HKR
http://www.zimmer-gmbh.de/index_en.p...emente_manuell
not sure who is the rep for them in US.