(not sure what section to post this in, maybe we need a materials + techniques section?)
Anyone here have any experience in building or using Rolamite devices as low friction bearings?
The basic idea looks simple, and I put a small rolamite together to play with, but I wasn't happy with the results. I used metal tape as the flexible band.
I am looking at this because I need a good low friction, non-magnetic linear bearing, and Rolamites look easy to fabricate.
G'day Ken,
Since rolamite technology is very little known I am including here a link where the technology is explained.
Fascinating concept
Hans von Lieven
http://www.rexresearch.com/wilkes/1wilkes.htm
And here is the Rotary Rolamite:
http://erikbrinkman.com/scroller/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-BK_iEJ7Go
Good stuff Ken, keep it coming :-)
Hans
Worked up a rolamite, works good enough to build another and try and make a linear slide out of these.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-1Drlfuoi4
All Posts at this location seem to be quite OLD. 4 - 5 years or so.
I am experimenting with a ROLAMITE application which Does Not need the SNAP BACK feature of a metal, Stressed Band.
I am looking for near frictionless, reciprocating, linear movement of no more than 10 kilos.
The banding I have to test consists of three samples of Cargo Strapping, filament stranded tension banding used to secure bulk material to a pallet. The samples I have range in thickness from .002 to .090 in.
These bands will be used in a Double Reverse "S" pattern in which the load bearing axles will be approximately 5.00" apart on a 30" "C" channel track.
Please Reply Here and to wallace.l.johnston@gmail.com