How to Size a Positioner

HOW TO SELECT A GEAR DRIVEN POSITIONER TO BEST MEET YOUR NEEDS

The illustration below shows a typical capacity plate that we attach to each Aronson Gear Driven Positioner. This happens to be the capacity plate for a Model HD400 Aronson Gear Driven unit. An HD400 is designed to handle loads up to 40,000 lbs (18,140kg) with a CG at a distance from the surface of the table of 12" (300mm). All the information required for loading the positioner is either on the capacity plate, or it can be simply calculated from the data on the plate

Tilt Torque Load

To find your weldments' Tilt Torque Load, add the Inherent Overhang (Inches) to the distance (Inches) the weldments' CG is from the table top surface. This is measured perpendicular to the table top surface. Then multiply this total distance in Inches by the weight of the weldment. Do not exceed the maximum load torque shown in the "tilt" column on next page.

Rotation Torque Load

To find your weldments' Rotation Torque Load, multiply the weldment weight in Pounds by the distance in inches that Center-of-Gravity (CG) will be from the center of the table. This measurement is taken parallel to the table surface. Do not exceed the  maximum load torque shown in the "rotation" column.

How About Swing Clearance

When selecting a positioner, don't forget to leave clearance to swing the work above the floor when the table is in the full tilt position. This is a common error in specifying positioners. For excessive work-pieces, aronson positioners are available with manually adjustable bases, or powered Elevating bases which adjust the table height for larger work. Fixed-base machines also can be elevated by using a riser or sub-base.