Overview of Take-Up Frames

Take-up frames are essential mechanical devices used in belt conveyor systems to maintain proper belt tension, compensate for belt stretch, and reduce slippage at the drive pulley. Martin Engineering offers a variety of take-up frame types designed to accommodate different bearing sizes, mounting positions, and travel lengths, fabricated from steel for strength and durability.

Types of Take-Up Frames

• Top Angle Take-Up Frames (MTA): Designed for general applications with nominal travel lengths from 9" to 60". Available in multiple sizes (MTA10 to MTA60) with detailed dimensional specifications and weights.
• Heavy Duty Take-Up Frames (MHD): Suitable for rugged, heavy-duty applications. Sizes range from MHD200 to MHD500 with nominal travels from 12" to 48". These frames are drilled to order and have detailed dimensional data.
• Light Duty Take-Up Frames (MLD): Intended for lighter applications with nominal travels from 6" to 48". Multiple frame sizes (MLD10 to MLD50) are available with comprehensive dimensional and weight data.
• Center Pull Take-Up Frames (MCP): Designed for center pull mounting, sizes range from MCP308 to MCP810 with nominal travels from 12" to 36". Dimensions and weights are specified for each size.
• Wide Slot Take-Up Frames (MWS): Feature wide slot designs for specific mounting needs. Sizes include MWS300 to MWS608 with nominal travels from 6" to 30" and detailed dimensions.
• Tube Take-Up Frames (MTTU): Utilize a tube and threaded bolt design, sizes range from MTTU10 to MTTU50 with stroke lengths from 3" to 48". Detailed dimensional data includes tube size, bolt dimensions, and rod specifications.

Cross Reference Information

The document provides extensive cross-reference tables linking Martin Engineering take-up frame models to equivalent models from other manufacturers such as Dodge, Precision, Linkbelt, Browning, SKF, Rexnord, and Bryant. This facilitates compatibility and replacement decisions across different brands.

Key Specifications and Features

• Material: Steel fabrication for strength and durability; stainless steel and ACME thread options available.
• Bearing shaft accommodation: Sizes from 1" to 5-15/16".
• Standard travel lengths: Range from 9" to 60", with made-to-order (MTO) options for custom lengths.
• Frame types cover a broad range of mounting styles including top angle, heavy duty, center pull, wide slot, tube, and light duty.
• Detailed dimensional tables provide critical parameters such as frame size, nominal travel, weight, and multiple dimensional measurements (e.g., height, width, length, bolt sizes).

Design and Application Recommendations

A dynamic take-up device, such as a gravity take-up, is generally preferred for maintaining belt tension due to its automatic adjustment capabilities. However, screw take-up frames like those offered by Martin Engineering are practical alternatives when space or cost constraints limit the use of gravity take-ups.

Martin's take-up frames are designed to be compatible with most manufacturers’ housing styles, including center pull, wide slot, pillow block, and top angle protected screw designs, ensuring versatility in various conveyor system configurations.

Availability and Customization

Most take-up frames are available as stock items, with made-to-order options offered to meet specific mechanical or dimensional requirements. Custom drilling and stainless steel options are also available upon request.

Summary of Critical Information

• Proper belt tensioning is critical to conveyor performance and longevity.
• Martin Engineering offers a comprehensive range of take-up frames to suit diverse industrial needs.
• Cross-reference tables enable easy identification of equivalent models across multiple brands.
• Detailed dimensional and weight data support precise selection and installation.
• Customization options ensure adaptability to unique conveyor system requirements.