Design Considerations

Long Travel Considerations

An important consideration for applications requiring plastic carriers in a guide trough is the bending moment that occurs at the moving end as the carrier is pushing, particularly when high velocities/accelerations and heavy fill weights are introduced.


When the carrier performs under normal operation without sag, force is applied in a straight trajectory along the moving section.


As sag is introduced, the mass of the carrier falls below the force plane, creating a bending moment on the links at the moving end.


A potential solution for this problem is lowering the mounting height of the carrier, thereby reducing the bending moment. The mounting height is lowered so that the moving end begins gliding immediately as it begins to push. This is achieved by adding reverse bending links, extending the "K" dimension of the carrier. Gortrac® Engineering can run tow force calculations on an application to determine whether a lowered mounting height is advisable.

Rolling Carriage

A Rolling Carriage is a support system, originally designed for steel carriers with travels that exceed the limits available with fixed roller supports, or when there are heavy payloads and/or high velocities present. The carriage system consists of rollers, conveyor supports, and a moving framework that supports the carrier throughout the complete length of travel. The entire system is guided by channels that ensure accuracy and dependability, even at extremely high loads and velocities. Gortrac has also developed carriage systems for plastic carriers that require long travel at high speeds and loads:

Support Rollers

Stationary support rollers increase travel capability in applications where a carrier's unsupported span is exceeded. These support rollers are heavy duty, height adjustable, and can increase travel up to 4x unsupported capability. One support roller will provide maximum travel 3x the recommended unsupported span. Two support rollers will provide maximum travel 4x the recommended unsupported span. Consult catalog load charts for unsupported span capabilities. Available for both plastic and metal carrier systems.

Rotational Application

Rotary applications are achieved by running a carrier that has been modified for reverse bending movement on its side. The carrier is equipped with polymer slide blocks or casters for low-friction gliding. The reverse bend is achieved by insert molding or through machining at specific points along the travel to maintain maximum control of the carrier's travel path.


Please complete the information required below to design a rotary application.

Research and Development

Gortrac constantly engages in research and development. Our goal is continuous improvement in carrier design and manufacturing. Gortrac engineers and technicians employ various tests and research methods to further their knowledge and expertise:

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