Free Techspert Advice For All Your Heavy Duty Slides and Linear Rail Enquiries

Meet the Techsperts, the free technical advice from the heavy duty slides and linear rail motion system experts.  Chambrelan's sales and technical team have over half a century of experience in the heavy duty slide and linear rail market.  Having advised engineers, first time users, vehicle builders and defence contractors on a myriad of different applications.

"We've seen everything," admits Jeremy Binnington, "from large nuclear submarines, through to front line fire and emergency vehicles, high temperature manufacturing lines, materials handling applications through to amateur observatories."

"We have a no nonsense approach," adds Jeremy, "customers calling up can often over specify their needs and we're here to see that they get the right heavy duty sliding system for their application."

With no obligations to purchase Chambrelan UK and Linear Rails both offer detailed and informative sales and technical support for all customers, both first time buyers and repeat customers and in an age where the market is saturated by cheaper impostors, Chambrelan are committed to supplying not only the best product, but also the best advice, delivery and service.

For more information on how Chambrelan can support your heavy duty slide requirements, call the team today:  01746 783 972 or visit www.chambrelan.co.uk

Chambrelan Announces Price Freeze Across Heavy Duty Slides and Linear Rails

Chambrelan UK have just issued press releases announcing a price freeze across their entire range of heavy duty slides and linear rail motion systems for 2014.  The announcement comes at a time where other companies are forecasting price rises for next year and so the news comes as some relief to vehicle builders who want the best price without compromising on quality.

Jeremy Binnington, Director of Chambrelan UK, is quoted as saying:  "We're in a unique position to control our costs from our manufacturing site in France, but there many companies who have to pass the increase of costs from their suppliers onto their customers."

It's a point that we've picked up in the past, in so much as companies who are having to make cost making decisions generally look for cheaper options.  Unfortunately buying cheap, as we've seen, can often mean buying twice and therefore the immediate knee jerk reaction to make cost savings can have a knock on effect.

To give an example, one vehicle builder recently wrote to us with his experience of changing from steel slides to aluminium slides.  The load capacity of the slides had been understated and oversold and within three weeks of them being fitted the vehicle was taken off road due to severe brinnelling and new steel slides needed to be ordered and replaced.

Cheaper?  More cost effective?  We don't think so.

Chambrelan Storms Australia

Heavy Duty Slides, Heavy Duty Interest

The French based manufacturer of heavy duty slides and linear rail motion systems has just returned from a whistlestop tour of Australia's leading trade shows, namely the AIMEX Mining show and AFAC Australian Fire show.

With big changes expected after the recent general elections and next years local elections business might be slower than expected, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

"Ever since the Mining Tax and the Carbon tax which effects both markets, investment in new mines and vehicles has slowed to a fraction of what they were only two years ago," reveals Jeremy Binnington, Director of Chambrelan UK.

Indeed with the market opening and AFAC opening it's doors to end users for the first time, rather than vehicle builders and suppliers, the flood gates, so it seems have opened and for the first time Australia is able to access a range of quality heavy duty slides and linear rail motion systems, enjoyed by their European counterparts.

"To be honest we had a great show," adds Jeremy.  "Although the market is awash with low cost slides, these products are not strong enough or durable enough to cope with the extreme conditions expected of their cheaper and less well built counterparts.  Chambrelan's heavy duty drawer slides and linear rails  have had a huge amount of interest.  I expect after the local elections next year we'll see serious growth in Australia."

We'll keep you posted with any new vehicle build stories or case studies that come in from Australia, in the meantime if you're looking for a range of heavy duty drawer slides and linear rails visit www.chambrelan.co.uk

New Door Runner for ALE Heavy Lift

When Scan Cab, a danish re-fitter and engineering needed to modernise their Gottwald AK912 for ALE Heavy Lift after four years of heavy use, it was found that they needed to refurbish the operators cab door which could no longer safely and securely work and the door had begun to sag and new linear rails and carriers were needed.

Graham Roberts, ALE's Crane Superintendant was given the job to find the replacements and with a short lead time Graham contacted Chambrelan directly.

The door used the E28 rail and G40 carrier, which uses a series of recirculating ball bearings which 'glides' the carrier easily and efficiently even when carrying extreme loads

We caught up with Graham Roberts to find out his feedback, "Chambrelan's customer service is top class, from speaking with Tony through to having the parts delivered was within seven days.  Excellent, i can't fault it."

For more information on Chambrelan's range of linear rails and telescopic slides, visit www.chambrelan.co.uk

Chambrelan - Get 'em While They're Hot....

Burger vans and road side catering vehicles are some of the more every day applications and lack engineering sex appeal, but nevertheless it shows how independent people are using Chambrelan heavy duty slides across every day applications.

In this instance, Peter was having problems with his generator.  Since it was hard fixed to the vehicle wriggling it in and out by hand was time consuming and dangerous.  Originally he'd have to pull and wriggle the generator out by hand whenever there was a problem.  This is an easy enough job when there's two of you to do it, but Peter always found himself on his own when things went wrong and so he decided - in what we believe to be his infinite wisdom - to contact Chambrelan to see how their heavy duty slides could be used to help out.

Pete's van is a temple of culinary expertise and his customers come from far and wide to enjoy the best of british breakfasts, but the hot plates, refrigerators, ovens and tea makers all need power and when the source of that power goes wrong ease of access is of paramount importance.

Pete needed length and strength and subsequently with the help of the Chambrelan team he chose the RA5R - made from stainless steel section.  As one of Chambrelan's most tried and tested slides, this three beam nested slide has been designed to take incredible loads whilst delivering pay loads smoothly and securely.  Using a zinc plated finish this slide is incredibly durable and not only that, is easy to fit easy to maintain.

We caught up with Pete to find out how his experience was with Chambrelan - "I have to say," Peter confirmed, "i couldn't fault it.  Tony and the team were very helpful in identifying what i needed and i received the sides in a few days of ordering.  I'd definitely recommend Chambrelan to anyone who needs heavy duty slides or linear rail motion systems."  Peter Challis

For more information on Chambrelan's products - please click here

Chambrelan UK Set to launch Linear Motion Brand

There's a spring in Chambrelan UK's step this year as the company announces a new linear rail brand to complement their existing telescopic slide range.  Although the Chambrelan have been manufacturing linear rail motion systems now for over 50 years, it's the first time that the UK arm will launch a stand alone brand, allowing customers to buy directly from their new online store, which will be open in the next month.

We caught up with Jeremy Binnington, Director of Chambrelan UK, who has given us his appraisal of the new brand what the reasons for launching the new company.  "Having re-established ourselves in the  telescopic slide market, we realised we can deliver the same quality product and service to the linear rail market, which compliments our existing offer perfectly."

With new premises now open, Chambrelan UK now stock a range of linear rail for lighter, medium and heavy duty applications.

"We're currently stocking aluminium, steel and stainless steel products," confirms Jeremy, "and their relevant carriers.  By bringing them to the UK we will be able to service customer enquiries that much quicker and with a tight stock programme which will carry four lengths of rail we can improve delivery times dramatically.  In addition because the new site is fully operational, we'll be able to make bespoke items for more specialised requirements."

Although not up and running yet, the new website will feature an e-commerce shop, a case study page with testimonials and customer projects, product availability and full details and load capacities of each of our products.

"We'll be sending out a release with the launch date very soon," confirms Jeremy.

We'll look forward to it.

For more information on Chambrelan's linear rail or telescopic slides please visit.  www.chambrelan.co.uk

Quik Corp Adopts Chambrelan's Heavy Duty Slides Across Vehicle Build

Chambrelan's Heavy Duty Slides fully extended

Quik Corp Fire Engineering are specialist vehicle builders, designing and manufacturing a range of specialised fire and emergency equipment for the Australian and South East Asia Market.  By working With Queensland Rural Fire Service, the Australian Department of Defence, New South Wales National Parks, Forestry plantations and mining corporations they have built themselves a reputation for quality and delivery.

Heavy duty slides extend 'Jaws of Life' cutting equipment

So when Quik Corp were commissioned to build a remote fire application used as an airport fire appliance they knew they needed to pack a serious amount of kit into the vehicle.  Based on a 6000L MAN 6x4 chassis, the Remote Fire Appliance was expected to carry everything from heavy duty cutting equipment through to stretchers and essential recovering kit.

Chambrelan's unique Slide & Tilt System

The team of experts quickly decided that a range of heavy duty slides and Chambrelan's unique slide and tilt systems would be used across the build.  The sliding locker housing the stretcher needed to be operated from only side of the vehicle and be fully extended out via Chambrelan's heavy duty slides.  Other essential kit was stored in overhead slide and tilt lockers and was operated by Chambrelan's Slam lock with the Lock in Lock out option.  In addition further road crash rescue equipment mounted on Chambrelan's RA7R 450mm closed length extension which also includes Chambrelan's new slam lock.

Chambrelan's heavy duty slides, linear rails, slam locks and slide and tilt systems are now being used across a number of Quik Corp vehicle builds.

For more information on how any of Chambrelan's heavy duty slides can help develop your application drop us a line www.chambrelan.co.uk 

Museum in Wellington Use Chambrelan's Heavy Duty Slides

How would you go about displaying a range of ancient fabrics and cloaks in a museum?  Well one company, Anderson Design, were posed with that very question when they were asked to design and build an artefacts case for the Roturua Museum of Art and History in Wellington New Zealand.

Anderson Design originally chose to use a pair of heavy duty slides (we cannot name the manufacturer for obvious reasons) for the build and everything was going swimmingly, with the artefact case being fitted at the museum and everyone was happy.

It's only when things start going well, that they start to go badly!

It was soon found that the case was requiring far too much force to open and close the sliding draws.  The heavy duty slides were grinding and locking up and there was a fear that school children and elderly people might have problems opening the draws mounted on heavy duty slides.

After an emergency internet search Anderson came across Chambrelan's range of heavy duty slides and linear rail motion systems.  Within 24 hours of Anderson sourcing the product from Chambrelan's heavy duty slide supplier in Australia - Integrated Emergency Equipment - the problem was identified and within 7 days of placing their order a new pair of Chambrelan RA7 heavy duty slides were sent to the Anderson Team.

Chambrelan's RA7 heavy duty slide is one of the best heavy duty slides in the market, with unrivalled strength, smooth operation, length and protection Anderson Design realised they were going to need a massive 1500mm extension capable of carrying 95 kilos.  Still uncertain that Chambrelan's heavy duty slides could take the extreme weight of the draw and glass; the team of designers and engineers took it upon themselves to give it a test and climbing on to the draws they jumped upon down until they were satisfied Chambrelan's RA7 heavy duty slides were strong enough.

After testing the pull-out load, using a spring balance, the Anderson team we pleased that the traction load had been reduced from 17.5 kilos using the old heavy duty slides, down to a very easy 5.5 kilos using Chambrelan's heavy duty slides.

Check out Chambrelan's bog for more information on this story or alternatively go to their website for a full list of heavy duty slides and linear rails

Chambrelan's Heavy Duty Carrier for Their Slide and Tilt System

Chambrelan's carrier

In our last issue of 100% Extension - that razor blade blog covering all things heavy duty slide related - we discussed what's available in terms of new Slide and Tilt systems currently on the market.  Well, it seems we touched a nerve because not longing after posting, Chambrelan's marketing team dropped me a line and with an image of one of their carriers.  Thanks Chambrelan's marketing team!!

As you can see this is a uniquely designed product in that the carrier sits on re-circulating ball bearings, which spread the load more effectively and allows easy operation even when carrying extreme weights.

For more information on Chambrelan's heavy duty slides and linear rails visit their website:  www.chambrelan.co.uk

The Ins and Outs of Slide and Tilt Systems

Slide and Tilt systems are used by the Fire industry and defence markets in vehicles to allow front line crews to access essential equipment.  The slide and tilt system allows quick and easy access and have been designed to be operated by gloved hands.  Since coming onto the market a few years ago slide and tilts have become standard kit - especially for the emergency services - but with more and more slide and tilts being designed and built, we thought we'd take a look at what's out there and run a comparison.

Essentially there are two main designs, ones that use a dual roller system and the ones that use re-circulating ball bearing carriers.

To be honest with you there's not much difference between the two in terms of operational design, but where each of the designs differ is the internal movement which extends the drawers out.

The first is a dual roller system that uses a set of rubber wheels to extend the drawer out.  The problem with this system is that if the drawer is heavily loaded, the wheels tend to 'drag' or 'buckle' with the weight, meaning users will have to use more pull to draw the system out.  This can become hazardous especially in an emergency situation when essential equipment is needed.  Having said that this system - because it's been around for so long - is used by most brigades.

However, that was before Chambrelan, the French based heavy duty slide manufacturer, launched their own slide and tilt system earlier this year.  Chambrelan's slide and tilt system - although very similar to the other systems on the market - is notably different due to one feature, the circulating ball bearing carrier.  This is one nifty piece of kit as the carrier spreads the load to the ball bearings ensuring that a smooth and easy pull out is possible even under the heaviest conditions.

Cost is also important and I understand that Chambrelan's heavy duty sliding system is a little more expensive, but as more and more brigades are finding out, buy it cheap often means buying it twice and it's these companies that are realising that delivery and quality are more important than saving a few quid up front.

Heavy Duty Slides - The Problems of Brinelling

A major problem for Fleet Managers, Engineers and operational teams when using heavy duty slides in their applications is when a material surface failure, caused by contact stress, exceeds the material limit.

On a practical level surface on surface wear causes permanent denting or 'brinelling' and this will cause operational failure.  In addition to the brinelling effect, heavy duty slides can also suffer from 'fretting' and 'false brinelling', which is caused the friction-wear of components caused by minute oscillation, which displaces the beam material and grease to block movement.  When this happens the speed of wear to key components accelerates.

The major factor causing brinelling is caused by shock and vibration and regular use in extreme conditions.  From a manufacturing point of view, brinelled slides are a major problem and the only preventative action is the quality of the heavy duty slide in the first place.  Buy cheap, buy twice, comes to mind, but there are many engineers and fleet managers who, having their budgets restricted, have chosen a cheaper alternative, much to their later disappointment.

There are a number of Heavy duty slide manufacturers out there, Accuride and Thomas Ragu, but having done extensive research we've found that Chambrelan's heavy duty slides are easy to fit, easy to maintain and due to their manufacturing techniques and materials used, reduce the the stress and shock that extensive hard use causes.

Chambrelan's steel slides use cold drawn steel section and come in a range of different lengths and strengths and have an extensive range.

However should you have already bought slides, then there are a couple of things you can do to minimise the risk.  Getting the right size and fitting it into the right space envelope is essential and also using the slide to it's full extension will improve the life cycle of the slide.