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SFP-1074

Flotron’s Small Foot Print (SFP) 1000 series Rotation Fixtures are a higher capacity, more compact version of the 1000 series where floor space is a premium. The SFP-1000 series includes additional features and options; lift points above the CG capable of lifting the Flotron (with the payload integrated), one inch of axial float on the non-gearbox side trunnion to ease payload integration, flat leg design to lower the rotation centerline height without sacrificing available payload swing radius, lighter weight to ease maneuverability, elimination of single failure points for launch site compatibility, pillow block bearing bushings on the non-gearbox-side trunnion, as well as an option for a cordless hand drill to rotate the gearbox. They are supplied with a heavy-duty, hollow shaft, stairstep resistant gearboxes to handle large, off-center loads that may occur during assembly of the mounted payload. See below for data on the SFP-1000 series models and click on any image for additional information.

SFP-847

SFP-847 Data Sheet

The Model SFP-847-J0-P1-INDS15-P12-T3 shown below is typical and representative of the SFP-847 Models. For more information on specifying a holding fixture, see the SFP-800 SERIES OPTION page and SFP-800 SERIES CREATING A MODEL NUMBER pdf.

  1. The maximum distance between mounting interfaces is directly related to the main beam length. Specify the distance between mounting interfaces to be at or slightly longer than the length of the payload. The end frames can be adjusted inward to accommodate shorter length payloads, however the main beam(s) protruding beyond the end frames may result in a trip hazard. For more information see the SFP-800 SERIES OPTIONS page and SFP-800 SERIES CREATING A MODEL NUMBER pdf.
  2. A shorter than standard swing radius may be recommended for some applications.  See the “Technical Section” under “Holding Fixture Safety” on page 3 of 7 concerning “Unexpected Accident Loads” and the chart on page 4 of 7 referring to “Maximum Recommended Swing Radius”.

Product Features:

  • Safety Factor: 3 for Yield & 5 for Ultimate
  • Rated Load Capacity: Dynamic, 0″ to 3.75″ eccentricity: 3,200 lbs. (1,455 kg.)
  • Operating Temperature: +32 to +104 °F (0 to +40 °C). Contact factory for special applications with extended operating temperatures.
  • Combination P12 Mounting Plate / Angle Interface
  • Choice of Main Beam Length
  • Main Beam Ball Lock Pins: Reliably prevents End Frames from slipping on Main Beam
  • Gearbox: Low backlash, non-back-driving, stair-step resistant, hollow shaft design with 60:1 ratio and 12″ diameter hand crank
  • Axial Float & Sleeve Bearing in Non-Gearbox Side Trunnion: The non-gearbox side trunnion has one inch of axial float to ease payload integration as well as a PTFE composite sleeve bearing to eliminate grease migration, increase bearing life and reduce friction.
  • Casters: Ø6″ x 3″ wide Nylatron wheels, king-pin-less swivel bearings, brakes and swivel locks.
  • Index Plate: Standard with 15° index plate and index stops
  • Materials: Steel construction
  • Finish: Flotron Blue powder coat with selected parts zinc plated.
  • A smaller than standard swing radius may be recommended for some applications. See the “Technical Section” under “Holding Fixture Safety” on page 3 of 7 concerning “Unexpected Accident Loads” and the chart on page 4 of 7 referring to “Maximum Recommended Swing Radius“.
  • Optional ground lug and drag chain for use in electrostatically protected areas (EPA’s)
  • Optional main beam lengths
  • Optional leveling jacks
  • Optional finishes for clean room compatibility
  • Optional lubricants
  • Optional forklift tubes
  • Optional gearbox mounted push bar
  • Optional gearbox ratios
  • Optional towing interface
  • Optional casters/steering bars
  • Optional proof load test
  • Optional battery powered hand drill mounted to gearbox input shaft
  • For more about SFP-800 Series Options click here
All data presented is based on no modifications to the product.

As Flotron is constantly improving products and methods of manufacturing, we reserve the right to modify and/or change design or specifications without notice. Please contact Flotron for verification of critical dimensions and specifications.

For SFP-800 Series – Creating a Model Number pdf click here.

For clarification of terms or phrases, please see the Holding Fixtures Definitions page.

SFP-974

Flotron’s Small Foot Print (SFP) 900 series Rotation Fixtures are a higher capacity, more compact version of the 900 series where floor space is a premium. The SFP-900 series includes additional features and options; lift points above the CG capable of lifting the Flotron (with the payload integrated), one inch of axial float on the non-gearbox side trunnion to ease payload integration, flat leg design to lower the rotation centerline height without sacrificing available payload swing radius, lighter weight to ease maneuverability, elimination of single failure points for launch site compatibility, a needle roller bearing bushings on the non-gearbox-side trunnion, as well as an option for a cordless hand drill to rotate the gearbox. They are supplied with a heavy-duty, hollow shaft, stairstep resistant gearboxes to handle large, off-center loads that may occur during assembly of the mounted payload. See below for data on the SFP-900 series models and click on any image for additional information.

CTL129

CRF129 Data Sheet

The Model CTL-C-129P56C10J1T1 shown below is typical and representative of the CTL129 Models. For more information on specifying a cantilevered rotation fixture, see the MID-SIZED SATELLITE FIXTURE OPTIONS page and MID-SIZED SATELLITE FIXTURE CREATING A MODEL NUMBER pdf.

Product Features:

  • Safety Factors: 3 for Yield & 5 for Ultimate
  • Primary Axis Rated Load Capacity: 12,000 lbs. with CG located at 90” from interface plate and 6” from primary axis rotation centerline.
  • Optional Secondary Axis Rated Load Capacity: 7,000 lbs. with CG located at 110” from interface plate and 8” from secondary axis rotation centerline.
  • Operating Temperature: +32 to +104 °F (0 to +40 °C). Contact factory for special applications with extended operating temperatures.
  • Payload Interface: Ø56” Circular Interface Plate with 36X through holes for 5/8” fasteners on Ø48” bolt circle.
  • Primary & Secondary Axis Gearbox/Slewing Ring: 3,204:1 total reduction.  Inputs can be driven with a hand drill or 12″ diameter hand crank.
  • Casters: Heavy duty 10″ diameter x 3.25″ wide nylatron wheel, sealed bearings, swivel lock, brake, and steering bar receptacles.  (Ø12” diameter optional)
  • Materials: Steel and aluminum construction.
  • Finish: Clean room compatible finishes standard.  Sky white powder coated frames; gearbox painted gloss white epoxy; nickel plated, black oxide or stainless-steel fasteners and miscellaneous hardware (no zinc).
  • Optional Index Plate.
  • Optional Casters.
  • Optional Leveling Jacks.
  • Optional Lubricants.
  • Optional Tow Bar.
  • Optional Secondary Axis of Rotation Structure
  • Optional Standard Proof Load Test
  • For more about Mid-Size Satellite Fixture Options click here.
All data presented is based on no modifications to the product.

As Flotron is constantly improving products and methods of manufacturing, we reserve the right to modify and/or change design or specifications without notice. Please contact Flotron for verification of critical dimensions and specifications.

For Mid-Size Satellite Fixtures – Creating a Model Number pdf click here.

For clarification of terms or phrases, please see the Holding Fixtures Definitions page.

Satellite Mobile Platforms  

Flotron’s satellite mobile platforms are designed to support satellites in the vertical orientation, i.e. when the longitudinal axis of the satellite is perpendicular to the floor. The payload separation plane is low to the floor to minimize the required hook height when integrating the space vehicle with the platform interface using an overhead crane. The platform provides a working area for technicians to gain ergonomic access to the spacecraft during assembly, integration and test operations. Leveling jacks allow the technician to level the unit on uneven terrain. The satellite platform is designed to consider ergonomics during intra-facility transportation of the space vehicle. Caster wheel material has been specified to maximize rollability and both a push bar and a tow bar have been incorporated to provide options for maneuvering the loaded satellite mobile platform.

See below for comparative data on the satellite mobile platform models and click on any image for additional information.

MTAP-4000

Flotron’s Mobile Two Axis Positioner (MTAP-4000) allows for ergonomic tilting and rotation of the  spaceflight hardware while being supported in a cantilevered configuration. The positioner can tilt 90   degrees from horizontal to vertical, or vice versa. The positioner can also rotate the hardware 360 degrees   along its longitudinal axis utilizing a two axis UL approved control system. Over-travel limit switches have   been incorporated at both ends of the tilt range. The interface has through access which may support   propulsion integration or wiring.

The cart can support a 4,000 lb payload with CG located at 60” from the mounting interface and 5” from the rotation centerline considering a ½G side load and 1 G vertical load and SFy = 3 / SFu = 5. Two mechanically synchronized low backlash, non-back driving gearboxes are used for tilting, each of which is capable of supporting the rated moment. The H-frame design provides ergonomic access from either end of the fixture. The maximum available swing envelope is 110”. There are forklift tube pockets for lifting the empty fixture. The positioner is compatible in a Class 1K (ISO 6) clean room.

MSL-2000

Flotron’s Mechanically Synchronized Lift/Rotate (MSL-2000) fixture has a load rating of 2,000 lbs at 3.75” maximum eccentricity considering SFy = 3 and SFu = 5 in addition to a simultaneous dynamic loading condition of ½ G side load and 1G vertical load.

Mechanically synchronized ACME screw lift jacks raise the carriages with bearing blocks along precision linear guide bearings rails through a 24” range. Hard stops limit the travel to prevent damage to the payload and a safety clutch has been incorporated to prevent damage to the power transmission. A +/- 1.0” axial float on the non-gearbox-side trunnion provides interface distance adjustment and allows for ergonomic payload integration and removal. Hard mounted battery powered drill drive lift/lower standard.

Multi Axis Rotate

Satellite Upender

Satellite positioner with two axes of rotation. The satellite is integrated with an overhead in the vertical orientation, tilted down to horizontal and rotated along the longitudinal axis to provide ergonomic access to all sides of the space vehicle during assembly, integration and test operations.

Dual Axis Rotate and Precision Alignment

This Spacecraft Optical Test Fixture has two axes of rotation and a 2,000 lbs capacity. The rotational functionality of this two axis gimbal can be utilized for assembly, integration and test applications. Testing involves pointing an optical spaceflight hardware payload while maintaining optical stability. The optical stability requirement was verified by applying a three gram load to the most extreme corner of a payload test simulator and ensuring that the tool did not deflect more than 5 arc-seconds. Flotron was able to achieve this optical stability by eliminating the adjustment capability that is typically offered in our Off-The-Shelf product line (i.e. interface distance and height adjustment) and essentially fabricate a single weldment structure. Caster jacks lower this Pointing Fixture onto a set of leveling feet to provide a stable working plane. Lock rods and index locking features are rigidly attached between the frame weldment and the rotation axes to eliminate radial backlash and axial translation. Finishes and lubricants are compatible in an ISO 14644-1, (Class ISO 7) / FED STD 209E (Class 10,000) clean room spacecraft manufacturing environment.

Dual Axis Rotate with Hydraulic Height Adjustment

In addition to serving as a Cantilevered Rotation Fixture, this Custom Solution has lifting capability and a custom end effector that can tilt the payload to orient for testing. Stiffness and natural frequency requirements were considered in the design to prevent payload vibration during testing given the potential vibration loads imposed by the environment. The caster jacks lower the RF Test Cart / Precision Alignment Fixture so that a series of three precision alignment tooling features seat in their respective floor mounted receptacles. A precision slide is then translated at the back to pivot this now Pointing Fixture (with payload integrated) and align for an RF testing application. The footprint of this Aerospace Tool had to fit into both the elevator and the lab environment located on an upper floor. The large dual wheel casters keep the floor contact pressure to a minimum to meet the floor loading requirement.

SC2000-TR Spacecraft Tilt / Rotate Fixture

The SC2000-TR is designed to support small to mid-sized spacecraft in a cantilevered orientation. This spacecraft positioner tilts the payload from 0 – 90 degrees and rotates 360 degrees along the longitudinal axis. The SC2000-TR supports spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing operations. The tilt system utilizes redundant electro-mechanical actuators that are each capable of supporting the entire load. Rotation is accomplished through the use of a geared bearing and motorized non-back-driving gearbox assembly and both tilt and rotate functions utilize UL approved controls. Safety is considered first with multiple accessible safety stops, various operator presence sensing device options, limit switches, redundant braking, and audible / visual alerts, among others. Finishes and lubricants are compatible in an ISO 14644-1, (Class ISO 7) / FED STD 209E (Class 10,000) clean room spacecraft manufacturing environment.

Sensor Test Fixture

This motorized two axis rotation fixture with custom designed payload interface is designed to support an RF payload during assembly, integration and testing operations. We were able to utilize quite a few Off-The-Shelf components. In addition to providing mechanical rotate systems that are actuated using an input hand crank, Flotron offers Aerospace Tools with electro-mechanical rotate systems that are actuated with a pendant or control panel and have push button operation. Flotron incorporates UL approved controls and safety is considered first. There are multiple accessible safety stops, various operator presence sensing device options, limit switches, redundant braking, and audible / visual alerts among others.

Composite Paint Fixture

Multi-axis rotation fixture capable of rotating multiple composite cylindrical structures during painting and curing operations in an oven.

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