Guide rails for moving sled 1

[JohnnyMcEntertainment]

Hello All!

So I'm in the middle of a special project for an entertainment production. I have the idea, the proven knowledge that this HAS worked many times before.

I'm looking to make a sled on a track that can hold 200 lbs or so. A simple 2 rail track, one on each side guiding the sled holding the weight. I'm going for 24 to 30 feet long and about 2 feet or so in width. Not looking to use real heavy materials for the guide rails but it needs to work with said weight and be reliable.

Any ideas on materials and other advice is highly welcomed!

 

[dik]

Can you use an angle placed in an inverted 'V' position? and use a 'V' notched wheel. I've done this to support multiple filing cabinets that can be rolled together to minimise floor space (load gets quite high sometimes). Also, there may be some extruded aluminum 'rail' profiles.

Dik

 

[dhengr]

JohnnyMcEntertainment:
You said...., “I have the idea, the proven knowledge that this HAS worked many times before.”
How did they do it, why don’t you tell us, in some considerable detail? You will need this info. and self education experience to carry your project out. Then we’ll make some suggestions. What is your own engineering education, background and experience?

 

[3DDave]

Such equipment is available for rent.

For example

https://www.csirentals.com/matthews-track-straight-8-foot-section/?selected_section=description

(just from Google search, no affiliation)

 

[JohnnyMcEntertainment]

This is where it gets tricky. It's a trade secret..even I am going about this somewhat blind. I don't have every answer, but I do know this part to be a fact. Right now, making a track with a moveable sled carrying 200 lbs is my task at hand. Trying to find a balance between durability and cost effectiveness in materials.

 

[dik]

The inverted angle is secured to the (concrete) floor with bent clips bolted to the concrete on each side using Tapcons or Hilti KB3's... The wheel assemblies are just machined in a shop... no rocket science.

As 3DDave notes, this type of assembly is available commercially.

Dik