A machine standing on a weak or unlevel base vibrates more, works less accurately and can wear its own components faster. A custom machine base keeps the machine stable and at the height you need.
What We Need to Know
- Machine weight and mounting points (the machine's base holes)
- How it operates: vibration, rotation or impact
- Required height, and maintenance access around the machine
- Whether it is bolted to the floor or needs to move
Design Principles
- A rigid frame: suitably sized box or structural sections, with bracing against racking
- Mounting pads: thick plate at the machine's mounting holes, never thin steel
- Adjustable levelling: levelling feet to compensate for uneven floors
- Controlling weld distortion: bases that must be very flat need a controlled welding sequence or surface finishing after welding
Bases That Need to Move
Fit cast-iron-core casters with brakes to move the machine, but while working it should stand on levelling feet or stabiliser legs rather than running on its casters. See brake caster types to choose the right brakes.
Other steel frames: beyond machine bases, we also build work stands, drum stands, guard rails and other steel frames to drawings on the same principles. See custom fabrication to your drawings.
Summary
A good machine base is rigid, has proper mounting pads, levels easily and is controlled for flatness. Where it needs to move, combine casters with stabiliser feet. The IRONMAX team can design and build to your actual machine.