Materials, of all types, located in radiation environments are vulnerable to material degradation therefore positioning equipment in such environments can experience adverse physical eff ects translating into reduced product life.
Radiation can be measured in terms of absorbed dose which is the amount of energy that ionizing radiation imparts to a given mass of matter. The most commonly used unit for absorbed dose is the RAD (Radiation Absorbed Dose), also REM (Roentgen Equivalent Man) and R (Roentgen) are also used.

The primary design objective in such radioactive environments is to employ material modifications and lubrication methods that reduce the physical effects of radiation damage and help promote increased product life.
Typical industries that have use these RAD Hardened Positioners are medical diagnostics, electric power generation, medical imaging, space exploration, naval nuclear, medical treatment, research and alternative energy.

To achieve the necessary specification the positioners are modified to have aluminum parts hard-coat anodized, stainless steel components, evaluation of all non-metallic components, custom cages for ballscrew and linear bearings, removal of ballscrew wipers, removal of linear bearing wipers, radiation approved plating, evaluation of magnetic material, radiation resistant gGrease and finally evaluation of strip-seals.

Radiation robustness is a paramount consideration when selecting materials for use inradiation environments so clearly material selection plays a significant role in determining product safety and product life.

To ensure success of the positioners they are built specifically to customers unique application specifications and as partners together customers are asked to provide radiation environment details and overall application perimeters.

They are then request the radiation type, the expected radiation dose and the required life of the product. In addition we will need to ask for performance and precision requirements of the application. From this data the application engineering team will perform sizing on the application to evaluate the cumulative effects of the specific radiation environment on the material used in the stages.

After thorough analysis of the environmental effects and application specifics the customer will be presented with a comprehensive solution that will satisfy the needs of the radiation application. Call Stirling Morley on 01376 333333 now to discuss your radiation application requirements.