What Is a Leveling Foot?
A leveling foot is a device attached to the bottom of structures like trestles to adjust their height. It consists of a conical pad touching the ground and a bolt oriented towards the apex. The bolt is inserted into a frame attached to the trestle, allowing height adjustment by securing the bolt at various positions. To prevent loosening, a nut is used to firmly secure the bolt to the frame.
Uses of Leveling Feet
Leveling feet are commonly used in industrial and academic settings, particularly on trestles and machine tools. They facilitate the installation of equipment on uneven surfaces by compensating for ground irregularities, thereby ensuring horizontal alignment. However, care must be taken during installation to avoid straining the frame.
Principle of Leveling Feet
The functionality of a leveling foot lies in its ability to adjust the height of a structure by tightening a bolt. The conical part at the bolt’s end makes ground contact, supporting the structure. Height adjustment is typically achieved by rotating the bolt in threaded holes on the frame, although methods using two nuts to secure the pad without threaded holes are also common.
Some leveling feet designs include rollers for easy movement of the equipment. The rollers are grounded when moving the equipment, and the pad is placed on the ground to secure the machine when stationary.
Types of Leveling Feet
Leveling feet come in various types, each designed for different loads:
1. Low Load Type
Used for lighter structures, these feature smaller bolts (around M5) and a thinner conical ground contact part. The ground surface area is often enlarged for increased stability.
2. Heavy Load Type
Designed for heavier loads, these have larger bolts (up to M30) and a thicker conical part for ground contact, offering sturdier construction.
3. Other Types
There are also variants with rubber on the ground contact surface to prevent scratches, as well as those offering anti-vibration and anti-slip benefits.
Other Information on Leveling Feet
1. Working Precautions
Leveling feet are often made from strong stainless steel. However, the risk of galling or welding of threads due to frictional heat can occur when tightening bolts under heavy loads. To prevent this, applying a fluorine spray to the threads is recommended. Additionally, using a nut in conjunction with the bolt ensures stable height over time.
2. Bolt Length
Long bolts can compromise rigidity in the bolt area, especially if a significant off-ground height is required. In such cases, extending the bolt fixing section is advisable to maintain structural integrity.