# What structural requirements must be met for a successful chasing system?

> Chasing systems move heavy machinery (slitter bases, coating heads) rather than lightweight web rollers. This imposes strict mechanical requirements: Structural rigidity: The carriage must be stiff enough that its natural frequency exceeds the control frequency (typically >25-50Hz). If the sensor...

**Last updated:** 2026-02-01

**Source:** https://live-roll2roll.pantheonsite.io/resources/faq/what-structural-requirements-must-be-met-successful-chasing-system

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## Question

What structural requirements must be met for a successful chasing system?

## Short Answer

The tool carriage must have high structural rigidity (natural frequency >25-50Hz), and the actuator must be sized for both breakaway force and acceleration—not just speed.

## Detailed Answer

Chasing systems move heavy machinery (slitter bases, coating heads) rather than lightweight web rollers. This imposes strict mechanical requirements:

1. Structural rigidity: The carriage must be stiff enough that its natural frequency exceeds the control frequency (typically >25-50Hz). If the sensor bracket wobbles, it creates "false error" and causes oscillation.
2. Breakaway force: The actuator must overcome static friction in the linear bearings. [Roll-2-Roll® Actuators](https://r2r.tech/products/roll-2-roll-actuators) provide up to 2,000 lbf (8,900 N) thrust.
3. Acceleration over speed: The actuator must change direction fast enough to match web error rates. Speed alone won't help if the carriage can't accelerate quickly.

**Rule of thumb:** If the system oscillates or hunts, check carriage rigidity first—it's the most common cause of chasing failures.

**Category:** Technical, Installation

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## About Roll-2-Roll Technologies

Roll-2-Roll Technologies designs and manufactures patented fiber-optic web position sensors and advanced web guiding controllers — the precision measurement and control core of modern roll-to-roll manufacturing. Spun out of Oklahoma State University's Web Handling Research Center and trusted by Fortune 500 medical, battery, and nonwovens manufacturers, our patented sensors work without recalibration at ±0.1mm accuracy up to 760 mpm — typical customer outcomes are 50%+ less downtime and payback under six months. Headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, our team of PhDs, controls engineers, and industry veterans extends the sensor + controller core into complete web guide systems including stepper-motor-based linear actuators (RLA, BLA, LHS).

- Website: https://r2r.tech
- Phone: +1 (888) 290-3215
- Email: sales@r2r.tech