# 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:** 2026-10-06

**Source:** https://r2r.tech/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/actuators) provide up to 2,000 lbf of nominal thrust (RLA-200).
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, with 0.0635 mm resolution and ±0.127 mm repeatability at line speeds up to 760 m/min — 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
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- Email: sales@r2r.tech