When you rotate the lower element of a Zbeam® with respect to the upper element, how does it hold the angle?
A. A large friction bearing is integrated into the axle assembly. If you apply approximately 15-18 foot pounds of torque, the lower element will rotate. With no torque applied, the lower element will lock to hold the angle. The friction bearing in the Zbeam behaves very much like an automobile sun visor. When you apply a force, you can easily adjust it. If you don’t apply a force, it stays put. Same idea, just on a larger scale. Although the heavy duty friction bearings on Zbeams easily retain their set pan angles, installations in places such as gymnasiums may have things like basketballs or volleyballs flying through the air which could strike a Zbeam and inadvertently change the pan angle. An accessory Lockbar Kit (product code LKB) prevents any possiblity of inadvertent change of pan angles.
