Tray Mechanism for Optical Drives

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Tray Mechanism

Definition

A tray mechanism is the electromechanical component within an optical drive (such as CD, DVD, or Blu-ray drives) responsible for the controlled loading and unloading of discs. It consists of a motor, gears, rails, and the tray itself, working together to smoothly extend the tray for disc insertion and retract it securely into the drive housing for operation. The mechanism is typically constructed from engineering plastics (e.g., ABS, POM), stainless steel, and aluminum alloy, balancing strength, weight, and cost. Key parameters include a tray load capacity of 0.5–2.0 kg, a full extend/retract cycle time of 1.5–3.0 seconds, and a position repeatability of ±0.1 mm to ensure disc alignment. The operating voltage is 5 V DC ±10%, with an operating temperature range of -10 to 60 °C and storage temperature of -40 to 85 °C. Relative humidity should be 10–90% non-condensing. The mechanism offers ingress protection rated IP30–IP40 per IEC 60529, and the material is flame retardant to UL 94 V-0 (PC/ABS). The weight including motor and gears is 80–150 g, and dimensions are 128×126×10 mm for a standard 5.25-inch drive bay. These values are reference ranges; actual specifications must be confirmed with the manufacturer for the specific model. The tray mechanism is a critical part for reliable disc handling, and its performance directly affects user experience and drive longevity.

Working Principle

Upon receiving an electronic signal (e.g., from an eject button or software command), a small DC motor is activated. This motor drives a gear train, which converts rotational motion into linear motion along guide rails. This linear motion pushes the plastic or metal tray outward from the drive chassis. A limit switch or sensor detects when the tray is fully extended or fully retracted, signaling the motor to stop. A locking mechanism often engages when retracted to hold the tray and disc firmly in place during high-speed rotation.

Common Materials

Engineering Plastic (e.g., ABS, POM), Stainless Steel, Aluminum Alloy

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Tray Load Capacity	0.5–2.0 kg	Maximum disc weight supported
Tray Travel Time	1.5–3.0 s	Full extend/retract cycle
Tray Position Repeatability	±0.1 mm	Ensures disc alignment
Operating Voltage	5 ±10% V DC	Standard logic voltage
Operating Temperature	-10–60 °C	Beyond range may cause jamming
Storage Temperature	-40–85 °C	Non-operating
Relative Humidity	10–90 %	Non-condensing
Ingress Protection	IP30–IP40	Protection against dust and splashesIEC 60529
Material	PC/ABS	Flame retardant gradeUL 94 V-0
Weight	80–150 g	Including motor and gears
Dimensions (L×W×H)	128×126×10 mm	Standard 5.25-inch drive bay

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Tray Plate Part
Platform that holds the optical disc; features a spindle hub for centering and a recess for disc placement.

Material: ABS Plastic
Drive Motor
Provides the rotational force to move the tray via the gear assembly.

Material: Copper Windings, Steel Housing
Rack and Pinion Gear Set
Converts the rotational motion from the motor into the linear motion required to extend/retract the tray.

Material: POM Plastic or Steel
Guide Rails Part
Provide a low-friction, precise path for the tray to slide along during operation.

Material: Stainless Steel or Aluminum
Limit Switch/Sensor
Detects when the tray has reached its fully extended or retracted position, signaling the motor to stop.

Material: Plastic, Metal Contacts
Locking Mechanism
Holds the tray and disc firmly in place during high-speed rotation.

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Tray Mechanism.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Optical Drive

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Tray Mechanism

1 company lists this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

JOCHAMP

Rui'an, Zhejiang, CN

Founded 2005

CE ISO9001 SGS

Also makes: Cartoning Machine, Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) Machine, Blister Packaging Machine and 9 more

Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

View profile Send enquiry

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of a tray mechanism in an optical drive?

The tray mechanism extends and retracts the disc tray to allow insertion and removal of discs. It ensures smooth and controlled movement, and securely holds the disc during operation.

What materials are commonly used in tray mechanisms?

Typical materials include engineering plastics (ABS, POM), stainless steel, and aluminum alloy. These provide strength, durability, and lightweight properties.

What are the key parameters to consider when selecting a tray mechanism?

Important parameters include load capacity (0.5–2.0 kg), travel time (1.5–3.0 s), position repeatability (±0.1 mm), operating voltage (5 V DC ±10%), temperature ranges, humidity, ingress protection (IP30–IP40), and dimensions.

How should I verify the specifications of a tray mechanism?

Always confirm model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier. The listed parameters are reference ranges and may vary by model.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for Tray Mechanism

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes: Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here: We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman: CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What we don't claim: A listing is not an endorsement. Qualify every supplier and verify every figure yourself before ordering.

pressure:	Atmospheric only (non-pressurized)
other spec:	Max tray load: 150g, Extension/retraction speed: 0.5-2.0 sec, Duty cycle: 10,000 cycles
temperature:	-10°C to 60°C

Tray Mechanism

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Applied To / Applications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards