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Del-Tron Crossed Roller Tables

Del-Tron’s aluminum and steel crossed roller tables are the perfect choice for applications requiring high accuracy and exceptional load carrying capabilities. Accuracies range from 0.0001” per inch of travel straight line accuracy on our aluminum tables to 0.00008” of parallelism on our steel crossed roller tables and are capable of carrying loads in excess of 2600 lbs.

The aluminum crossed roller tables are available with both inch and metric mounting holes. You can choose from our low profile LPT series with its 3 rail design or opt for our Gold Motion series with its flanged base and 4 rail design. Both are available with stainless steel crossed roller rails and roller cages for applications where corrosion resistance is a requirement. For vertical applications or applications involving high acceleration or deceleration forces you may want to consider our Anti-Creep crossed roller tables. These units employ a rail and roller cage design that eliminates roller cage migration or slippage due to load orientations or acceleration forces. Solid model drawings for our entire product line are available on our website.

Del-Tron Precision Inc.
www.deltron.com

Thomson Opens New Northeast Machining Center

WOOD DALE, IL –Thomson has opened the new Northeast Machining Center for rapid delivery of genuine Thomson 60 Case™ Shafting. Located in Long Island, New York, the 10,000 sq. ft. Northeast Machining Center promises same and next day shipment of the highest quality stainless or carbon steel shafting available in the industry, in quantities up to 25 pieces. Larger quantities are available for same and next day shipping subject to availability. Full random lengths are available up to 202 in. in diameters up to 2 in. (50 mm), or shafting can be cut to customer specifications with no setup fees on cut-to-length and special machining orders. Thomson also has Midwest and West Coast Machining Centers for rapid delivery of genuine 60 Case Shafting throughout the United States.

A complete range of special machining is available including, among others, special length and straightness tolerances, axial and radial holes, keyways, flats, diameter reductions, threaded shaft diameters, annealing, retaining ring grooves, machined joints. Custom coatings including Armoloy™ and hard chrome plating are currently available from the Thomson Midwest and West Coast Machining Centers; custom coating capability will be available from the Northeast Machining Center in Q3 or Q4, 2009.

“Customers increasingly need high quality motion control products faster than ever before, and this program delivers on both counts. Not only will most products ship the same or next day, but Thomson toolmakers and machinists average 22 years experience, and it shows in what we believe to be the highest quality shafting available in the industry today,” says Dennis Howe, General Manager, Linear Bearings and Guides.

The company says that genuine Thomson Ball Bushing® Bearings used in combination with Thomson 60 Case Shafting can last up to 60% longer than imitation bearings and shafting.

Thomson
www.thomsonlinear.com

Miniature Piezomotor Linear Slide

Auburn, MA – Physik Instrumente’s (PI) patented P-653 piezomotor linear slide is significantly smaller than other miniature linear stages and provides significantly higher velocities and resolution. It features a travel range of 2mm with force generation to 0.15N and comes pre-assembled and mounted on a PC board and is only 8mm long.

This true linear motor system has no conversion of rotation, eliminating rotary conversion losses, and consists of only 4 parts and can replace classical drive elements like miniaturized motor/lead screw systems or other linear motors with speeds of up to 200mm/sec (8in./sec) and an auto-locking feature. Integration of the P-653 is simple because the moving slider and the piezomotor are delivered assembled as a unit on a PCB driver board running on 5VDC.

P-653-series PILine® ultrasonic motors are ideal for OEM applications where quantities are high and space is at a premium. The systems are optimized for moving small objects such as optical fibers, micro-optics, or micro-electromechanical elements fast and precisely. These non-magnetic ceramic motors can also be used in medical applications.

Motion is controlled by TTL voltage pulses applied to the driver electronics. The self-adjusting driver creates the high-frequency, nanometer level oscillations (~500kHz) that make the ultrasonic ceramic motor move. PILine^® linear piezomotors are based on a patented ultrasonic drive. At the heart of the system is a rectangular monolithic piezoceramic plate (the stator), segmented on one side by two electrodes. Depending on the desired direction of motion, the left or right electrode of the piezoceramic plate is excited to produce high-frequency eigenmode oscillations of hundreds of kilohertz. PILine® motors are vacuum compatible, non-magnetic and self-locking.

A developer’s kit can now be ordered from PI-USA’s Piezo Basics Online Store at http://store.pi-usa.us/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=P-653.01D

www.pi.ws

Heavy-Duty Slide 2 Carries Heavy-Cantilevered Loads with Ease

New Hyde Park, NY – Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems introduces the newly improved Heavy-Duty Slide 2, constructed from a single rigid aluminum extrusion profile and capable of handling heavy-cantilevered loads. The 225mm wide, modular design is available in travels from 122mm (4.8in.) to 2722mm (107.2in.) with a new wraparound motor mounting kit that allows for longer travel with shorter overall lengths. The Heavy-Duty Slide 2 is made to be extremely versatile with T-slots on three sides for easy mounting options.

The Heavy-Duty Slide 2 offers a wide stable base for use in assembly equipment and the ability to handle large cantilevered loads makes it ideal for a range of applications. The Slide 2 also uses Teflon lip seals so that the full length of travel is utilized and the interior components are guarded against contaminants.

All models are fit with four precision rails, four bearing blocks, home reference and end limit switches. Users can choose from inline or side-mounted stepper motors or servomotors. The 16mm anti-backlash ball screws are available in 2.5mm (0.1in.), 5mm (0.2in.), 10mm (0.4in.), and 20mm (0.8in.) leads. Complete CAD drawings are available on the web.

To speak with an applications engineer call 1-516-328-3970.

For additional information about the Heavy-Duty Slide 2, visit http://www.techno-isel.com/tic/Catdas/HeavyDutySlide2.htm.

Significant Lead Time Reduction for Selected Thomson Linear Slides

WOOD DALE, IL – Thomson has significantly reduced lead times for some of its most popular Thomson slides. Lead times for Thomson 2DA, 2CA, 2BA, IB Series, IC Series, ID Series and IV Series linear guides have been reduced to just 2 days. 

Lead times for Thomson 2DB, 2EB, MS, 2HB, 2HE, 2RB AND 2RE driven systems have been reduced to just 4 days. The new lead times are effective for orders of 5 pieces or fewer. Lead times for higher quantities will remain 10-20 days, depending on the particular series of Thomson slide ordered.

www.thomsonlinear.com

The New ZF1 Belt Drive Slide from Techno, Inc.

New Hyde Park, NY – Techno, Inc. Linear Motion Systems is proud to announce the ZF1 Belt Drive Slide, a low cost, economical slide that can lower your costs in factory automation applications. This lightweight model is driven by a 9 mm wide HTD belt that can be ordered in travels ranging from 153 mm (6”) through 2853 mm (112.3”). Perfect for tight spaces, the ZF1 Belt Drive Slide is 30 mm wide with an accompanying carriage that is 72 mm wide. The small width of the slide allows it to fit into tight spaces, increasing the versatility and options any machine builder might need in their design. 

Techno’s ZF1 Belt Drive Slides have a maximum speed of 1.5 m/sec., and can be ordered with a 200W (2:1 Ratio), 100W (2:1 Ratio) servomotors, 50 N•cm, 160 N•cm (2:1 Ratio) stepper motors, or a 2:1 Ratio Assembly with no motor. The belt drive pulley is 19.1 mm in diameter and has a specific mass of 0.0225 kg/m.

http://www.techno-isel.com/tic/Catdas/ZF1.htm

Custom Linear Slide Kit from GAM

Mount Prospect, IL, USA – Long lead times are a thing of the past with customized LSK mounting solutions from GAM now available in only 5 days. When mounting a motor or gearbox to a linear slide, belt or ball screw actuator, a customized Linear Slide Kit (LSK) from GAM can be your hassle-free, simple solution. Compatible with any linear slide, belt or ball screw actuator and any motor or gearbox, the custom LSK solutions are easy to mount and economical. GAM provides all the engineering and design for every custom LSK mounting solution. 

Many belt or ball screw actuators can be delivered in 1-2 weeks; however, the motor mount assembly can extend lead-times by 4 – 6 weeks and add substantial cost to the assembly. GAM’s new guarantee of quick, 5-day availability is a key benefit to reducing the overall delivered lead-time of the actuator and total cost.

The LSK from GAM is offered in multiple sizes, with several different custom-bored coupling options. A bellows can be supplied for high stiffness or an elastomer can be supplied when dampening is required. The LSK includes all necessary mounting hardware, making installation as simple as tightening down the bolts. Readily available and reasonably priced, these custom mounting solutions from GAM are designed for high performance without the wait.

www.gamweb.com

Kerk RGS 10000 Slide

Waterbury,CT — HaydonKerk Motion Solutions™ offers its Kerk® RGS® 10000 Slide. The Kerk RGS 10000 Slide is designed to provide both exceptional value and performance for use in a diverse range of motion control applications. The Kerk RGS 10000 Slide builds on the revolutionary RGS platform first introduced with the RGS 6000.

The RGS 10000 is capable of handling dynamic axial loads of up to 100 lbs. and at speeds of more than 60 in/sec. The RGS 10000 Slide is compact, self-contained, and maintenance free. It also incorporates the Kerk patented anti-backlash design for precision motion. The slide is an ideal choice for demanding applications such as materials handling, industrial packaging, automated cutting and slitting, transportation door actuation, and large X-Y tables.

www.HaydonKerk.com

::Design World::

Electric Ultran High Load Slides

(Monee, IL) – Bimba Manufacturing announced the availability of Electric Ultran High Load slides, Bimba’s first standard electric models. The slides achieve a new level of performance with higher positioning accuracy, smoother operation, and facility for positioning control. With a footprint similar to the Bimba Ultran High Load pneumatic line, the products are perfect for addressing high moment loads, high side loads, and processes that require precision positioning like those found in packaging, material handling, and pick-and-place applications.

Models are available in two frames, 09 and 17, with DC motor, step motor, and no motor options in strokes up to 72 inches. The DC motor driven slides produce maximum thrusts from 5 to 168 pounds at maximum speeds from 16 to 40 inches per second. Step motor driven slides produce maximum thrusts from 12 to 200 pounds, at maximum speeds from 15 to 25 inches per second, for applications that require more accurate positioning.

Fine or Coarse frames are available. The Fine frame provides better than 0.010-inch position control, while the Coarse frame provides a more cost-effective solution when 0.100-inch position control is acceptable.

Ball and lead screws are also available. The lead screw provides the quietest operation and least end play, while the ball screw provides the highest efficiency and greatest load capacity. Standard options include stroke length adjustments, bumpers, a switch track, and a screw wiper to keep contamination out of the drive nut.

www.bimba.com

: Design World :

Buy vs. Build? The Choice is Easier.

Chris Blaszczyk is the Manager of Product Development, Automation Components Div., Misumi USA, Inc.

You have choices on how to precisely move a load in a single axis: actuators, linear guides, slides, stages, or tables will all handle the required motion.  To control their function, you may choose among hydraulics, electromechanics, electromagnetics, or other means. And when you use these units as part of a machine, or as part of a piece of equipment, assembly line, or testing device, it’s your choice as to whether to buy or build.

Your decision rests on several factors, as there are specific attributes required of these single-axis devices.  They must provide precisely controlled fast motion, while remaining as friction-free as possible, and encounter a minimum of mechanical wear. They must also deliver reliable and repeatable positioning.  Today’s linear motion devices let you control the motions more precisely. Plus, newer construction materials better suit the particular needs of various industries. 

Dozens of manufacturers offer single axis motion systems in a variety of sizes, styles, and material construction. Several of the most common types of motorized linear actuators are:
• Ball screw driven and ball guided units that handle high thrust, heavy load, precise positioning, and stiffness requirements.
• Ball screw driven and single guided units that are low in cost yet suited for harsh operating environments where contaminants are present.
• Belt driven and ball guided units that offer a long use life and smooth operation, plus high speeds, acceleration, and accommodation of medium payloads.
• Belt driven and slide guided units that require little maintenance but offer high-speed, plus smooth, quiet operation under acceleration.

Various styles of linear motion devices are available today.  The decision to make or buy one of these devices hinges on many factors, including the availability of standard or custom product,
the quantities required for the application, the ability of the engineering talent to design and build.

Applications in automotive, appliance, packaging, medical, semiconductor, general assembly and test, and factory automation industries all take different factors into account to select the right operating mode, construction material, performance features, as well as conditions involving ambient noise.  Costs are affected by the availability of standard or easily customized product, the quantities required for the application, the ability of the resident engineering talent to design and build, plus the immediacy of need.  

The build choice
The decision to build will typically depend on whether you can find an already built unit to suit your application needs. Industries such as medical and semiconductor, where the unit will function in a clean room or other controlled environment, will mandate the use of certain construction grade materials, which may or may not be readily available from traditional component manufacturers.  Here, the typical choice would be to build the single-axis unit.

You may find units that meet special material needs, but they may not offer the necessary force, load, travel distances, resolution, deflection, and other mechanical specifications.  Other features may be difficult to find as well.  These features would include, but not be limited to, the correct size, speed, accuracy, stroke and load-bearing ranges, as well as the finish and lubricant compatibility for certain industries such as food, medical, and semiconductor where particulate migration is a concern. 

A purchased unit will often require some minimal design costs.  Many companies offer an online configurator that lets you make minor changes for a small fee.

Regardless of the operational mode selected, the choice to build involves calculating the forces, loads, and tolerance build-up for each component.  Furthermore, you must calculate the use life of each component, the fit, the function, the durability and the maintenance requirements of each component. 

The choice to buy
With a purchased unit, the size, speed, accuracy, positioning repeatability, load, stroke and other feature information are sometimes available at the unit level but not at the component level.  Even so, this information can shorten evaluation time.  With the decision to build, you often must spend time investigating whether available standard components will properly fit together.  A decision to purchase removes this task, saving configuration time. 

You must still consider the overall durability of the unit, its lifespan in the particular application, maintenance requirements, and availability. These questions can usually be answered quickly, either by catalog documentation online or, through a phone call to a knowledgeable applications engineer.  You must still choose the correct size, speed, accuracy, load, stroke, and motor compatibility for the job. 

Suppliers will typically have native CAD files ready to download in various formats to suit your platform. Some will offer an online configuration option that lets you select modifications, often without surcharge, to the standard catalog items. 

Thus, you can contain cost, save substantial time, and eliminate outside machining or in-house shop utilization to make modifications before final assembly into the end product or manufacturing operation.

What’s the cost?
Pricing is always a consideration, whether building semiconductors or screwdrivers. The decision to build versus buy takes pricing into account, but in different ways. 

When pricing the build of a linear motion unit, there’s the obvious expense of buying individual components separately from various vendors, with the attendant paperwork.  To build a single-axis, motor-driven, ball screw actuator with 340 mm base length, 150 mm table width and 12 mm lead screw diameter that will handle a vertical load of about 140 kg, you’ll need a number of components.  These components include the ball screw, the guide, support units, table, brackets, and machined aluminum base.  Each of these parts will cost approximately $100 to more than $400, based on today’s online published prices.  On average, it can cost you a total of more than $2000 to build your unit.

Buying a unit, especially one configured online, is simpler.  In many cases, all you need to do is choose the most cost-effective solution.  With reputable suppliers, maintenance tasks and purchase costs are generally lower, which can ease budgeting.

A purchased unit will often require some minimal design costs. However, once specifications are entered into an online configurator and you’ve found a suitable CAD file, the procurement process is simple. You will be working with one vendor, one price, one purchase order, and one part number.

In terms of the time required, bear in mind that the build route requires multiple lead times from multiple vendors.  Additionally, there’s the internal engineering time for component selection, an assembly drawing, component drawings, order placement, shipping, assembly into production, and inspection.  Such a project can typically take several weeks up to several months, depending on the complexity of the chosen components. 

Buying, on the other hand, gives you a predictable delivery schedule, which gives you greater control to manage the machine build time.  Check, however, to be sure your chosen supplier does not have a large back-order log, which could delay the delivery of your unit.
The decision to build or buy requires an honest assessment of the resident engineering and machine shop resources at your company.  In many cases and in most industries, the available products from vendors will save you time and cost, and be a reliable alternative for your linear motion requirements.

Misumi USA Inc.
www.misumiusa.com

:: Design World ::

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