Slides, Guides, Positioning Stages

April 2010

Linear Stages
Aerotech (Pittsburgh, PA) has introduced the PRO Series of side-sealed, hard-cover, ballscrew- driven linear stages available in 68 standard models with travels from 50 to 1500 mm.

A variety of travels, widths, speeds, and load capabilities is available.

The hard-cover design provides protection from debris, and the side seals keep dirt and particulates out of the stage and protect the bearing surfaces from contamination. The tabletop can be outfitted with an optional brush assembly to remove particles collected on the hard cover.

Models are available with either a 5 mm/rev, 20 mm/rev, or 25 mm/rev ball screw with a matched brushless rotary servomotor to provide maximum travel speeds up to 1400 mm/s. Features include ±6 μm accuracy, ±1 μm bidirectional repeatability, and 0.5 μm resolution, depending on the model, ball screw, and encoder. The stages can be combined into custom multi-axis solutions (XY, XZ, YZ, and XYZ), and are outfitted with English or metric bolt-hole pattern tabletops.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/28052-301

Rotary Stage
The M660 high-speed, direct-driven piezomotor rotary stage from PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P. (Auburn, MA) is designed using PILine® piezomotor drive technology.

The stage reaches top speeds of 720 degrees/sec and resolution to 40 μrad. A self-locking ceramic drive holds the position steady at rest, and a directly coupled precision optical encoder provides phase lag-free, backlash-free feedback to the servo controller.

A USB interface, software, and driver package enable integration into existing applications.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/28052-302

October 2009

Linear Motor Stages
The ANT95-XY and ANT95-XY-H dual-axis linear motor stages from Aerotech, Pittsburgh, PA, allow travel in X and Y dimensions. They allow critical elements such as orthogonality, straightness, and flatness to be optimized. The technology has no hysteresis or backlash, enabling 5nm resolution, 50nm repeatability, and 250m accuracy in both X and Y dimensions.

Both the 25 × 25mm or 50 × 50mm travel options come with a 60mm profile height. The motor stages use anti-creep cross-roller bearings for high load capacity as well as high precision. The direct-drive technology is non-cogging, non-contact, high speed, high resolution, and high accuracy.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/22928-305

August 2009

Heavy-Duty Slide
The Heavy-Duty Slide 2 from Techno, Inc., New Hyde Park, NY, is constructed of single rigid aluminum extrusion and able to handle heavy cantilevered loads. It measures 225mm wide and is available in travels from 122 to 2,722mm (4.8 to 107.2in.), with a wraparound motor mounting kit that allows for longer travel with shorter overall lengths.

All models have four precision rails, four bearing blocks, home reference and end limit switches. They are available with inline or side-mounted stepper motors or servomotors. The 16mm anti-backlash ball screws are available with 2.5mm (1in.), 5mm (0.2in.), and 20mm (0.8in.) leads.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/22922-303

June 2009

Linear Slide Assembly
HaydonKerk Motion Solutions™, Waterbury, CT, offers the Kerk RGS(R) linear slide assembly combined with the Haydon™ MotoDrive™ PDE Actuator. The integrated linear slide, stepper motor, and electronic drive assembly combines both Kerk and Haydon technology.

The Kerk RGS linear slide features a standard wear-compensating, anti-backlash driven carriage to ensure repeatable and accurate positioning. All moving surfaces include Kerkite® high performance polymers running on either Kerkote® or Black Ice™ TFE coatings.

The MotoDrive operates with optically isolated inputs of pulse, direction and enable signals. The MotoDrive is programmable for micro-stepping ranging from full step mode to 64 micro steps per full step. Step resolution ranges from 200 full steps per revolution to 12,800 steps per revolution when micro-stepping.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/22918-307

Roller Guides
The RB series of roller guides from NSK, Franklin, IN, provides a 26% reduction in overall height compared with NSK’s conventional RA series roller guides.

This facilitates downscaling of equipment and lowering the center of gravity of precision/positioning tables High capacity and high rigidity have been achieved by optimizing the rolling contact conditions, which is a result of configuring the internal dimensions so as to accommodate slider deformation.

The RB series comes in five preloaded sizes ranging from RB30 to RB65. 23 slide model types are available.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/22918-304

February 2009

Micro Manipulator
The MT 105-50-LM micro manipulator stage from Steinmeyer (Burlington, MA) provides a positional accuracy of 1 micrometer, straightness/flatness runout of +/1 micrometer, and repeatability of +/0.2 micrometers.

It measures 105 × 151 × 25 mm and weighs 1.0 kg. Features include preloaded cross roller bearings, fixed stops, and incremental linear encoder with 0.1 micrometer resolution. The stage can be provided as an X-Y stage without an adapter plate, and can also be configured as an XYZ system with an optional bracket.

For more info, contact http://info.hotims.com/22908-309

Nano Positioner
The Nano-SP30 positioning system from Mad City Labs (Madison, WI) is suited for nano-indentation and nano manipulation applications. It provides 25mm of travel with a step size of 95nm. A piezo-driven stage achieves positioning resolution of 0.1nm over 30 microns.

The positioner incorporates high-resolution position sensors with real-time readback and closed-loop control. It also accepts feedback from external sensors through a USB-enabled controller.

For more info, contact http://info.hotims.com/22908-314

December 2008

Heavy-Duty Slide
The HepcoMotion HDS2 from Bishop-Wisecarver (Pittsburg, CA), offers system capacities up to 68kN, and adds new bearing sizes including a 150mm diameter vee bearing and a 144mm diameter taper roller bearing. Maximum single bearing capacity is 50kN, compared to 20kN previously. Low friction cap wipers expel dirt and debris, and provide continuous lubrication for long service life. A removable cover allows easy system adjustment without disassembly. Slides and tracks are available in single-piece construction up to 4 meters long, and are supplied in single or double-edge format in V slides or flat tracks. The V slides have a simple alignment facility to achieve parallelism, while the flat tracks overcome the need to align two slides precisely parallel.

Construction beams with multiple slide and track mounting options add design flexibility, as does a larger aluminum beam which eliminates the need for a machined steel structure. When the extra rigidity of a steel beam is required, all slides can be fitted and aligned using the keyway option with dowel pins. Greater driving forces for heavier loads are achieved through various spur or helical rack and pinion options. The package is complemented by rack-driven carriages, automatic lubrication, and helical bevel gearboxes that can be driven by AC or servo motor.

For free info., visit http://info.hotims.com/15144-300

Rotary Stage
The model DT 65-LM rotary stage from Steinmeyer, Inc. (Burlington, MA) measures a low 25mm high and 105mm long. It weighs only 0.35kg, but can support loads up to 80Newtons.

Driven by a piezo linear motor, the stage has a positional accuracy of 0.015 degrees, repeatability of less than 0.003 degrees and a maximum surface run out of 20 μm. Speeds up to 360 degrees/sec and accelerations greater than 10000 degrees/sec² are achievable. The stage is available with a direct reading incremental angular encoder with 3600 lines, yielding a resolution up to 409,600 counts per 360 degrees.

For free info., visit http://info.hotims.com/15144-306

August 2008

Linear Positioning Stage
The Slipstream Series from LM76 (East Longmeadow, MA) 1 linear stage features 0.2mm/300mm accuracy and 0.1mm repeatability. Available in travel lengths to 6 meters, the precision stage has T-Slots on three sides for installation and/or accessories. The linear stage is ideal for robotics, pick-and-place, assembly, packaging, sampling, testing and other precision positioning applications.

Motor options for the linear stage include a NEMA 23 Stepper, and a 100W or 200W servomotor with encoder. Motors can be mounted on the left or right side, and a fail-safe brake is optional. Mounting configurations include X, Y, and Z axes, and gantries. Steel precision profile rails handle dynamic loads to 22.3KN, and the 50-mm wide, steel-reinforced polyurethane timing belt features a maximum belt strength at 3000 rpm of 1300 N. The low profile (83mm wide x 73mm high) stages are also available in stainless steel versions.

For free info visit http://info.hotims.com/15136-300

Linear Positioning Stage
The DR (dual profile rail) positioning stages from H2W Technologies (Valencia, CA) provide travel lengths to 160in. (4m). These wide footprint (to 15.6 in/396 mm) brushless linear motor stages handle loads up to 442lb (200Kg), continuous force to 445lb (1978N), high resolution to 0.00004in.(1 micron), velocity up to 200in./s (25m/sec), and acceleration up to 9 G’s.

The stages are supplied with a non-contact, 3-phase brushless linear motors, commutated either sinusoidally or trapezoidally with Hall-effect sensors. Available options include matching servo amplifiers and controllers; a high-resolution, non-contact glass or metal scale optical encoder; or magnetic linear encoders with a reference mark for homing.

For free info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15136-303

June 2008

Pneumatic Mini Slide
The DGSL from Festo Corp. is designed as an ultra-precise slide for positioning or as an easy pick-and-place system. The main design element to this precision slide is the use of an integrated bearing system with an accuracy of 0.01 mm and linearity and parallelism in the 1/100 mm range.

Available in eight sizes from 4 to 20 mm diameter and with strokes up to 200 mm, the mini slide is ideally suited for minute parts that need to be handled with utmost precision and where space may be restricted. The optional clamping unit and the end-position interlock prevents undesired lowering of loads onto workpiece carriers. The mini slide offers shock absorber, cushioned metal stop, or polymer stop systems.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15132-304

April 2008

Linear Translation Stages
Linear translation stages from Edmund Optics (Barrington, NJ) are available with travel track distances as long as 24 in. The stages use rack-and-pinion positioning with accuracy of 0.01 in., and are designed to allow easy integration of standard English-unit positioning equipment.

The stages come in single- and dual-knob versions with the stage measuring 2.45(W) × 2.36(L) × 1.18(H) in. Each stage offers nine 1⁄4 -20 tapped holes for equipment mounting and has a load capacity of 5kg horizontal and 2kg vertical when locked. The tracks are 2.45(W) x 0.4(H) in. in 6-, 12-, and 24-in. travel lengths. The stage and track provide straight-line accuracy from 0.004 in. for the 6-in. track, to 0.011in. for the 24-in. track.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15128-308

February 2008

Piezoelectric Stage
The P-737 PiFOC Piezo-Z stage from Physik Instrumente L.P. (Auburn, MA) uses deconvolution and 3D imaging techniques. It provides up to 250 micrometers of travel, millisecond response, and nanometer precision motion under closed-loop control.

The stage achieves 10 to 50 times faster response than conventional stepper motor drives. It is available with a choice of analog and digital piezoelectric controllers and accepts digital and analog input signals. The stage is compatible with many image acquisition packages and includes LabView drivers.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/15124-302

August 2006

Positioning System
The WCS2A/WCS3A PosiTrak™ Position Tracking System from Pepperl+Fuchs (Twinsburg, OH) consists of a U-shaped read head, a code rail and support hardware, and network and control interfaces. The read head optically scans a coded rail to determine a carrier mechanism's position. An internal microprocessor translates a 48 sender/receiver LED array status into a 19-bit code, providing 0.8-mm positional resolution over travel distances to 1,070 feet. Read heads require no calibration. The code rail is available in fiberlaminate or stainless steel, and provides a unique positional code every 0.8 mm of read head travel. Both are sold in customer-specified lengths. All rail types can be horizontally curved; fiber-laminate rails can be flexed for vertical bends. Control interfaces are available to convert R5- 485 signals to most standard network protocols.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5786-309

Translation/Rotation Stage
PI L.P. (Auburn, MA) has released the M-110 series translation stages that provide linear motion of 5, 15, and 25 mm. Available are X, XY, and XYZ systems, which can be combined with the M-116 miniature rotary stage. The systems can be equipped with high-speed piezo drives. Features include 50-nm true minimum incremental motion, choice of lead screw drives and ball screw drives, and integrated Hall effect limit and reference switches. A choice of closed-loop DC motors and stepper motors is available. The encoder on the DC servo motor version features 0.007 micrometer resolutions per count. One- to four-axis systems are available.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5786-311

Motorized Stages
Prior Scientific (Rockland, MA) has added patent-pending Intelligent Scanning Technology (IST) to its Prior ProScan™ II H101A, H107, and H117, 4 × 3" scanning stages. IST allows each stage to be pre-programmed with a unique set of operating characteristics to that particular stage. The technology also allows the controller to periodically interrogate the stage and make adjustments to maintain orthogonality and metric accuracy.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5786-314

June 2006

Belt-Driven Slide
Belt-Driven Slide The Voyager Series VB1 from Techno (New Hyde three meters and speeds up to five meters per second. Used Park, NY) is a belt-driven slide that features lengths up to slide can be assembled to make two- and three-axis systems. It is avail-able in 15 different travels from 200 mm to 3000 mm, with custom travels up to 5700 m also available. The slide comes with several types of motor config-for dispensing, inspection, pick and place, and parts transfer, the urations, including NEMA 23 and 34 steppers and servos, as well as a no-motor model. The slide also features a 50-mm-wide steel-reinforced HTD timing belt drive with a curvilinear profile to minimize slippage.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5659-305

Linear Guide Systems
LM76 (E. Longmeadow, MA) offers the Speed Guides™, two series of high-speed, compact linear guide systems. The Speed Demon OSG type and Speed Demon SG type linear guide systems are ideal for used in X, Y, or Z axes, and are designed for speeds up to 10 m/sec., accelerations to 50 m/sec.2, and loads up to 5600 N. The OSG systems are available in five rail and block sizes. Rails feature predrilled mounting holes, dual RC60 steel shafting in lengths up to 4 meters, and can be cut to size. Each OSG block features 4 dual-contact roller bearings with two bearings on eccentric mounts. Running straightness is ±0.02 mm regardless of system length. Integral felt wipers, high angular dual contact bearings, and corrosion resistant materials permit installation in a broad range of adverse environments. Shafting options include RC60, 440C, and chrome plating.

The SG systems are available in seven rail sizes and 19 block designs in seven sizes to fit a wide range of applications. Each rail has pre-drilled mounting holes, dual RC60 steel shafting in lengths up to four meters, and can be cut to size. SG blocks feature three to five dual-contact roller bearings with one to three bearings on eccentric mounts. Running straightness is ±0.015 mm regardless of system length.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5659-325

Rail System
From LEE Controls (Piscataway, NJ) and designed for automated production lines, CNC machines, power transmission, and other linear motion applications, the SBC Profile Rail System incorporates linear guide rails and blocks and is available in two ranges for high load capacity and two ranges for ultra-high-load applications. Rail lengths up to 4000 mm are available. A seal protects the ball bearings within the guide block and lubrication can be provided through a grease fitting. Available accessories include side grease fitting for obstructed applications, bellows to prevent dust and debris from impairing travel, and scrapers to remove contaminants from high-tem-perature machining operations.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5659-343

February 2006

Indexing Conveyor
The Dual Track Precision Indexing Conveyor from Conveyor Technologies (Milford, OH) permits single-track positioning accuracy for a variety of in-line operations. Dual tracks allow processing of smaller parts on each belt or large parts up to 10 pounds and 24" in length, across both belts. The conveyor is available in 12, 18, and 24" widths. Standard conveyor lengths are 2 to 10'. The conveyor’s accuracy is achieved with dual pulleys that are machined on an integral shaft then mounted on a common frame with matched timing belts that utilize the company’s AccuMove™ technology. A lower return support system prevents belt sag and oscillation.

Available drives include brushless DC motor, stepper, or servo, providing index cycles to 0.5 sec. The dual-track, open-center design accommodates forming or punching heads, assembly fixtures, inspection and testing stations, laser printing equipment, and tag and label applications.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5655-312

Scanning Stages
PI L.P. (Auburn, MA) offers the P- 714 high-speed XY-nanopositioning and scanning stages that are piezodriven and feature a resonant frequency of 2.2 kHz for sub-millisecond response. Integrated position sensors and piezoelectric drives provide sub-nanometer resolution.

The stages measure 45 × 45 × 6 mm, enabling integration into instrumentation. Applications include transmitted-light applications such as microscopy, and scanning, alignment, imaging and resolution enhancement, microscopy, and nanopositioning.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5655-316

Shock Absorber
ACE Controls (Farmington Hills, MI) has introduced the SC 190-HC high-cycle industrial shock absorber for use in high-speed production equipment. It features quick rod-ready time and short stroke, as well as rapid repeat strokes and time through stroke. It is available in three models with varying effective weight ranges. The shock absorbers are suitable for use in packaging industry equipment, rotary actuators, slides, small and medium robotics, machine tools, and pick-andplace operations.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5655-322

Rail Brakes
The RB Series of linear profile guide rail brakes from Nexen Group (Vadnais Heights, MN) use spring force to secure the load in holding applications. Each brake clamps directly onto the center of the guide rail for positive braking and holding in all axes. The brakes eliminate drive train backlash and elasticity, and are spring-engaged and air-released for power-off. Other features include an adjustable facing gap, a large friction facing contact area, and field-serviceable friction facing replacement.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5655-329

Tie Rod Cylinder
The CA2 metric tie rod cylinder series from SMC Corp. of America (Indianapolis, IN) features aluminum die-cast covers to reduce weight. Cushioning capabilities were improved by increasing the volume of the cushion chamber and by using a floating cushion seal. The seal reduces movements of the piston rod at lower operating temperatures. The new design features allow 30% more kinetic energy absorption during the cushioning at the end of the stroke.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5655-340

December 2005

Stepper Motor Stages
H2W Technologies (Valencia, CA) has introduced linear stepper motor stages that travel at speeds to 80 in/sec with stroke lengths to 144" and acceleration to 1G. The 2- and 4-phase steppers are available in four models that offer 2 lbs., 6 lbs., 10 lbs., and 20 lbs. of continuous force. The steppers feature a long-life ribbon cable, motor, bearings, and positioning system with home position, and optional end-of-travel limits. The steppers enable position, velocity, and acceleration control when integrated with a microstepping drive and indexer. An optional linear encoder can be integrated to create a closed-loop system. Steppers can be custom-designed, and stages can be custom sized, drilled, and tapped for integration into a new or existing system.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5294-327

October 2005

Long Drive Strips
CCS drive strips from Nanomotion (Ronkonkoma, NY) are available in up to four meters of single-piece lengths and can be joined together to facilitate longer travel. The drive strips consist of a ceramic coating on a steel substrate, and can be mounted via double-faced tape, mounting holes, or a clamping spar.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5292-316

Optical Linear Slide
The LC 182 absolute optical linear slide from Heidenhain Corp. (Schaumburg, IL) covers measuring lengths of up to 4240 mm (167"). The encoder incorporates single-field scanning and uses a single scanning window, mitigating effects of contamination and offering higher traversing speeds. It offers constant signal quality over the full measuring length, as well as resolution to 0.02 µm and a maximum traversing speed of 120m/min.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5292-305

June

Linear Guide
Bishop-Wisecarver (Pittsburg, CA) has added the QuickTrak® Linear Guide with DualVee Motion Technology® to its family of guided motion systems and components. The belt- or screw-driven systems are suitable for light industrial use in laboratory, medical, and packaging applications. Multiple mounting holes on the DualVee’s wheel plate offer easy configuration for single and double axis gantry applications.

This innovative lubricated linear guide system requires only minimal attention after long maintenance intervals. QuickTrak is constructed of rugged corrosion resistant materials and is impervious to most laboratory chemicals. The product’s performance can also be upgraded with peripheral accessories and adapted to multiple industries and applications.
For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5081-301

Rotation Stages
Newport Corp. (Irvine, CA) offers the URS series of low-profile rotation stages featuring top-down mounting and compact design. Both the closed-loop DC servo motor (URS-CC) and open-loop stepper motor (URS-PP) versions feature a proprietary four-contact-point ball bearing and two-piece design. A tilted worm screw arrangement allows for four symmetric mounting holes for greater support of high or off-centered loads.

The URS-CC features 0.0005° resolution, 0.002° uni-directional repeatability, an index pulse for precision homing, and adjustable-limit switches. The URS-PP is a more economical version with high-output torque.
For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5081-321

April

Direct-Drive Rotary Stage
The Aerotech (Pittsburgh, PA) ASR1200 stage uses a direct-drive brushless motor and encoder, and includes an integral pneumatically operated collet chuck for automated material handling and a sealed water jacket for wet cutting processes. The ER16 collet accepts up to 5.8-mm O.D. tubing and has a threaded retainer cap for quick-changeover. A frictionless, seal-less rotary union delivers air to the rotating collet assembly. There is a quick release fitting on the rear of the unit for fluid input and an NPT thread, allowing the “water jacket” length to match that of the tube. Inside an O-ring assembly seals the tubing against the I.D. of the shaft, which rotates to eliminate torsion-induced errors.
For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/4834-315

February

Linear Slide
Designed for linear motion applications, the RGS™ 10000 Slide from Kerk Motion Products (Hollis, NH) features a precision aluminum guide and carriage, and is driven by a rolled stainless steel lead screw. The moving surfaces include Kerkite™ high performance polymers running on Kerkote™ TFE coating. The compact, self-contained slide is backlash and maintenance free. It is suitable for a variety of industrial packaging applications.
For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/4465-908