slides & rails

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• High accuracy, low cost
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Preload drops slide costs

A patented compliant preloaded design allows for a low-cost line of slides with an accuracy of 0.001 in. It retains the standard hardened steel rod-type raceways and the line of balls, but adds an elastomer spine and a shock-absorbing back-up gib. A typical ball-type linear bearing is subjected to cantilevered moment loading at any point in their line of travel. This slide design provides a continuous, even preload while effectively minimizing problems related to impact and shock, over the lifetime of the bearing. The slides are available in eight standard models, with slide travel ranging from 1 to 6 in., and load handling ranging from 20 to 85 lbs. Special designs are also available. Ball Slides Inc, 106 Adams St, Medfield, MA 02052. 800-382-4399. Circle 421.

Short stroke linear positioner. The RB4 linear positioner is ideal for many applications, including laser/fiber optic alignment tool/part positioning, light duty manufacturing and wafer handling systems. It features a compact 4 x 2.5 in. cross section for space limited applications requiring travel of 2 to 8 in. The positioner offers horizontal motion load capacity to 25 lbs., and axial/vertical force capacity to 20 lbs. Bi-directional repeatability is 0.0001 in. Industrial Devices Corp, 64 Digital Dr, Novato, CA 94949-5704. 800-747-0064. Circle 422.

Conveyor guide rail. The Accu-Adjust conveyor guide rail is push-button activated for speed and accuracy in width adjustments. The sealed design features a polyamide external housing that eliminates contaminant entrapment, withstands frequent washdown, and provides long-wearing durability. The actuator features a corrosion-resistant stainless steel spring and guide mechanism housed within a glass-reinforced nylon body. Nolu Plastics Inc, 900 C Tryens Rd, Aston, PA 19014. 610-358-1770. Circle 423.

Linear bearing additions. Several additions have expanded the self-lubricating DryLin linear bearing line. The DryLin T features an integrated clamp which allows for installation at any point of travel without marring the rail. Ideal for tight space applications, the DryLin N has an overall height of 0.37 in. and a width of 1.06 in. The DryLin R with Pillow Block is dimensionally interchangeable with standard housings, and DryLin R Quadroslides are also offered. igus inc, PO Box 14349, East Providence, RI 02914. 888-803-1895. Circle 426.

High-precision slides. A line of precision ball and cross- roller slides offer a straight line accuracy of 0.00004 in. per in. of travel, repeatability of 0.00002 in., and carriage surface flatness of 0.0001 in. per in. The slides use stainless steel balls, rollers, ways, preloaded gibs and fasteners, making them suited for unfriendly environments. Both ball and crossed-roller slides are offered in low profile and flange base styles. Del-Tron Precision Inc, 5 Trowbridge Dr, Bethel, CT 06801. 203-778-2727. Circle 427.

Long-stroke slide. Providing gantry movement between two end positions, this long-stroke slide is available in three sizes, with a maximum stroke of 31.5 in. (800mm). The slide is powered by a rodless cylinder and can bear a maximum payload ranging from 17 to 26 lbs. There are two adjustable end stops with shock absorbers, and the end of stroke is sensed with proximity switches. Positional repeatability is ±0.01mm. MONTECH Automation Components, 2005 Sheridan Dr, Buffalo, NY 14223. 716-875-8976. Circle 424.

Slides for tough environments. This line of linear slides has been expanded to units designed to stand up to foundries, fiberglass manufacturing, stone cutting and quarry applications, machine tools and auto manufacturing facilities. The slides feature Simplicity self-lubricated bearings with the Frelon bearing surface that increase load capacity by over 5 times that of traditional rolling element bearings. Pacific Bearing Co, PO Box 6980, Rockford, IL 61125-6980. 800-962-8979. Circle 425.

Originally published in the December 1998 issue of designfax.
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