Linear slides - an essential ingredient for automated production

Citation

(1998), "Linear slides - an essential ingredient for automated production", Assembly Automation, Vol. 18 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1998.03318bad.003

Linear slides - an essential ingredient for automated production

Linear slides ­ an essential ingredient for automated production

Keywords Automation, Machine Building Systems Ltd, Production, Slides

Linear slides can be used in a wide range of production engineering applications, from simple guides for machine guarding, or as more sophisticated components of integrated machining or assembly processes. They can also be used as auto loading gantries for more complex automated production machines, where the robust profile sections can accommodate even offset or cantilevered loads, often eliminating the need for two slides.

Linear slides manufactured from the Item range of components are available from Machine Building Systems Ltd and can be assembled to any length (Plate 2). They combine the qualities of straightness, accuracy and rigidity, suitable for repetitive precision applications. Longer lengths can also be economically produced from the Item range of equipment.

Assemblies are based on precision extruded high tensile aluminium profile sections available in lengths of up to 6 metres, which can be supplied for even very heavy duty applications. Slides in excess of 25 metres can be quickly and easily constructed, for use with a wide range of manufacturers' drive mechanisms or actuators. For maximum economy, DC motors can be used, with servo motors available for more sophisticated requirements.

Plate 2 Typical linear slide mechanisms from the Item range which can be supplied in a wide range of loadings and operating lengths up to 25 metres

Toothed belt motor drive mechanisms are economical and quiet, offering backlash free movement with a high degree of repetitive accuracy, claims the manufacturer. Optional belt drive return through the central profile cavity also ensures cleaner, safer operation. Ball screw drive options can also be supplied.

Linear slides of any length are constructed with simple butt jointing, using proprietary power-lock clamp fittings. These are then fitted with a shaft guide which takes a hardened, ground and polished shaft. These are both pressed into position to form continuous, accurate bearing surfaces for the roller guides. These guides incorporate ball bearing prismatic rollers with built-in lubricators. They combine high loading capacity with low friction and high travel speeds to cover the most exacting requirements for xy and even lull xyz movements where required.

Three sizes of shaft and appropriate bearings can be chosen to fit into any of the basic profiles. These give from 50kg loading capacity on 6mm shafts, up to 1.2 tonnes on 25mm diameter shafts.

Contact Machine Building Systems Ltd, Heage Road Industrial Estate, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3GH, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1773 749330; Fax +44 (0) 1773 749560.