Linear positioning tables are good building blocks

BSL Engineering has enhanced its capability to provide multi-axis positioning systems with the introduction of the new Parker 406XR series of ultra compact linear positioning tables

Motion control and automation systems specialist, BSL Engineering, has enhanced its capability to provide multi-axis positioning systems with the introduction of the new Parker 406XR series of ultra compact linear positioning tables.

The 406XR series units are the ideal building blocks for multi-axis positioning systems, combining speed and accuracy with high load capacity.

They also meet the demanding machine build schedules of today's OEM's with short lead times provided by Parker's build-to-order manufacturing facilities.

The 406XR series are part of Parker's comprehensive 400XR range of linear positioning tables.

They offer the maximum in system flexibility with a choice of 14 different travel lengths - spanning 100mm to 2000mm - and the capability for load capacities up to 6kN.

In addition, a robust and integrated design enables the tables to handle speeds of up to 1,500mm/sec, acceleration rates as high as 20,000mm/sec/sec and provide position repeatability to just +/-1.3um.

All the 406XR series units feature sturdy extruded aluminium bodies and offer a very compact profile measuring just 150mm wide by 70mm high.

The tables employ square rail carriage support bearings to maximise their load-carrying capacity, and use a high-efficiency ballscrew drive fitted with angular contact bearings to ensure positioning smoothness, accuracy and repeatability.

A choice of 5, 10, 20 or 25mm ballscrew drive pitches enables users to achieve virtually any desired resolution/velocity ratio.

All tables with travel lengths up to 600mm are equipped with a ground ballscrew, whilst tables from 700mm to 2000mm travel utilise a rolled ballscrew.

Tables up to 600mm travel may also be specified in precision grade, offering higher positioning accuracy and repeatability (+/-1.3um), than the standard version (+/-5.0um).

The enhanced performance of the precision grade units means that they are particularly suitable for "high-end" applications such as semiconductor manufacturing.

For applications demanding extremely high positioning accuracy, 406XR series tables can be fitted with a linear encoder option to provide direct feedback of carriage position; there are three versions to choose from offering resolutions of 0.1, 0.5 and 1 æm.

A rotary shaft encoder with a 1,250-lines/rev output is also available, which attaches directly to the drive shaft and is particularly useful for minimising any mechanical error when using a parallel-mounted motor to reduce overall length.

Both the standard and precision versions of 406XR series tables are equipped with four carriage support bearings to maximise reliability, and are rated for a 100% duty cycle.

Removable aluminium covers and stainless steel strip seals are fitted as standard, to guard against the ingress of contaminants.

The tables offer a very long working life; for example, with an evenly distributed compression load of 4kN the specified life is in excess of 10,000km of travel.

Maximum integration flexibility is provided by the ability of the 406XR tables to accept both stepper and servo motors.

In addition, there's a choice of 28 different motor mounts to make life easy.

The motors can be mounted in-line or parallel and can employ Oldham or bellows type couplers to transfer motor torque to the drive screw.

A comprehensive range of fully machined brackets is available to simplify construction of multi-axis systems, including Z-axis, X-Y Cartesian and carriage-to-carriage adapters.

Importantly the brackets can be supplied dowel pinned to ensure a high degree of orthogonality (or "right angleness").

Other options include fully adjustable travel limit and home sensors, and an electromagnetic brake assembly to halt vertical carriage movement in the event of power loss.

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