Linear positioning tables are only 40mm wide

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 18, 2002

Two new series of miniature precision linear positioning tables are designed specifically for applications involving very small work envelopes.

Two new series of miniature precision linear positioning tables are designed specifically for applications involving very small work envelopes.

The new Micromech 401XR and 402XR series tables are characterised by exceptionally narrow widths of just 40 and 58mm, respectively, and provide repeatable positioning to +/-12um, with some models offering an even higher accuracy of +/-5um.

The tables are believed to be some of the highest precision, small form factor units on the market, and are available with an exceptionally wide choice of configuration options to simplify system integration.

Their size and precision make them particularly suitable for applications in photonics, semiconductor and life science industries.

The 401XR series tables have a load-carrying capacity of 50kg, and are available with a choice of five different travel lengths, from 50 to 300mm.

The 402XR series tables have a higher load-carrying capacity of 100kg, and offer a choice of six travel lengths, spanning 100 to 600mm.

Both series of tables employ high-efficiency precision-ground ballscrew drives, together with high strength re-circulating bearing systems that have a low coefficient of friction, to provide exceptional positioning accuracy, repeatability and smoothness.

A choice of 2, 5 or 10mm ballscrew drive pitches facilitates application matching, enabling users to achieve virtually any desired resolution/velocity ratio.

Most of the tables can handle positioning speeds up to 700mm/s, and they all accommodate acceleration rates as high as 20m/s2 and are rated for 100% duty cycle.

For applications demanding extremely high positioning accuracy, 401XR and 402XR series tables can be fitted with a linear encoder to provide direct feedback of the carriage position; there are three versions available, offering resolutions of 0.1, 0.5 and 1um.

The carriage assembly features dowel locating holes to simplify accurate registration of the payload and to ensure highly repeatable positioning.

Removable aluminium covers and IP30-rated strip seals are fitted as standard, to guard against the ingress of contaminants and the 401XR and 402XR series tables accept stepper or servomotors.

The new miniature 401XR and 402XR series tables are fully compatible with all other products in the renowned 400XR family.

This linear positioner family is one of the most extensive in the industry, offering over two million product configuration options.

All 400XR series tables are inherently modular in design, enabling users to build multi-axis positioning systems very easily, without involving expensive customisation.

There is a comprehensive range of fully machined brackets for applications of this type, including z-axis, x-y Cartesian and carriage-to-carriage adapters.