Product category:
Pneumatic Actuators, Motors, Accessories
News Release from: Montech | Subject: Universal Slide and the Compact Slide
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 20 June 2001
Why slide units are simpler for
pick-and-place
A combination slide and actuator is likely to work out much cheaper if all the add-on costs of purchasing and connecting a separate pneumatic cylinder and guideway are taken into account
Design engineers working on pick-and-place or similar handling applications are often faced with a choice of using either a standard pneumatic cylinder and a linear guideway or, alternatively, an all-in-one slide unit The chances are that the purchase price for individual components will be cheaper than using the all-in-one slide
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 7 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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But what about the cost of designing the components that need to link the standard components, and then the cost of having the components machined and finished? And if the standard components come from different suppliers, there will be the additional hidden costs associated with processing two purchase orders instead of one.
If all of these add-on costs are taken into account, a combination slide and actuator is likely to work out much cheaper.
Montech has several ranges of combination units, including some that are designed specifically to act as vertical lift units.
Further reading
Not all aluminium frameworks rely on T-slots!
Montech's Quick-Set framework system avoids T-slots and instead uses a superior dovetail clamping technique.
All-in-one linear units simplify automation
Montech's all-in-one modular linear units are pneumatically-actuated devices that provide automation designers with a simple, compact means of delivering precision linear motion.
However, the two that are described here are the Universal Slide and the Compact Slide.
Both are similar in concept, having an integral pneumatic cylinder and high-precision recirculating ball bearings.
The end stops are adjustable, and hydraulic dampers are used at the end of travel.
Proximity detectors can be fitted to signal when the end positions are reached, and speed can be controlled easily by means of exhaust throttles.
Repeatability is an impressive 0.01mm.
The USL series universal slides feature threaded mounting holes and precision holes for accepting location dowels.
Other versions of Universal Slide are available that have dovetail mountings so that Montech's other automation components and Quick-Set aluminium framework system can be easily attached.
With cylinder bores ranging from 16 to 25mm, the Universal Slides are capable of handling large loads.
Depending on the size of the slide, stroke lengths are available from a minimum/maximum of 0/20mm for the smallest units to 170/240mm for the larger versions.
Compact slides are available in two basic formats, namely flat or double-piston.
The KSF series flat units are especially slimline and are therefore ideally suited to applications where space is restricted or where multiple components need to be handled in close proximity to each other.
The double-piston KSD versions can handle higher loads but are otherwise similar.
Both types are offered with or without elastomeric or hydraulic dampers; end positions are adjustable and may be sensed using proximity switches.
As with the Universal Slides, the Compact Slides may be fitted with exhaust throttles for controlling the speed of travel.
Repeatability is 0.04mm.
In common with all of the other automation components from Montech, the Universal Slides and the Compact Slides have a two-year warranty.
More information is available in the form of a catalogue and CD.
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