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Speedy settling for linear positioners

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 20, 2002

First developed for process improvement in the disk drive industry, TechMetric reckons its linear positioners have the best settle time in the industry.

First developed for process improvement in the disk drive industry, TechMetric reckons its linear positioners have the best settle time in the industry with over 10 million inches of maintenance free service.

The novel patent-pending carriage preload system and unparalleled leadnut system outperforms the competition by combining exceptional design concepts with tightly controlled manufacturing processes to assure maximum performance characteristics.

TechMetric linear positioners feature: extremely low settle time; repeatable position accuracy; no recirculating elements; freedom from vibration; low maintenance; and a 5-year warranty.

The form-following leadnut on the exclusive TechMetric designed leadscrew performs with zero backlash and with exceptional repeatability.

The linear positioner can deliver less than 10 micro inches repeatability in the same direction.

This design dramatically eliminates friction without rolling components resulting in low mechanical noise and high repeatability of less than 20 micro inches bidirectionally.

Pitch, roll and yaw is less than 10 arc seconds bidirectionally.

Each positioner has been tested with a laser interferometer and a resulting map is available.

Mechanical settle time is unmatched by any other positioning system.

Initial independent studies show that the settle time to be less than 1ms.

Two subsequent tests showed settle time to be less than 5ms.

The chosen lubrication is the dynamic bearing material, fibrous Teflon infused material is the static base bearing.

The patented preload mechanism allows for a measured lubrication film thickness.

When stick slip is the top priority, TechMetric designed rails out-perform commercially available dry slide way rails.

Unlike rigid, limited deflection preloads, the system has true wear compensation.

Active wear compensation combined with durable rail guides equals a super wear-resistant position system with unmatched damping characteristics.

Tests of 5 million inches were conducted in a shop environment without lubrication.

Results of the initial tests were a loss of less than 10% of the set preload.

Independent testers continuously cycled the positioner at 8in/s for over 2 years without any diminishing performance.

TechMetric positioners are in use in Class 10 clean rooms.

In addition, these positioning systems are excellent in an abrasive environment or those where high shock loads occur.

The system has been adapted to operated in a strict FDA approved production plant, submerged completely in oil or used in a robotic welding system.

TechMetric's slide way surfaces exhibit exceptionally higher damping properties than other systems, including linear motors and ball-bearing rolling guide positioners.

Damping is critical to control vibration in manufacturing and inspection applications.