UniSlide Motorized Linear Motion Products
Most of our manually-operated Velmex UniSlide® Assemblies are also available in motorized versions. They include Linear Slide Assemblies, Elevating Tables and XY Tables in a wide variety of configurations, models and sizes. (Motors are purchased separately. Customers can mount their own motors, if they chose.)
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Troubleshooting / FAQs
Motorized UniSlide® Assemblies Overview
Velmex UniSlide Assemblies are available in manually-operated and motor-driven models to meet a wide range of applications when reliable, precise linear motion is a requirement. UniSlide stages are compact, delivering maximum travel in the shortest amount of work space. Their modular design allows for easy construction of multi-axis systems.
There are five motor-driven series of Linear UniSlide systems representing slider widths from 1.5" (3.81 cm) to 9" (23.9 cm). Standard travel distances of motorized Velmex UniSlide stages range from 1.5" (3.81 cm) to 41" (104.14 cm). The slides are available with or without limits in standard and precision lead screws.
There are two motor-driven series of XY Tables that can lift up to 100 lbs. (45.5 kg.).
UniSlide Linear Slide Assemblies and XY Tables can be combined with each other and with other Velmex products for an infinite selection of custom configurations.
UniSlide® Features
UniSlide Applications
The UniSlide Stage's highly flexible, yet simple, reliable design makes it ideal for instrumentation and measurement; alignment, inspection and QA/QC; optical focusing; antenna alignment; film and animation work; medical and biological analysis. In addition it can be used for moving probes, sensors, components; light machining; semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing; or any application where resolution in the micron range is required.
UniSlide® Motorized Series / Style
One axis slides that can be combined for multiple axis in a wide range of lengths and payload capacities. Visit the individual pages for each Series for more specific information.
Linear Series
Part number information for each style can be found under Specifications at the end of the page.
UniSlide MA15 Series– Body width 1.5 inches, slider length of 1.5 inches carrying a 3 lbs. horizontal load. |
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UniSlide MA25 Series – Body width 2.5 inches, slider length of 2.5 inches carrying a 15 lbs. horizontal load. |
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UniSlide MA40 Series – Body width 4 inches, slider length of 4 inches carrying a 100 lbs. horizontal load. |
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UniSlide MA60 Series – Body width 6 inches, slider length of 6 inches carrying a 200 lbs. horizontal load. |
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UniSlide MB90 Series – Body width 9 inches, slider length of 9 inches carrying a 400 lbs. horizontal load. PLEASE NOTE: The UniSlide® B9000 Series will be discontinued. Please call for availability. Consider using a Velmex BiSlide® as an alternative. Contact Velmex engineering to substitute the BiSlide.| |
Velmex also offers manually-operated linear UniSlide Assemblies.
XY Tables
Motor-driven UniSlide XY Tables – Pre-Assembled XY tables save time; each with large work surfaces and stable bases utilizing the MA40 and MA60 Series of linear slides. Please visit the Velmex UniSlide XY Tables page for more details. Combining linear UniSlides in XY configurations and adding adapter plates can make additional variations of XY tables. |
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UniSlide MAXY40 Series Assembled XY Tables – Table height to 3 3/4 inches carrying up to a 100 lb. load. Two models. |
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UniSlide MAXY60 Series Assembled XY Tables – Table height to 5.5 inches carrying up to a 60 lb. load. Three higher profile models. |
Velmex also offers manually-operated UniSlide XY Table Assemblies and Elevating Tables. Additional manual models are available in both those configurations.
UniSlide Configurations
The basic linear UniSlide is a 1-axis stage. One axis UniSlides can be combined for multiple axes in a wide range of lengths and payload capacities. See Examples for images of various multi-axis UniSlides and combinations that include other Velmex stages.
UniSlide® Specifications – Motorized Assemblies
Factors such as size of the motor, size of the payload, travel distance, mounting direction/plane, etc. effect the actual capability of any assembly. Please contact Velmex Application Engineers to configure a system that will meet your exact requirements.
Visit the individual pages for each Series for more specific information.
UniSlide® | Travel Distance‡ | Base Length (without motor) | Slider Length | ||||
Series† | Inches | cm | Inches | cm | Inches | cm | |
MA15 | 1.5" - 10.5" | 3.81 – 26.67 | 3" - 12" | 7.62 – 30.48 | 1.5" | 3.81 | |
MA25 | 0.5" - 24.5" | 1.27 – 52.07 | 4" - 24" | 10.16 – 60.96 | 2.5" | 6.35 | |
MA40 | 1" - 31" | 2.54 – 78.74 | 6" - 36" | 15.24 – 91.44 | 4" | 10.16 | |
MA60 | 2" - 41" | 5.08 – 104.14 | 9" - 48" | 22.86 – 121.92 | 6" | 15.24 | |
Call for Availability for MB90 Series |
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MB90 | 3" - 36" | 7.62 – 91.44 | 15" - 48" | 38.1 – 121.92 | 9" | 22.86 |
‡Standard travel distances available are in 3" increments.
†Motors sold separately.
UniSlide® | Maximum Horizontal Load | Weight | Height** | Width | |||||
Series | lbs. | kg. | lbs. | kg. | Inches | cm | Inches | cm | |
MA15 | 3 | 1.36 | .5 – 1.2 | 0.23 – 0.54 | 0.56" | 1.42 | 1.5" | 3.81 | |
MA25 | 15 | 6.8 | 1.18 – 4.4 | .82 – 2 | 0.81" | 2.06 | 2.5" | 6.35 | |
MA40 | 100 | 45.5 | 3.1 – 12.4 | 1.41 – 5.62 | 1.06" | 2.69 | 4" | 10.16 | |
MA60 | 200 | 91 | 6.6 – 27.7 | 2.99 – 12.56 | 1.75" | 4.45 | 6" | 15.24 | |
Call for Availability for MB90 Series |
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MB90 | 400 | 182 | 21.3 – 59 | 9.66 – 26.76 | 3.13" | 7.95 | 9" | 22.86 |
† Weight of device without motor.
** Deeper base "B" configurations available.
Loads for Motorized UniSlides
UniSlide® | Load Normal (LN)* | Load Thrust (LT)* | Cantilever Side (LCS)* | Cantilever Inline (LCI)* | ||||||
Maximum Load Capacity | lbs. | kg. | lbs. | kg. | lbs.-in | N-m | lbs.-in | N-m | ||
MA15 | 2 | 0.91 | 1 | 0.45 | 5 lb-in | .6 N-m | 5 lb-in | .6 N-m | ||
MA25 | 10 | 4.54 | 7.5 | 3.40 | 10 lb-in | 1.13 N-m | 20 lb-in | 2.26 N-m | ||
MA40 | 40 | 18.14 | 20 | 9.07 | 32 lb-in | 3.62 N-m | 64 lb-in | 7.23 N-m | ||
MA60 | 80 | 36.29 | 40 | 18.14 | 80 lb-in | 9.04 N-m | 160 lb-in | 18.07 N-m | ||
Call for Availability for MB90 Series |
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MB90 | 140 | 63.5 | 70 | 31.75 | 120 lb-in | 13.6 N-m | 240 lb-in | 27.11 N-m |
* Normal Operating Loads are less than the maximum. For the recommended maximum limit see prior chart.
Coefficient of friction | 0.09 Typical |
Coefficient range | 0.04 (Heavy Load Dynamic ) to 0.15-0.3 (Lubricated Heavy Load Static>1 hour) |
Minimum motor torque required | Horizontal = (((W x 0.15) + 1.5) x L / 0.39 x E) + 10 oz.in Where W= weight of load in lbs.; L = Lead of the screw in in./rev.; E = Efficiency of the screw; 10 = Minimum Torque required to move slider with no load |
Vertical = ((W x 1.5 lbs.) x L / 0.39 x E) + 10 oz.in | |
The calculated torque is a minimum. Add 50% for safety margin. | |
Screw lead accuracy | Standard Lead Screw: 0.007"/10" Precision Lead Screw: 0.0015"/10" or better |
Operating temperature | 0 to 180° F (-18 to 82° C) |
Properties of Velmex Stages | Information on stage composition, tolerances, wear and design for specialty applications. |
Load Parameters | Definitions and parameters that effect the various load ratings. |
Lead Screws
A wide selection of high-quality lead screws provide flexibility in designing the drive portion of Velmex translation stages.
The lead screws we use are all manufactured by us to exacting standards. They are formed by rolling through precision dies rather than cutting on a screw machine, resulting in higher quality and accuracy. The screws are made of either 303 stainless steel or electroless nickel-plated, cold rolled steel. Other materials are available for specialized applications. Please check with our Application Engineers for details.
The lead screws are available in a range of diameters with both English and Metric Threads. The pitch for English Thread lead screws range from 2.5 turns per inch to 40 turns per inch. The Metric lead screws range from 5 turns to 10 turns per metric thread. We offer both Standard accuracy and Precision accuracy (Precision grade) screws.
In addition we make specialized left and right hand threaded lead screws for together and apart movement of the payload carriage on linear stages.
The following chart shows the lead screw specifications for manual UniSlide Stages.
Visit the Velmex XY Table Page for specifications for XY Tables Series MAXY40 and MAXY60.
Click on the tab to view the dimensional drawings for the various Series of UniSlide Linear stages.
- MA15 Series Dimensions
- MA25 Series Dimensions
- MA40 Series Dimensions
- MA60 Series Dimensions
- MB90 Series Dimensions
UniSlide Base Cross-Section
The slider / carriage (shaded area in the cross-section to the left.) rides on the inside of the dovetail ways.
UniSlide Load Calculations
All motorized UniSlide Assemblies have the same basic part number configuration. The number varies with the series, the travel distance, the lead screw and the slider length. Additional prefixes and suffixes are added for the options and accessories. You can determine the UniSlide part number using the chart below.
The part number can be found on the side of the UniSlide Assembly. |
Options/Accessories for Motorized Velmex UniSlides®
Added versatility for a variety of applications can be achieved with additional options and accessories for motorized Velmex UniSlides.
Adapter Plates |
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XY Plates – allow two UniSlides to be converted into an XY motion system. The aluminum plates mate the slider of the lower (X) UniSlide at a right angle to the base of the top (Y) UniSlide. You can combine UniSlides of the same series, same lengths, different series and varying lengths for a virtually limitless selection of configurations. You can also can also combine motorized and manual UniSlides. The plates can also be used as auxiliary payload mounting plates. This provides more mounting surface area for the payload, although it does not increase the size of the load the UniSlide can handle. The Adapter Plates also provide an easy way to mount a UniSlide upside (slider) down. For more specifics and to see the adapter plates in use on a Velmex stage visit the UniSlide Adapters page. |
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A1500XY Adapter Plate – To mount an A15 Series UniSlide to a MA15 Series carriage (slider) in XZ. |
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XZ Plates – Allow UniSlide assemblies to be positioned vertically facing in any of four directions. The adapter plates allow the vertical stage to be end mounted to the carriage on the horizontal base stage. The plates connect to the given series and the next smaller size. The XZ Plates are for light loads and short slides. For more specifics and to see the adapter plates in use on a Velmex stage visit the UniSlide Adapters page. |
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A1500XZ Adapter Plate– To mount a MA15 Series UniSlide to another MA15 Series in XZ. |
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XZ Brackets – allow UniSlide assemblies to be positioned vertically, facing in any of four directions and perpendicular to the X or Y plane. The brackets support the base of the vertical unit to provide more rigidity and handle heavier loads. For more specifics and to see the adapter plates in use on a Velmex stage visit the UniSlide Adapters page. |
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A2501XZ Adapter Bracket – To mount a MA25 Series UniSlide to another MA25 Series (6"- 9") or to a MA15 Series (6"- 9") in XZ. (The MA25 would be the base horizontal stage. The other stage would be mounted vertically.) |
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A6001XZ Adapter Bracket– To mount a MA60 Series UniSlide to another MA60 Series (up to 12") or to a MA40 Series (up to 12") in XZ. (The MA60 would be the base horizontal stage.) |
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Rotary Table Adapter Plates –To mount Velmex Rotary Tables to UniSlide Assemblies either in horizontal or vertical positions. |
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A6000TX Adapter Plate – To mount an A48 Series Rotary Table to a MA40 Series or MA60 Series UniSlide. (The UniSlide would be the base horizontal stage.) |
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Platform Shelf – A right angled bracket designed to be used with UniSlide® Elevating Tables. However, they also can be used with vertically mounted UniSlide Assemblies to support a payload. The shelf can be inverted depending on the motion required. For more specifics and to see the adapter plates in use on a Velmex stage visit the UniSlide Adapters page. |
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Slider Lengths – Varying length carriages (sliders) can be added to all models of UniSlide Assemblies. See chart for acceptable sliders for each series. Choosing a longer length slider reduces the standard travel distance.
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Left-Right Screw Motion – This configuration is very useful for applications where two objects must share a common axis of movement. This assembly incorporates two carriages driven by a single right- and left-hand threaded lead screw. When engaged the carriages simultaneously move toward or away from each other. |
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Two Independent Carriages – A variation on the left-right screw motion UniSlide is one containing two lead screws with motors at both ends of the assembly. Each lead screw and carriage operates independently. |
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Way Covers (-WC) – Protect the slider and dovetail base from dust, dirt and grit that could hamper the efficient operation of the slide. Way covers increase slider height and reduce the travel length of linear UniSlide stages. Not available on Motorized Series MA15 Assemblies. For more details, visit the Way Cover page. |
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Limit Switches – Outboard adjustable and fixed end-of-travel limit switches are available as an option. |
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Outboard Adjustable Limit Switches – Mounted on the side rib of Velmex UniSlide Assemblies, these switches can be used to stop travel, provide more stops than the standard two, over-travel a stop point, change speed or be active in only one direction. |
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Finishes – Standard UniSlide Assemblies have a brushed aluminum finish. Optional finishes are available at an additional charge and include: |
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• Black Anodizing, additional colors also available. (pictured) |
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Encoders and VRO™ Encoder Readout – For a high resolution position readout an encoder and Velmex's VRO encoder readout can be mounted to most linear UniSlide assemblies. An encoder, mounted directly to the slider gives a true and accurate reading eliminating lead screw and backlash errors. The VRO Readout is compatible with all 5V incremental encoders. It can monitor one or two axis. Fully functional, it features automatic memory back-up of settings, sleep mode and self diagnostics. It's highly visible, wide-screen LED display makes it easy to view the positioning results. (Not available on all UniSlide models.) SEE: Velmex Controls on the Encoders and the VRO Readout for additional details. |
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Motorized / Manual Operation– It is possible, using a double shaft motor, to produce a Velmex stage that can be manually operated or motor-driven. A shaft extension accommodates the either a Rogan (pictured below) or standard aluminum knob (pictured left).
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Double-Shaft Motor - Double-shaft motors allow for the assembly to be used either in a manual mode or a motorized mode. |
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Motors – A variety of motors are available to power Velmex UniSlides, most popular of which is the DC step motor. Gear motors, servo motors and high resolution step motors in both AC and DC can run Velmex UniSlides. SEE: Velmex Controls on the Motors for additional details.
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VXM™ Controller – Step motors coupled with a motor controller like the Velmex VXM™ are a cost effective solution for accurate speed and precise incremental positioning. SEE: Velmex Controls on the VXM Controller for additional details. |
Velmex offers a multitude of options and accessories for all its products. Usually an option or an accessory will address your requirements. When it doesn't, we can make custom modifications, including:
• Additional holes or slots. (A drawing is required.)
• Intermediate plates to mount your payload
• Special or in between lengths of the dovetail base
• Lead screw shaft extensions
• Choice of drive nut materials, including brass and Vespel
• Deeper base "B" configurations available
CAD Drawings / Documents / Instructions
The majority of CAD drawings found in our Technical Library are Step (.stp) files. You will also see .dxf, .dwg, .sat and .pdf files. For .STP files, you may need to right click on the download button and save the "target" or "link". If you require a different format or cannot located the drawing you require, please contact us. Drawings are identified by the series and configuration. The complete part number can be found on the side or end of any Velmex device you may already own.
NOTE: Lead Screw pitch variations are represented by a single drawing number. For example - MA2506W1-S2.5 becomes MA2506XX-S2.5.
For non-standard sizes or multi-axis configurations, please contact us. There may be an additional charge.
Click to open the section you need: | "Right Click" to download. |
UniSlide Documents
Velmex UniSlide® Applications and Examples
These are examples of Velmex products. If you wish a similar product, please contact us with your specific application specifications (travel distance, payload, hours per day in use, resolution, speed range, etc.). You can use the Request Assistance form. |
Pictured in our gallery are examples of configurations and systems using manual UniSlide Assemblies, along with configurations that also include other Velmex products. Product and accessory offering is subject to change and availability.
Example Key Code | Meaning | Example Key Code | Meaning |
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A | Manually Operated | M | Motorized |
S | Standard | C | Custom Configuration |
B | BiSlide | U | UniSlide |
X | XSlide | R | Rotary Tables |
T | XY Tables | TT | Turntables |
E | Elevating Tables | FS | Fun Stuff (Ingenious, Cool, or Just out of the ordinary applications) |
Velmex also offers manually-operated UniSlide Assemblies. Examples of other Velmex products can be found on the Examples page or in the Examples section for each product.
Many questions can be answered by reviewing the "Features", "Model / Series", "Specifications", "Options / Accessories" and "Technical Documentation" sections for each product line. Additional FAQs about product comparisons, product construction, purchasing and shipping can be found on the company FAQ page.
UniSlide® Stage Troubleshooting
First - always read the Users Manual. Comments can also apply to UniSlide Pre-configured XY Tables.
Symptom | Possible Cause | Possible Fixes |
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The carriage binds or will not move. | During mounting, the base may have been over-tightened or mounted to an irregular surface. This can distort the assembly, causing carriage binding. | Loosen screws and re-tighten to the proper torque. Mount the base using screws to the following torque: |
• MA1500 Series 1 ft. lb. • MA or MB2500 Series 1 to 3 ft lbs. • MA or MB4000 Series 1 to 3 ft lbs. • MA or MB6000 Series 3 to 6 ft lbs. • MB9000 Series 3 to 6 ft lbs. |
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• Remount base to a flat surface. | ||
Mounting non-flat plate or blocks to the carriage to hold the load can also distort the assembly, causing carriage binding. Anything attached to the assembly must be mounted flat to the carriage. | Re-mount load flat to the carriage or use a Velmex adapter plate designed to carry the load. | |
Mounting screws holding payload to carriage may be too long and screwed into lead screw causing damage. | Re-mount load using a shorter screw length that does not extend past the carriage or use a Velmex adapter plate designed to carry the load. | |
If the distortion is still present and the carriage still binds contact Velmex Application Engineers. The carriage and/or the lead screw may need to be replaced, or the Assembly may need to be returned on an RMA for repair. | ||
There is some backlash in the carriage on a motorized UniSlide. | Some backlash maybe seen when the lead screw and carriage start to wear. | Adjust by tightening the Allen cap screw on the top of the drive nut. (CAUTION: Over tightening will increase friction, could stall the motor and cause increased wear.) |
Use the "finger test" to check for binding. Grasp the lead screw on either side of the carriage and twist. If the lead screw can't be moved, the slide or the load may not be mounted properly or the mounting bolts are too tight. | ||
There appears to be side play on a motorized UniSlide. | Objectionable side play can be reduced by tightening the adjustable expansion gibs that control the fit of the carriage. | Adjust the set screws located at the ends of the carriage. (CAUTION: Over tightening will increase friction, could stall the motor and cause increased wear.) |
The limit switches do not appear to stop the carriage. | The limit switch collars must be set sufficiently distant from the ends of the Assembly to avoid collision with the end plate or limit switch cover. The carriage stopping distance is dependent on the speed just before limit switch activation. | Set the collar position for the maximum anticipated carriage speed. |
Do UniSlides need lubrication and how often?
Lubrication is important for motor-driven systems or wherever you want maximum life and the lowest friction. UniSlide Assemblies can be lubricated with Velmex Lubriplate Aero®. Only a few drops are required to keep your slide running smoothly. The load and hours of use effect the amount and frequency of lubrication. See the user guide that came with your UniSlide for recommendations.
Can UniSlides be mounted together?
Yes, UniSlides can be mounted together in XY, XZ, XYZ configurations. Mounting UniSlide assemblies in multi-axis systems requires the use of adapter plates and brackets. They also can be combined with Velmex Rotary Tables and our other linear stages to make custom systems to meet a wide range of applications. See UniSlide Options and Accessories for more information on the plates and adapters.
How do I mount a UniSlide to my working surface?
UniSlides have pre-drilled holes in the base. The surface should be flat to avoid binding and for the slide to operate smoothly and accurately. Steel or aluminum are recommended for the surface. Use the mounting screws provided. Begin in the center of the base and work toward the ends uniformly tightening the screws. Refer to the UniSlide Users Manual for the torque specifications.
How can I access the mounting holes the base of the MA15 Series UniSlide?
You need to disassemble an MA15 Series UniSlide in order to mount it on to a surface or another slide. Please follow our Disassemble MA15 Series Instructions.
How do you adjust the carriage fit on the UniSlide?
An adjustable expansion gib controls the fit of the UniSlide carriage. Adjust by tightening the Allen head screws located at the end of the slider. See the UniSlide Owners Manual for how and when to adjust.
If you have questions about your specific application or want us to design a UniSlide System for you, please complete the Request Assistance form or call Velmex to speak to one of our Application Engineers.