Key Features of Velmex Linear Slides – Motorized and Manual

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 BL-2. 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 A15 Series UniSlide? You need to disassemble an A15 Series UniSlide in order to mount it on to a surface or another slide. Please follow our Disassemble A15 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. Can a manual UnSlide Stage be converted to a motorized one? UniSlide Stages cannot be converted, except at the factory. You should purchase the version you require at the onset. It is possible, however, to buy Velmex UniSlide Stages pre-configured for both manual and motorized operation with a double shaft stepper motor. Options and accessories like revolution counters can be added to Velmex assemblies after the fact. However, because of special adjustments, possible cutting or turning and additional hardware that may be required, the assembly needs to be returned to the factory to properly fit the additional component. There is a nominal charge for reconfiguring assemblies.

Velmex VXC™ Stepper Motor Controller can be paired with LabVIEW to send, receive, wait, and repeat in Interactive Mode. LabVIEW Examples Below are examples of code for LabVIEW to command the Velmex® VXC Stepper Motor Controller. TitleSummaryFile TypeLinkhf:file_typeLabVIEW Examples – Ver. 2.40Examples of VXC Commands for LabVIEW zipDownloadzipLabVIEW Examples – Ver. 2.50Examples of VXC Commands for LabVIEW zipDownloadzip

The basic Belt-Driven BiSlide is a 1-axis linear stage. It can be configured a number of different ways and with multiple axes, incorporating lead-screw BiSlide Assemblies and using the BiSlide T-Slot and framing system. Two can be coupled together in parallel adding load capacity. See also Parallel-Coupled BiSlides. A braking function should be included when operating the Belt-Driven BiSlide® in a vertical application to prevent rapid descension of the payload. The Velmex VXC™ Motor Controller has a braking option that can be used in this scenario.

The basic BiSlide® is a single-axis linear stage that serves as a versatile building block for motion systems. It can be configured in numerous ways and expanded into multi-axis setups using the BiSlide® T-slot and framing system, which allows for secure and flexible integration of additional stages and components. Mounting an BiSlide® Assembly to Another BiSlide® Assembly - XY Stages / XZ Stages / XYZ Stages Yes, BiSlide® assemblies can be mounted together in XY, XZ, XYZ configurations. Mounting BiSlide® assemblies in multi-axis systems is easy using cleats. T-slot bases and frames can be added for more structure and to create application specific systems. They also can be combined with Velmex Rotary Tables and our other linear stages to make custom systems for a wide range of requirements. See BiSlide® Options and Accessories for more information on the cleats and T-slot structuring. Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more MC-1 BiSlide® Cleat Standard 1 hole cleat. Mounts the BiSlide to a frame / base / surface. Can be used to mount to other BiSlides in an XY, XZ or XYZ configuration. Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more MC-2 BiSlide® Cleat Standard 2 hole cleat. Mounts the BiSlide to a frame / base / surface. Can be used to mount to other BiSlides in an XY, XZ or XYZ configuration. Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more MC-3 BiSlide® Cleat 2 hole cleat with 2″ center to center for use with optical benches with 1″ or 25 mm centers. Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more MC-4 BiSlide® Cleat Sandwich cleats – used to connect two parallel bases. Mounting a Rotary Stage to an BiSlide® Assembly. Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more A4007TS Rotary Stage These economically priced turn tables differ from gear driven Rotary Tables in that these turntables can be spun quickly by hand. Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more A48 Series Manual Rotary Stages Manually operated 5" Ball Bearing Rotary Stage for loads up to 200 lbs. Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more A59 Series Rotary Stage The smaller A5900 can handle 50 lbs. (22.6 kg.) horizontally and 5 lbs. (2.3 kg.) vertically. The series features a hollow spindle or clear aperture in the center and comes in a standard black anodized finish. Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more B48 Series Motorized Rotary Stages The B48 Series Motorized Rotary Stages use a rugged worm and gear drive design with a central rotating ball bearing to turn the payload.  These rotary tables can handle 200 lbs. (90 kg.) horizontally and 25 lbs. (11.3 kg.) vertically. Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more B5990TS Motorized Rotary Stage Compact 1.65" Motorized Rotary Stage for loads up to 50 lbs. BiSlide® Assemblies can be used to position rotary stages, allowing for the creation of X-Theta, XY-Theta, XZ-Theta, and even XYZ-Theta stage configurations. This flexibility makes them ideal for complex motion systems requiring both linear and rotary positioning. All Velmex rotary stages—including the A48, B48, A59, B59, and 4007TS—are fully compatible with BiSlide® assemblies when paired with the appropriate adapter plate, ensuring seamless integration and precise alignment. Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more MSPP-3 Adapter Plate This bracket is used to mount an A48 or B48 Series Rotary Table to BiSlide®. Assemblies Quick view Add to wishlist Compare Read more MSPP-4 Adapter Plate Use to mount Rotary Table (A59 or B59 Series) to BiSlide Linear Stages Mounting a BiSlide® Assembly to a Work Surface Recommended Velmex BiSlide® Cleat Placement

Typical Modes or Functions for Motion Stages Generally there are two functional uses of motorized positioning devices: Scanning or Positioning. Scanning In this category, the objective or work to be accomplished occurs while the slider carriage is in motion. Scanning functions can be further subdivided into two types: scanning at a single, fixed speed or at one of a range of user selectable variable speeds. Scanning or feeding at a single, fixed speed – A probe, sensor, cutter, dispenser, transducer or some other object is moved at a single, constant speed. An AC synchronous motor, DC gear motor or stepping motor achieves this function within 0.1% or less speed variation. Linear speed is a function of the motor and lead screw pitch selected. Scanning or feeding at a selected speed – The objective is same as the above. However, an added advantage is the ability to select one scanning speed from a range of motor speeds via a motor control. There are three possible configurations of speed control: unregulated, regulated and programmable. Unregulated Speed Control – Typically, a high slip AC induction motor speed will fluctuate due to varying loads and voltages. Regulated control – In this system, the control senses the motor speed and makes the necessary adjustments. Using a permanent magnet DC motor and speed control, speed regulation is achieved by sensing back-EMF; accuracy is the 1-2% range. In some instances, an optional circuit can be added to return to the "home" position at maximum motor speed. Programmed control – A DC stepper motor can be programmed to run at a predetermined speed. Scan rates can be varied as a function of position. Complex patterns such as raster scan and auto reverse are also easily programmed. Positioning The objective is to move to a target position and either stop or move again. This is commonly achieved by using a stepper motor and an accurate lead screw. The motor is incremented/programmed a predetermined number of steps to achieve the desired position. The position can be relative or absolute.

Abbe Error An off-axis error. Acceleration The rate velocity changes for an object; measured over a unit of time. Accuracy The degree to which a position measurement conforms to the prescribed or standard. A measurement indicating the difference between the actual value and the expected value of a position. See Repeatability. Actuator A device that moves or controls a mechanism or system using electromechanical means to produce rotary or linear motion. Often in the motion industry "actuator", "slide" and "stage" are used interchangeably. Advance How far along the lead screw does the position on the carriage advance per one full revolution of the lead screw. Lead screw advance depends on diameter and thread count of the lead screw. Axes of Motion The direction (plane) along which movement occurs. In the case of positioning systems, number of directions or positioners incorporated. They can be defined as: X: Linear motion in positioning direction (Horizontal) Y: Linear motion perpendicular to positioning direction Z: Vertical linear motion Theta -- Θ -- Frequently referring to movement on a rotating plane or circular direction. Rotational direction also is referred to as: A or Roll: Rotary motion around the X axis B or Pitch: Rotary motion around the Y axis C or Yaw: Rotary motion around the Z axis Axis (pl. - Axes) The direction or plane along which movement occurs. See Axes of Motion. Axis of rotation Imaginary straight line through fixed points around which a device rotates. See Axes of Motion. Back Driving When the force of the load overcomes the current stationary position motion device and drives the lead screw in reverse. Back driving can result from a steep or high helix angle on the lead screw. It is noticeable particularly when supporting a vertical load. To reduce the back drive, design with a lower helix angle lead screw or use a braking or locking mechanism. Backlash "The "play" or "slop" in the movement of a mechanical system. Can also be referred to as recoil. Backlash can be minimized with the proper system and controller. Ball Screw Screw drive where the threads on the screw are designed as a ball bearing race. (Velmex does not offer ball screw stages.) BiPolar Stepper Motor Stepper motor that operates with two polarities – positive and negative – voltage. See Unipolar Stepper Motor. Bus Cable Cable that connects two or motor electronic components (usually similar devices) together to create one system. C.O.S.M.O.S.™ Computer Optimized Stepper Motor Operating System – Velmex proprietary software that coordinates communication between a VXM™ Motor Controller, the stepper motor, limit switches and the computer. Cantilevered load Payload that is not symmetrically centered on a stage or slide. Closed Loop A system where the feedback from the sensors/monitors automatically triggers the reaction or next step. In motion, when the sensor (encoder) reads that the system is out of position, the system automatically corrects itself moving to the proper position. Coefficient of friction A ratio derived from the force required to move two sliding surfaces over each other, divided by the force or load holding them together. Controller Devices that regulate, direct and restrain the operation of the motors in motorized positioning systems. Coordinated motion Play Video A multi-axis system where the movement and position of each axis is dependent on the other. The movements are often controlled by a motor controller. The motion in the Velmex system in the Geo Man video is an example of coordinated motion. Critical Speed The maximum rotational velocity at which a lead screw can turn before it develops a resonance and starts to vibrate. Damping, Damper Reduction of energy or decay of a signal to its steady state. A device that attaches to a motor shaft (lead screw) to absorb energy, i.e. shock absorber. Detent Torque The amount of torque produced when the motor is not energized. Deviations from Straightness Three types of deviations from straightness can be measured in a linear slide: • Run Out, which is the deviation from a straight line in the horizontal plane. • Bow, which is the vertical plane deviation from a straight line in the upward direction. • Twist, which resembles a corkscrew effect, is twisting in the direction of the slide. (See Flatness of Travel and Straight Line Accuracy) Dovetail A joint formed by one or more tapered projections on one piece that interlock with corresponding notches or recesses in another piece. In positioning stages it's how the slider/carriage interlocks with the ways/rails. Dovetails increase the strength and load capacity. Drive Nut The connection between the carriage on a linear slide and the lead screw that moves the carriage along as the lead screw turns. Duty Cycle One of the factors that can effect the efficiency of the stage. The ratio of operating time to total cycle time. (On versus off+on) Dwell Time Period during which no movement occurs. Dynamic Load The load while the stage is moving. Payload, vibrations, steps, direction etc. effect and vary the load. Eccentricity Eccentricity occurs when the axis of rotation of a stage is off its mechanical / absolute center. Encoder A sensor or feedback device that converts motion into signals to indicate payload position. — Encoder – Absolute A sensor that provides an absolute value for each angular position even over several rotations. It always knows where it is, even it loses power. — Encoder – Incremental A sensor that reads the changes in position of the carriage. — Encoder – Inductive Scale A sensor that reads how an electromagnetic field interacts with surrounding metallic materials as the position is changed. — Encoder – Magnetic Scale Sensors that read a magnetic strip on the slide to determine position of the carriage. — Encoder – Rotary A sensor that measures (counts) the turns of the motor shaft or lead screw to determine position. — Encoder – Optical An encoder that uses a light source and a detector to measure interruptions of the light. Optical encoders are classified as absolute or incremental. Flatness of Travel [...]