Posted to News on 16th Oct 2013, 15:21
Glide Screw combines features of linear bearing and lead screw
Thomson is introducing the Glide Screw, describing it as a new mechanical linear motion product that combines the features of a linear bearing and a lead screw in a single, compact package. The Glide Screw's integrated and pre-aligned lead screw and linear bearing design smoothly and quietly actuates a moment load or side load without the need for additional support.
The Glide Screw's simplified design is said to speed installation and simplify bills of material, while an integrated lubrication block virtually eliminates maintenance requirements. Numerous standard metric and inch sizes and configurations are stocked for immediate delivery; custom diameters, configurations and thread leads are available with short lead times to satisfy application needs. Visitors to www.thomsonlinear.com/glidescrew will find a video, 3D animation, technical documentation and ready access to Thomson application engineers who will assist design in configuring the right Glide Screw.
Ben Gambrel, Director of Marketing for the Linear Components Group, says: "Every engineer's objective is to eliminate parts, streamline designs, simplify installation and minimise maintenance requirements, with the ultimate goal of producing a superior-performing machine with a distinct competitive advantage. By combining the best attributes of linear bearing and lead screw technologies into the Glide Screw product, we have created a completely new technology category that helps machine designers and builders do exactly that. Glide Screws eliminate the need for reference surfaces, the pain of 'floating' a system into alignment, and even lubrication - this is truly a plug-and-play, install-it-and-forget-it solution."
Axial, radial and moment loads
Since the Glide Screw serves as both the drive system and linear guide, these features are aligned and cannot bind. As a result, installation is simplified and the mating components require no high-tolerance geometric features. The Glide Screw design enables the product to handle axial, radial and moment loads without any additional guidance. The result is an efficient and space-saving design that is quick and easy to install with significantly reduced maintenance needs compared with traditional approaches.
The Glide Screw's design and performance attributes, combined with robust bearing-grade plastic and stainless steel construction, make it suited for use in fluid pump, 3D printing or engraving, laboratory automation and diagnostics, medical imaging, pick-and-place and many other applications where smooth, reliable linear motion is required. Optional configurations are available to promote long life and reliable operation in temperatures up to 175degC, clean room operation up to class 1000, and under the stringent demands of food processing and packaging equipment.
Thomson will be introducing the product in a webinar showing how to easily streamline the design of a linear motion axis, reducing component count, envelope size and assembly time using the new Glide Screw technology. The webinar in English will be held at 3pm CEST 23 October 2013. More details of the Glide Screw webinar and how to dial in can be found at goo.gl/vKDvkW.
