Thomson Industries, Inc. (Wood Dale, IL) has introduced a family of compact linear systems that makes it easier for motion designers to implement complex applications in small spaces. Designers needing thrust and bearing support in a single, compact unit now have the flexibility to build such applications with versatile, time-tested components from Thomson.
In building a Thomson compact linear system, a designer can configure a unit or combination of units from a wide variety of components based on their specific application details. Components include, but are not limited to:
- Integrated stepper motors
- Lead screws
- Profile rail linear guides
- 60 Case LinearRace shafting
- Linear Ball Bushing bearings
- End blocks
Many features can be customized, including screw diameters and leads, mounting holes and mounting configurations.
To enable engineers to take maximum advantage of such flexibility, Thomson offers an innovative new 3D modeling tool that optimizes their solution by revealing design tradeoffs in real time. The tool, in collaboration with a Thomson engineer, guides the designer in tailoring motor size, stroke length, and other variables to function most effectively within given load and space parameters.
The resulting designs go directly to the Thomson product CAD system, where the information is used to produce the prototype sent for testing. Because of such close user involvement during the design process, the number of design iterations is reduced, which, in turn, decreases the likelihood of mistakes being made.
