Precision linear slide

Loadpoint Bearings manufacture a range of products for linear motion applications These include high precision air bearing slideways, cylindrical sleeves and air pads. Slideways are available in lengths of up to 500 mm (20 in). They are designed and manufactured to give high stiffness and low motion error. Running accuracies better than 1 um (0.0004 in) over their travel length can be achieved. Slideways can be supplied with an integral direct drive motor and encoder or built to take an external drive. They may also be integrated into complete spindle assemblies to enable accurate spindle positioning. Full technical support is available for drive selection and setting up. Air pads are designed to support heavy objects and provide a constant ride height with zero friction in a horizontal plane. They are used typically in metrology and automotive industries. Air pads are available in diameters of up to 300 mm to support loads to a maximum of 15 kN. Cylindrical sleeves and matching shafts enable linear motion with rotation to be achieved. Alternatively two or more units can be built into a single assembly to act as a slideway. Sleeves are available in diameters of up to 50 mm to support loads to a maximum of 100 kg.