Positioning stages, or positioning tables, are linear slides with the addition of a drive mechanism that allows them to be used to provide both low-friction linear movement and controlled, precision positioning along a linear axis. Also referred to as linear stages, positioning stages can be designed in center-drive or side-drive configurations as well as to provide movement along multiple axes.
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Del-Tron Precision, Inc.Bethel, CT 203-778-2727 As the originator of the sub-miniature ball bearing slide assembly, Del-Tron Precision began operations in 1974 supplying original equipment manufacturers with the world's first commercially available sub miniature ball slide. We have maintained the same high level of innovation by continually developing new products such as positioning stages that deliver important advantages to our customers.
Tusk Direct, Inc.Bethel, CT 800-447-2042 Tusk Direct is the place to go for positioning stages and any other linear motion components you may need. We offer guaranteed product performance because our product line includes only the highest quality products. All products are thoroughly tested to meet high performance accuracies. Call by noon today and receive your products tomorrow. We offer no hassle, same-day shipping. Call us today.
Velmex, Inc.Bloomfield, NY 800-642-6446 Velmex manufactures linear and rotary positioning stages for the science and industrial industries. Since its inception in 1967, Velmex has prided itself in giving customers the best products and services possible. Our customers love our positioning stages and other linear motion components. Visit our website and find a complete list of our capabilities.
Parker Hannifin - Electromechanical DivisionRohnert Park, CA 800-272-7537 Parker Hannifin technologies are critical to safeguarding the environment by helping to meet humanity`s need for clean and efficient energy generation. We care about the environment and try to reduce energy and water consumption and generation of waste. We invest in resources to meet human and environmental needs. Call us today to find out more about our positioning stages.
Schock Metal America Inc.Chesapeake, VA 800-345-8550 For more than 40 years, Schock has been manufacturing positioning stages with better operating properties, less maintenance, longer life spans and higher functionality. We promise to provide the best product to our customers. All products are thoroughly tested prior to market placement to ensure that our customers have the best product possible. Visit our site to see a full list of capabilities.
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Able to be used in a wide range of applications, positioning stages are utilized in such industries as: industrial manufacturing, in applications including automation equipment, CNC machining equipment and robotic assembly machinery; marine, automotive and aerospace, for use in construction and navigation applications; medical and biotechnology, for extremely fine resolution positioning; and construction and architectural, for material handling and automated measurement. Additional industries served by positioning stages include semiconductor, photonics, pharmaceutical and electronics for applications such as automated liquid handling and spectrophotometric measurement. Some of the many benefits of using positioning stages for these diverse applications include speed, accuracy and reliability as well as repeatable precision performance. Choosing the best positioning stage for the application does not only depend on performance, since plant conditions are also an important consideration.
A positioning stage consists of a platform that moves in relation to a stationary base and is connected to the base by way of a moving carriage. The mobile carriage is joined to the base's raceways, which are grooves on either side of the base, by linear bearings. These linear bearings may be roller or ball bearings. Both types of linear bearings are used to reduce the amount of friction between objects and allow for heavy objects to be more easily moved. Of the two, ball bearings are the most common and are typically made out of either steel alloys or ceramics. Instead of being spherically-shaped like the aptly named "ball" bearings, roller bearings are cylindrically-shaped. No matter the type, the linear bearings allow for the motion to occur and the raceways serve as guides to restrict the motion of the platform to one dimension. The position of the moving platform to the fixed base is typically controlled by drive mechanisms that can be manual or motorized and include: handwheels, which can include any type of wheel worked by hand; stepper motors, which are brushless, synchronous electric motors; or linear motors, which are alternating current (AC) electric motors. Although many metals may be used, the most common metals used to construct positioning stages include stainless steel, aluminum and steel alloys.
