Linear Stage
Linear stages, or linear positioning tables, are devices which travel along linear bearings to provide low-friction linear motion and precision positioning for many different types of automated machinery. All linear stages provide linear motion based on a variety of bearings including ball bearings, dovetail bearings or linear roller bearings. As advanced linear slides, linear stages may be built and configured to provide movement along multiple axis. With applications such as automation equipment, CNC machining equipment and robotic assembly machinery, precision linear stages are utilized in industries including photonics, medical, manufacturing and biotechnology.
Linear stages consist of a platform that moves relative to a stationary base and is connected to that base by a moving carriage. The moving carriage is joined to the raceways on either side of the base by linear bearings which 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, stepper motors or linear motors. Common materials used to construct linear motion stages include stainless steel, aluminum and steel alloys.
Overall, linear stages are highly-adaptable to various applications. However, plant conditions are important to consider when choosing a linear stage; most ball bearing and linear roller bearing types require bearing housings to be sealed away from contaminating dirt. Dovetail bearings require regular lubrication, as do ball bearings and linear roller bearings, although dovetail slides are more resistant to corrosion and contamination. In addition, drive specifications such as lead screw pitch, dynamic load carrying capacity and positioning accuracy should also considered