Del-Tron Precision Precision has announced its smallest automated positioning stage ever, the LC-9.5, which complete with motor fits into an envelope of only 10 mm wide by 40 mm long by 10 mm high. The new positioning stage provides a straight-line accuracy of 0.005 per inch of travel and repeatability of 0.0001 inch. This makes the new positioning stage ideal for high-accuracy intermittent positioning of fiber optic components, in vitro diagnostic instruments, robotic sampling, adhesive deposition, positioning of lenses and other optical devices and a wide range of other applications.

The LC-9.5 consists of a lightweight aluminum base and carriage containing two rows of precision ball bearings that are separated by a stainless steel retainer and roll between two hardened and ground steel raceways on either side. The raceways for the 1/32-inch balls consist of four hardened and vee-grooved steel sections that are held in place with epoxy. This straight-line design offers an exceptionally low coefficient of friction because the rolling elements are separated from each other and are not required to turn corners or to describe an oval path as in recirculating designs. Preload is controlled by ball size selection assuring smooth, repeatable linear motion.

The aluminum carriage and base assembly of the LC-9.5 is 9.8 mm wide, 11.2 mm long and 7.5 mm high. The motor is 10 mm diameter and 18 mm long. The lead screw is 1.2 mm in diameter and has a lead of .25 mm. The total travel of the slide is plus or minus 3 mm from center or a total of 6 mm. A compression spring is placed between the Delrin lead screw nut and the end of the base to produce a preload on the nut that provides the unit with anti-backlash properties.

The one-piece base includes an integral slide base and motor adaptor. Standard mounting holes are included in both the base and carriage for easy installation with only two fasteners. This approach eliminates the need for extra mounting components that provide a tolerance buildup while also increasing design time and component cost. The slide can easily be modified to meet specific customer requirements.

Del-Tron Precision began operations in 1974 supplying original equipment manufacturers with the world’s first commercially available subminiature ball slide. Since then, thousands of Del-Tron ball slides have been incorporated into medical analyzing and testing machines, semiconductor processing equipment, computer peripherals, assembly systems, scientific instruments and many other machines. Del-Tron’s modern corporate campus boasts highly automated computer controlled equipment and final inspection of 100% of all orders has been Del-Tron’s policy since its inception.