Installation
The success of the Glide Screw™ in an application is primarily dependent on the end support configuration. Since the Glide Screw is a combination of a lead screw and linear bearing, the ability to handle non-axial loads while maintaining positional accuracy is the key to a successful installation. The load capacity curves are based on screw deflection and not the lead nut capacity. Therefore, stiffness of the assembly determines load capacity.
Installation Step-by-Step:
1. Select end support configurationClick to Open
A fixed bearing support should be selected when possible. A support is typically a single radial bearing that is allowed to float axially to compensate for misalignments. Typical methods of attaching end supports is either base mounting or flange mounting.
2. Select motor and drive configurationClick to Open
In a Glide Screw application the motor is typically the largest component. A typical application uses a motor adapter and drive coupling to connect the motor and the screw shaft, but this has the highest complexity and size penalty. Directly mounting the motor to the glide screw reduces complexity and components, and saves space.
3. Select nut mounting interfaceClick to Open
The standard configurations for the glide nut are flanged nuts and cylindrical nuts but are by no means the only solutions. Custom configurations, custom mounting and design assistance are available from Thomson.
4. Determine anti-rotation methodClick to Open
The Glide Screw requires an external anti-rotation feature on the nut housing to function correctly. Two examples of acceptable methods are the finger / slot solution or the slot / linear shaft solution.
5. Mount the assembly into the applicationClick to Open
The actual mounting Glide Screw is easy once all of the peripherals have been determined and designed. Just bolt the assembly in place and fire up the system. No critical alignment procedures are necessary as the drive system and linear guidance are already in perfect alignment.
