February 14, 2012 - Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions released a microslide linear actuator capable of a resolution of 15 microns / step (0.0006-in/step) and a maximum load of 13N (3 lb-f). This device is ideal for applications requiring precision motion in a small footprint and is optimized for applications such as microfluidics and optical positioning.
The microslide is approximately 22mm (0.87-in) wide by 25.2mm (1.0-in) high and is capable of up to a 64mm (2.5-in) maximum stroke length.
A lightweight anodized aluminum base plate houses the lead screw bushing and is rigidly attached to the aluminum motor mounting plate. At the heart of the slide is the Haydon 15000 Series 15mm (0.59-in) can-stack motor, which has been proven in thousands of linear motion applications. The LS15 stepper motor requires no complicated controls and can be commanded using a simple pulse and direction signal. The slide load carriage is made from self-lubricating polyacetal and features a built-in clearance take-up mechanism for load rigidity during motion.
The carriage is supported by stainless steel guide rods coated with Black Ice TFE coating.
The Kerk leadscrew is 303 stainless steel and is available in 5 different leads including 0.3mm (0.012-in), 0.4mm (0.016-in), 0.5mm 0.020-in), 1.0mm 0.039-in) and 2.0mm (0.079-in).
When combined with the LS15 stepper motor, very fine positioning resolution can be achieved with the microscrew. The microslide is easily configured for application-specific requirements including custom mounting, different stroke lengths up to 64mm (2.5-in), magnetic or optical position sensors, and custom wire harnesses.
