Simplifying motion integration: Thomson's new motorised lead screws available from Heason Technology

Available in the UK from Thomson’s authorised distributor, Heason Technology, the motorised leadscrews are available in NEMA size 11, 14, 17 and 23 frame stepper motors with a choice of novel and patent pending rotating screw or rotating nut styles.

The rotating screw option features a taper-lock shaft to precision align and fix the leadscrew into the hollow motor shaft, with a separately supplied nut assembly that attaches to and translates linear motion to the load. This option also facilitates quick removal and replacement for maintenance. The rotating nut design integrates the nut inside the hollow motor shaft, allowing the leadscrew to traverse both ends of the motor. This option takes advantage of a maximised screw diameter which increases load capacity. The leadscrew can be arranged to push or pull the load; alternatively either or both shaft ends could be supported and the motor fixed directly to the moving platen in a positioning stage set-up.  For both shaft options, there is no need for a flexible coupling, saving an average of at least 50 mm in installed size compared to standard positioning stage designs - and with fewer components a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is also achievable.

This ML series’ diverse choice of stepper motor sizes, leadscrew pitches and working lengths allows wide flexibility for applications from multi-axis positioners to medical pumps and from scanning stages to pick and place robotics. Through the range, 303 stainless steel machined leadscrews are available in diameters from 4 mm to 10 mm with leads from 1 mm to 20 mm. Leadscrew length is determined by maximum motor speeds and application requirements.  Standard and precision grade leadscrew versions offer accuracy up to 3 microns per 300mm with Acetal (standard grade) or engineered thermoplastic anti-backlash nuts. Other standard options include machined ends. Special leadscrew pitches, lengths and end details are available on request.

Throughout the range Thomson’s high torque density stepper motors guarantee elevated performance with force/linear speed characteristics that will yield high efficiency and high precision results.

Heason Technology can supply Thomson’s new ML series as separate components along with compatible micro-stepping drives and motion controls, or they can be integrated as part of customised motion systems with the motion specialist’s in-house design and build systems integration service. A complete 28-page installation guide with application, commissioning and sizing & selection information is available for download from Heason Technology’s website.               

About Heason Technology

The Slinfold - West Sussex based motion specialist combines its own manufacturing and design & build systems integration expertise with motion products, components and systems from a small but select group of globally recognised distribution partners. Heason Technology’s comprehensive range includes servo and stepper motors with associated drives and motion controls; linear and rotary positioning mechanics; linear and rotary encoders; ceramic servo motors and positioning stages; high precision gearboxes; rotary actuators and slip ring assemblies. Customised system solutions include automated motion axes, specialised position controls and bespoke positioning mechanics.