Bearings specialist, igus, now offers a
“quick-release” nut for its DryLin lead screw tables. The specially designed
system makes format adjustments faster and easier by reducing the number of
revolutions required to position the carriage on a lead screw assembly with a
small pitch.
When equipped with the quick-release nut, a
DryLin lead screw table can be adjusted by simply pushing a button, which
releases the linear slide from the thread. Then the carriage can be manually
pushed into place and locked in position. Adjustments requiring increased
precision can be made using the mechanism’s hand wheel.
The nut uses a fast-action release, which
makes it possible for half of the thread transmitting the force to move out of
the threaded area. Once any adjustments have been made, the partial thread
locks back into its other half when the pushbutton is released. Finally,
because the self-locking trapezoidal thread acts as a brake, the nut comes to
an immediate standstill after manual positioning.
igus supplies its DryLin modular guide systems
with quick-release nuts in two different styles: “HTS”, a flexible slide table
system available with several shaft and screw combinations, including hard
anodized aluminum, steel and stainless steel; or “HTSP”, a lightweight,
cost-effective alternative that uses plastic blocks. In the near future, the
quick-release nuts will be available as an individual part with a flange and
aluminum housing.
“Our new quick-release nuts offer an
alternative to trapezoidal nuts typically made of steel, bronze, brass, or
plastics like PA 6.6 or POM. Unlike these types, igus’ entire range of
trapezoidal lead screw nuts does not require lubrication. They are made from
high-performance plastics, which are self-lubricating, corrosion-resistant and
maintenance-free,” said Matt Mowry, product manager for igus’ line of DryLin
linear bearings, guides and slide tables.