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Free Slide XSlide2 inch travel XSlide Manual XSlide XY Manual XSlide XSlide with Rotary Encoder

XSlide Manual Translation Stages

XSlide Assemblies

XSlide™ is a compact positioning stage for smaller loads and ideal for limited space applications, highly suitable for either high performance incrementing or scanning functions. Manual XSlide Assemblies include Free Slide and Lead Screw Drive versions.


Manual XSlide™ Assemblies

The Velmex XSlide is a compact positioning stage highly suitable for either high performance incrementing or scanning of smaller loads. Their compact design mkes them ideal for limited space applications. Constructed with hard-coat anodized, aluminum dovetail ways and smooth motion PTFE bearings; XSlides deliver higher rigidity for longer life and more precise movement when compared to other dovetail designs. XSlides have a load capacity of 35 lbs. (15.9 kg.) horizontally and 10 lbs. (4.5 kg.) vertically. Straight-line accuracy is 0.003″/10” (0.076 mm/25 cm).

The carriage rides on the outside of the ways allowing for a more compact design and easier access for adjustments. With a cross-sectional profile of 1.88″ (48 mm) by 1.22″ (31 mm), the XSlide comes in eight standard travel lengths from 2″ (50 mm) to 30″ (76.2 cm).

XSlides can be manually-operated or motor-driven. Note: Manual XSlides cannot be converted to motorized. They would need to be returned to the factory for conversion. Purchase a motor-ready version to add a separately purchased motor.


XSlide™ Features

XSlide Features

Additional Features

XYZ XSlide Assembly• Easy to do multi-axis systems without adapters. Y and Z axis XSlides can be affixed to the X axis with cleats.

 

 

 

 

 

 


XSlide Applications

Because of their compact design, XSlides are ideal for limited space applications. They can be used in most applications that also use the larger UniSlides® and BiSlides® including scientific, medical, industrial, optical, inspection and scanning applications. The systems can be used to position, align, measure, test, fixture and machine, to name a few of the functional uses.

 


Manual XSlide™ Series / Style


XSlide Manually-Operated Linear Stages – One axis compact slides that can be combined in multiple axis in travel distances up to 30” or combined with other Velmex Assemblies to make custom systems for specific applications.


Style Options

Part number information for each style can be found under Specifications at the end of the page.

Manual XSlide

Lead Screw with a Basic Knob – A single-axis XSlide assembly available in several lead screw pitches. Travel distances to 30 inches (76.2 cm).

Free Sliding XSlide

Free Sliding – The simplest XSlide assembly where the slider is moved by hand. This features a linear dovetail bearing for smooth motion. Travel distances to 30.5” (77.5 cm).


Velmex also offers motorized XSlide Assemblies.


XSlide Configurations

The basic XSlide is a 1-axis linear stage. It can be configured a number of different ways and with multiple axes using the XSlide cleating system.

  Manual XSlide Configurations 1  
  Multi-Axes XSlide Configurations  

 


XSlide™ Specifications


Factors such as size of the motor, size of the payload, travel distance, mounting direction/plane, etc. effect the actual capability of any assembly. Please contact Velmex Application Engineers to configure a system that will meet your exact requirements.

XSlide™ Travel Distance‡ Base Length Slider Length
Series* Inches cm Inches cm Inches cm
Manual
XN10 – Lead Screw XSlide with Lead Screw 2" - 30" 5.1 – 76.2 6.05" – 34.05" 15.4 – 86.5 2" 5.1
XF10 – Free Slide Free Motion XSlide 2.5" - 30.5" 6.4 - 77.5 4.36" - 32.86" 11.1 – 83.46 2" 5.1

XSlide™ Weight Height Width
Series* lbs. kg. Inches cm Inches cm
Manual
XN10 – Lead Screw XSlide with Lead Screw .99 - 3.22 .45- 1.46 1.39" 3.5 1.9" 4.8
XF10 – Free Slide Free Motion XSlide .26 - 1.72 .12 - .78 1.22" 3.1 1.9" 4.8

XSlide™ Dynamic Load Static Load Momentary Load
Load Capacity lbs. kg. lbs. kg. lbs. kg.
Maximum Centered 35 lbs. 15.9 35 lbs. 15.9 140 lbs. 63.6
Thrust 10 lbs. 4.5 20 lbs. 9.07 120 lbs. 54.5
Cantilevered 32 lbs.-in. 3.6 N-m 65 lbs.-in 7.3 N-m 125 lbs.-in 14 N-m


‡Standard travel distances available are in 2" increments up to 8" in length and 6" increments over 8".

Coefficient of friction 0.09 typical
Repeatability 0.0001" over short term, long term dependent on wear
Straight line accuracy 0.003" over entire travel distance
Screw lead accuracy 0.003"/10" (0.076 mm/25 cm) 0.0015"/10" available. Consult factory.
Operating temperature 0 to 180° F (-18 to 82° C)
Properties of Velmex Stages Information on stage composition, tolerances, wear and design for specialty applications.
Load Parameters Definitions and parameters that effect the various load ratings.

 

Lead Screw Specifications for Manual XSlides
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Lead Screws

Velmex Lead ScrewsA wide selection of high-quality lead screws provide flexibility in designing the drive portion of Velmex translation stages.

The lead screws we use are all manufactured by us to exacting standards. They are formed by rolling through precision dies rather than cutting on a screw machine, resulting in higher quality and accuracy. The screws are made of either 303 stainless steel or electroless nickel-plated, cold rolled steel. Other materials are available for specialized applications. Please check with our Application Engineers for details.

The lead screws are available in a range of diameters with both English and Metric Threads. The pitch for English Thread lead screws range from 2.5 turns per inch to 40 turns per inch. The Metric lead screws range from 5 turns to 10 turns per metric thread. We offer both Standard accuracy and Precision accuracy (Precision grade) screws.

The following chart shows the lead screw specifications for manual XSlide Stages, along with our other Velmex products.

Manual Lead Screw Specifications

 

 

XSlide Dimensions

‡Standard travel distances available are in 2" increments up to 12" in length and 6" increments over 12".

  XSlide Dimensions  
  XSlide Free Slide Dimensions  

To function efficiently single axis BiSlide Assemblies should be mounted to a flat surface. Cleating Recommendations.


XSlide Cross Section

XSlide Base Cross-Section

The slider / carriage (shaded area in the cross-section to the left.) rides on the outside of the dovetail ways allowing for a more compact design and easier access for adjustments.

 

 



XSlide Load Calculations
  XSlide Load Calculations  
 

Note: Because of the interlocking nature of the XSlide carriage and the dovetail ways, the maximum recommended load centered (normal) or under horizontal thrust would be comparable whether the slide was upright (Normal – LN), Inverted (LI) or set on the Edge (LE).

 

XSlide Part Number

All XSlides have the same basic part number configuration. The number varies with the series, the travel distance, the lead screw and the motor mountings. Additional prefixes and suffixes are added for the options and accessories. You can determine the XSlide part number using the chart below. The number can be found on the side or end of any Velmex device you may already own.

  Manual XSlide Part No. Chart  

The part number can be found on the end plate of the XSlide Assembly.

XSlide Part Number Location


Options/Accessories for Manual Velmex XSlides™

XSlide Cleats

Cleats - Cleats are used to mount the XSlide assembly to a surface and to configure two XSlides as XY or XZ axis. One pair of cleats has 190 lbs of holding capability. Use in pairs only. Cleating Recommendations.

For more information on XSlide hardware visit the XSlide Adapters page.

 

XMC-2 Standard Cleat mounts the XSlide to a base/surface. It also mounts to another XSlide payload carriage to create XY configurations.
XMC-3 Sandwich Cleat is used to connect two parallel bases.
XMC-4 Cross Cleat is used to mount an XSlide to a gantry or to mount 2 XSlides back to back in XY. (4 clieats with nuts and bolts required)
XMC-5 Optical Cleat is used to mount an XSlide to an optical table.

XSlide Gusset

Gussets – Use as end mounting for vertical XSlide assemblies perpendicular to the X or Y plane. The gusset provides higher rigidity and support for the Z axis. They are available in various sizes for vertical and gantry mounting. (Cleats and hardware are included.)

The requirement for a gusset is determined by travel length and load. For more specifics and to see the gussets in use on a Velmex stage visit the XSlide Adapters page.

XSlide Hardware

Mounting bolts and other hardware – for use with the cleats to create strong, secure attachments.

XSlide Adapter Plates

Adapter Plates and Spacers – A variety of adapter plates to mount XSlides to other Velmex products like BiSlides® and Rotary Tables. There are also adapter plates with spacers to carry larger payloads. They also prevent restrictions to full travel, allowing the payload to pass over the motor block. For more specifics and to see the adapter plates in use on a Velmex stage visit the XSlide Adapters page.

 

XS001-20 connects an XSlide to a BiSlide.
XS001-27 connects XSlide to a B59 Series Velmex Rotary Table horizontally.
XS001-29B connects to a XS001-27 on the XSlide to connect a B59 Series Velmex Rotary Table vertically.
XS001-26-25 and XS001-25-131 are payload adapter plates with spacers.

XSlide with two carriages

Additional Carriages - Additional carriages (sliders) can be added to all models of XSlides to increase the carrying capacity of the slide.

XSlide with two carriages

Lock – Thumbscrew-on-Lead-Screw Lock (-TL) - An easy method to fix the slider utilizing a simple repositionable thumbscrew. The lock can be mounted center-top, center-back, right side, or left side. (Picture illustrates 3 of the possible lock placements.) The thumbscrew lock increases the overall length of the XSlide base. For details see Motion-Locks page.

XSlide frame table XF2 Style –framing tables have I-Beam top rails on all four sides for maximum support. Standard sizes are 10"x10"x10", 12"x12"x12" and 14"x14"x14". A base can easily be custom designed to our specific requirements.
VRO with an XSlide Assembly

Encoders and VRO™ Encoder Readout For a high resolution position readout a rotary encoder and Velmex’s VRO encoder readout can be mounted to most linear XSlide assemblies. The rotary encoder gives an accurate position reading based on the count per revolution of the lead screw.

The VRO is compatible with all 5V incremental encoders. Fully functional, it features automatic memory back-up of settings, sleep mode and self diagnostics. It’s highly visible, wide-screen LED display makes it easy to view the positioning results. SEE: Velmex Controls on the Encoders and the VRO Readout for additional details.


Velmex offers a multitude of options and accessories for all its products. Usually an option or an accessory will address your requirements. When it doesn't, we can make custom modifications, including:

• Additional holes or slots. (A drawing is required.)

• Intermediate plates to mount your payload

• Special or in between lengths of the dovetail base

• Lead screw shaft extensions

• Choice of drive nut materials, including brass and Vespel

• Right and left-hand threads on the same lead screw, allowing a pair of sliders to move together or apart.

We can also offer customized configurations to address special environmental and vacuum applications.

 

Manual XSlide™ CAD Drawings / Documents / Instructions

The majority of CAD drawings found in our Technical Library are Step (.stp) files. You will also see .dxf, .dwg, .sat and .pdf files. For .STP files, you may need to right click on the download button and save the "target" or "link". If you require a different format or cannot located the drawing you require, please contact us. Drawings are identified by the series or configuration. The complete part number can be found on the side or end of any Velmex device you may already own.

NOTE: Lead Screw pitch variations are represented by a single drawing number. For example - XN10-0120-E05-11 becomes XN10-0120-XXX-11

For non-standard sizes or multi-axis configurations, please contact us. There may be an additional charge.

Click to open the section you need: "Right Click" to download.
XSlide - Manual Assembly CAD Drawings
Click to Open

Series Type File Name Description Download  
XN10 STP XN10-0020-XXX-11-TL 4Cleats.stp Lead screw, basic knob, 2" Travel Download Button  
XN10 STP XN10-0040-XXX-11 4Cleats.stp Lead screw, basic knob, 4" Travel Download Button  
XN10 STP XN10-0060-XXX-11 4Cleats.stp Lead screw, basic knob, 6" Travel Download Button  
XN10 STP XN10-0080-XXX-11 4Cleats.stp Lead screw, basic knob, 8" Travel Download Button  
XN10 STP XN10-0180-X-11.stp Lead screw, basic knob, 18" Travel Download Button  
XN10 STP XN10-0240-XXX-11 4Cleats.stp Lead screw, basic knob, 24" Travel Download Button  

 

 


XSlide Documents - Spec Sheets, Instructions, Manuals
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Type File Name Description Download View
PDF XSlide Dimensional Drawing.pdf 2D Dimensional Drawings Download Button View PDF
PDF XSlide Spec Overview.pdf Specfications and features for XSlide Assembly Download Button View PDF
PDF XSlide Users Manual.pdf User's Operating Manual for XSlide Download Button View PDF

 

 


XSlide Framing Components
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Type File Name Description Download View
STP XGST-1-2.5.stp Gusset - 2.5" for a vertical mount Download Button -
STP XGST-1-6.stp Gusset - 6" for a vertical mount Download Button -
STP XGST-1-12.stp Gusset - 12" for a vertical mount Download Button -
STP XGST-1-18.stp Gusset - 18" for a vertical mount Download Button -
DWG XMC-2 Cleat.dwg Standard Cleat mounts the XSlide to a base/surface. It also mounts to another XSlide payload carriage to create XY configurations.  Download Button -
STP XMC-2 Cleat.stp Standard Cleat mounts the XSlide to a base/surface. It also mounts to another XSlide payload carriage to create XY configurations.  Download Button -
STP XMC-5 Cleat.stp Optical Cleat used to mount an XSlide to an optical table. Download Button -
STP XS001-20 XSlide to BiSlide adapter plate.stp Adapter plate that connects an XSlide to a BiSlide. Download Button -
STP XS001-21 XSlide to B5990 Rotary plate.stp Adapter plate that connects XSlide to a Velmex Rotary Table.  Download Button -
STP XS001-25 XSlide Standoff for Top Plate.stp Payload adapter plate with spacers. Download Button -
STP XS001-26 4x4 XSlide Top Plate.stp Payload adapter plate with spacers. 4" x 4" Download Button -
STP / PDF XS001-27 B5990 Rotary to XSlide Adapter plate that connects XSlide to a Velmex Rotary Table.  Download Button View PDF
DWG XS001-29B B5990 Rotary Table in Z axis.dwg Adapter plate that connects XSlide to a Velmex Rotary Table, mounted vertically. Download Button -
STP / PDF XS001-29B B5990 Rotary Table in Z axis Adapter plate that connects XSlide to a Velmex Rotary Table, mounted vertically. Download Button View PDF
STP XS001-30 B5990 to end of XSlide.stp Adapter plate that connects XSlide to a Velmex Rotary Table, mounted on the end of the XSlide Download Button -

 

 


 

Velmex XSlide™ Applications and Examples

These are examples of Velmex products. If you wish a similar product, please contact us with your specific application specifications (travel distance, payload, hours per day in use, resolution, speed range, etc.). You can use the Request Assistance form.

The example displayed may be a custom configuration, designed to the customer's specifications; and not offered as a standard product. Custom configurations could contain custom, externally-fabricated components.

Pictured in our gallery are examples of configurations and systems using manually-operated XSlides, along with configurations that also include other Velmex products. Product and accessory offering is subject to change and availability.

Example Key Code Meaning Example Key Code Meaning
A Manually Operated M Motorized
S Standard C Custom Configuration
B BiSlide U UniSlide
X XSlide R Rotary Tables
T XY Tables TT Turntables
E Elevating Tables FS Fun Stuff (Ingenious, Cool, or Just out of the ordinary applications)

 

Single Axis XSlide Stages
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  • Free Sliding XSlide Free Slide XSlide
    Example: ASX1
  • Manual XSlide with Crank Small Manual XSlide
    Example: ASX2
  • Longer Manual XSlide Longer Manual XSlide
    Example: ASX3
  • XSlide with rotary encoder description
    Example: ASX4
  • Z XSlide with gusset description
    Exp: ASX5

Multiple-Axes XSlide Assemblies
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  • XY Manual XSlide description
    Exp: ASX2001
  • XZ XSlide gantry description
    Exp: ASX2002

Combination Assemblies
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  • XYX XSlides with rotary table description
    Exp: ACXR3001

Working Images
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  •  XSlide configured for microscope description
    Slide viewer


Velmex also offers motorized XSlide Assemblies. Examples of other Velmex products can be found on the Examples page or in the Examples section for each product.

 

 

 

 

 

Many questions can be answered by reviewing the "Features", "Model / Series", "Specifications", "Options / Accessories" and "Technical Documentation" sections for each product line. Additional FAQs about product comparisons, product construction, purchasing and shipping can be found on the company FAQ page.

XSlide™ Troubleshooting
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XSlide Stage Troubleshooting Tips

First - always read the Users Manual.

Symptom Possible Cause Possible Fixes
The carriage binds or will not move. During mounting, the base may have been over-tightened or mounted to an irregular surface. This can distort the assembly, causing carriage binding. Loosen screws and re-tighten to the proper torque.
    Tighten bolts in cleats to 17 in-lbs.
    Remount base to a flat surface. (Recommend: Mounting surface should be steel or aluminum and have 6-32 UNC threaded holes with a minimum thread depth of 0.250)
    Be sure to use the proper number and placement of cleats. (Refer to the users manual.)
  Mounting non-flat plate or blocks to the carriage to hold the load can also distort the assembly, causing carriage binding. Anything attached to the assembly must be mounted flat to the carriage. (CAUTION: Over tightening will increase friction, could stall the motor and cause increased wear.)
    Use the "finger test" to check for binding. Grasp the lead screw on either side of the carriage and twist. If the lead screw can't be moved, the slide or the load may not be mounted properly or the mounting bolts are too tight.
There is some backlash in the carriage on a motorized XSlide. Some backlash maybe seen when the lead screw and carriage start to wear. Adjust by tightening theset screw in the side of the carriage (CAUTION: Over tightening will increase friction, could stall the motor and cause increased wear.)
    Use the "finger test" to check for binding. Grasp the lead screw on either side of the carriage and twist. If the lead screw can't be moved, the slide or the load may not be mounted properly or the mounting bolts are too tight.
There appears to be free-play on a motorized XSlide carriage. Objectionable play can be reduced by tightening the two carriage fit bolts on the side of the carriage surface. Adjust each bolt equally a maximum of 1/8 of a turn. (CAUTION: Over tightening will increase friction, could stall the motor and cause increased wear.)
  Carriage appears to be at a slight angle and out of parallel with the base.  
The limit switches are failing. Could be caused by a bad switch, the cable not plugged in correctly or the controller not set-up properly. Check the cable connections. Check to be sure the controller is configured correctly.

 

 

XSlide ™ FAQs
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Do XSlides need lubrication and how often?

XSlide Assemblies can operate without lubrication. Under severe duty applications Velmex BL-1 oil can reduce friction and minimize wear. Only a few drops are required to keep your slide running smoothly. See the user guide that came with your XSlide for recommendations.

Can XSlides be mounted together?

Yes, XSlides can be easily mounted in an XY configuration with the use of XSlide XMC-2 cleats. XSlides can be mounted in an XZ or XYZ configuration using XMB-2 bolts or a gusset can be added for more rigidity. See XSlide Options and Accessories for more information on the cleats and T-slot structuring.

How do I mount an XSlide to my working surface?

XSlides typically are mounted to any surface with the XSlide cleats. The surface should be flat to avoid binding, operate smoothly and accurately. Steel or aluminum are recommended for the surface. You start with 2 pair (cleats) at 2" of travel. Adjust as you increase travel distance to roughly 8 to 10 pairs of cleats for 30" of travel depending on whether your load is light or heavy.

Can you convert a manual XSlide Stage to a motorized one?

XSlide Assemblies cannot be converted, except at the factory. You should purchase the version you require at the onset. It is possible, however, to buy Velmex XSlide Stages pre-configured for both manual and motorized operation with a double shaft stepper motor.

Options and accessories like revolution counters can be added to Velmex assemblies after the fact. However, because of special adjustments, possible cutting or turning and additional hardware that may be required, the assembly needs to be returned to the factory to properly fit the additional component. There is a nominal charge for reconfiguring assemblies.

How do you adjust the carriage fit on an XSlide?

All fine tuning/wear compensation can be easily accomplished without removing a payload from the slide. Both the carriage fit and the lead screw / nut mesh adjustments are accessible from the sides of the slider. No need to remove the payload. See the XSlide Owners Manual for how and when to adjust.

 

 

 


If you have questions about your specific application or want us to design a XSlide System for you, please complete the Request Assistance form or call Velmex to speak to one of our Application Engineers.