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  HOME > MANUAL HOME > RAPID ADVANCE 1 (800) 642-6446 or 1 (585) 657-6151 (in NYS)
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  Model D, DE and DM
  Model GE and GM
  Model H1, H20, HE, HM
  Spec it, Price it
  With coarse leadscrew
  Load Capacity

Rapid Advance feature allows you to temporarily disengage the drive screw.

Problem 1: you need long travel and you don't have the time and/or energy to do a lot of cranking. Choose from 4 solutions:

Problem 2: you need relatively long travel at a very slow, constant speed but want to quickly return to START

rapid advance dovetail slide
Photo 1
mic head stage

 

Save your time and energy in repositioning with our unique Rapid Advance Feature. This feature is ideal for

  • long travel UniSlides,
  • medium travel units with fine pitch screws
  • any units that are frequently moved.


How they work: Rapid Advance models use a clutch-like design to uncouple the slider from the drive mechanism. You quickly push the slider, by hand, where you want it. Then, fine tune your position after re-engaging the drive screw.

Select a UniSlide Series to see Rapid Advance features:
1.5" wide Series A15
2.5" wide Series A25
4" wide Series A40
6" wide Series A60
The Rapid Advance feature is not available in B90 Series - choose Rapid Advance BiSlide


DETAILS
There are three designs of Rapid Advance: Models D,
G and Model H
Model D Design  
Mechanism Mandrel (steel rod) with clamp  
Looks like Model D Rapid Advance
Photo 2
Operation:
Knob turns screw which moves mandrel back-and-forth for 0.56" fine motion control.
  Pros Cons
 

-Less expensive than H design
-Finer FINE Adjust (40 turns per inch)
-Tolerates debris better than H design

Occasionally have to adjust relative position of screw in mandrel
Variations: With Scale and Vernier: Models DE and DM  
Measured Travel Rapid advance stage with scale and vernier Photo 3 Measures position to 0.001" or 0.05 mm
   
Model G Design Tell me more about these models
Mechanism Same as D:Mandrel (steel rod) with clamp
Looks like.. dovetail stage with micrometer
Photo 4
Operation:
Turn Micrometer for fine adjustment over 1" or 25 mm segment of a variable range of travel.
  Pros Cons
 

-Measure travel to 0.001" or 0.01mm
-Moveable zero or home reference point

Occasionally have to adjust relative position of Mic head
   
Model H Lead screw with pinions (not visible)  
Looks like... rapid advance model H
Photo 5
Operation: Brass pinions rotate as you push the slider. Clamp pressure locks pinions in place for lead screw control.
  Pros Cons
  -Can move full length of travel by just turning hand wheel. More sensitive to debris
Costs more than D style
Variations with Scale and Vernier: Models HE and HM  
Looks like... Model HM
photo 6
Measure position to 0.001" or 0.05 mm

Load Capacity

Because we have replaced the normal, threaded Delrin drive nut, vertical load capacities are reduced from normal series load capacities.

Series
Horizontal
Vertical
10 lbs.
2 lbs.
25 lbs
2 lbs.
50 lbs.
2 lbs.
50 lbs
2 lbs.

 

Rapid Advance Modification

Photo 7 above

Long travel Series A15 Rapid Advance model with measured travel.
Customer requested a Rapid Advance Model D. They wanted to measure the travel but only needed a resolution of 1 mm. The solution is a metric lithographed scale graduated in 1 mm increments added to the standard Model D. Note the optional extra length slider with hash mark.


Another idea: Screw Drive UniSlide with a coarse lead screw
Series A40 dovetail stage

Photo 8

When you spec a 2.5 turns per inch lead screw in the standard Screw Drive type UniSlide, you can push the slider along for rapid translation (movement). Watch this video:

Advantages of 2.5 turns screw:
-Fast travel
-Less expensive, complex and higher load capacity than Rapid Advance UniSlides

Disadvantages:
-reduced sensitivity for tiny increments of motion
-2.5 and 5 pitch are not self-locking. Will fall if in a vertical position or move if thrust load is in direction of travel. We highly recommend use of locking screw to hold position.


Another choice: the Rapid Advance BiSlide Assembly

Rapid Advance BiSlide
Photo 9


12 sec. video demo. Controls in lower left corner

Available as Manual or Motor Driven assembly

Load Capacity: Horizontal: 150 lbs
Vertical: 3 lbs (for safety to prevent injury due to sudden drops) 15 lbs absolute maximum

Price: Std. +$150 CONFIGURE A BISLIDE

Nut Matl: UHMW
Lever Matl: 303 SS
Knob Matl: Black Duroplast (fiber reinforced Bakelite)  with spring steel insert

Lever Orientation:  Normally Right (looking from Knob/Motor end)  but Left on Motorized
Lever Engage/Disengage Force:  2.5 lbs Typ
Lever Engage/Disengage Angle: 13 deg
Lever Engage/Disengage Distance at Knob:  0.95"
Knob distance from BiSlide (Base):  1.7"
Design Life: 100K cycles

Lubricant: BiSlide BL-1 Only or None
Environmental: Same as Std BiSlide

Backlash (M01): 0.0001" (2.5 microns) Typ.

Extra Carriage:Part # BCR-M01 +$150 over BCN-xxx


Choose to Motorize the Stagemotor driven Stages
Photo 10

Advantages:
- Fast travel, constant speed
- Automated. Can be programmed to do a wide variety of tasks

Disadvantages:
- Costs more
- Requires electricity
- Is a more complex solution

Go to: Examples of motorized stages or Introduction to motorized stages

Copyright (c) 2013. Velmex, Inc.