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BiSlide Manual Linear Stages

Exceedingly accurate, multi-axis positioning systems can be quickly and easily assembled using Velmex manual BiSlide Assemblies. Several manually-operated versions are available including Free-motion, Lead Screw with Knob and Crank, Tandem and Side Knob Vertical Assemblies.
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Troubleshooting / FAQs
Manual BiSlide® Assemblies
The Velmex BiSlide positioning stage's modular design makes it highly configurable for a multitude of different motion-control applications. The manual BiSlide assembly is available in a choice of linear travel distances up to 80 inches.
Constructed with hard-coat anodized, aluminum dovetail ways and smooth motion PTFE bearings; BiSlides deliver higher rigidity for longer life and more precise movement. BiSlides have a load capacity of 300 lbs. (136 kg.) horizontally and 100 lbs. (45.4 kg.) vertically. Straight-line accuracy is 0.003" (0.076 mm) over entire travel distance. Repeatability is 0.0002 inch (0.005 mm).
Because BiSlide components are interchangeable, they can easily be reconfigured as the need arises. One, two and three axis systems are created by simply bolting together standard components utilizing the advantages of T-slot framing.
BiSlide® Features
StabilNut II™
I-Beam Framing
A unique feature of Velmex BiSlides is the number of mounting, framing and structural profiles available. BiSlides can be mounted flat, on edge or on either end. Because of their T-slot base design, they can be mounted to tables, bases, frames and other structures constructed from the same heavy-duty I-beam rails giving heavier loads and longer traverses additional support. Infinite configurations can be created from the versatile system.
BiSlide Applications
The design is ideal for 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.
Manufacturers will find the BiSlide system delivers ease of service and upgrade-ability to keep up with rapidly changing marketplaces. Researchers will find BiSlides easy to reconfigure and expand for different projects. Educators will appreciate BiSlide's durable construction, low cost, and easily understood design concepts for demonstrating linear motion principles.
BiSlide® Series / Style
BiSlide Manually-Operated Linear Stages – One axis slides that can be combined for multiple axis in a multitude of travel distances up to 84".
Style Options
Part number information for each style can be found under Specifications at the end of the page.
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Knob/Crank – BiSlides are operated manually using a knob with a convenient retractable handle and a thumb lock. The knob is available with or without a digital position counter. |
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Free Motion – The simplest BiSlide assembly where the slider is moved by hand. This features a linear dovetail bearing for smooth motion. |
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Rapid Advance – The Rapid Advance BiSlide Assembly quickly positions the carriage by hand and fine-tune it with the crank. The Rapid-Advance feature disengages the drive screw so that the carriage can be repositioned. |
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Side-Knob – A unique assembly suitable for precision vertical test stands. Smooth, precision rotary to linear motion is created using a right any timing belt drive connected to a fine pitch lead screw. The Side Knob BiSlide can be purchased with or without the base. The configuration with the base can function like an inspection stand. See the Side Knob BiSlide page for more information. |
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Tandem – A combination of a manual BiSlide and a Free Motion model with the same travel distance mechanically connected so that the carriages operate in tandem. The increased stiffness of this style BiSlide can carry larger loads and increases the cantilever capabilities. Additional Free Motion models can be connected, if required. |
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Left-Right Screw Models (LR) – The slides simultaneously move toward or away from each other. Use for applications where two objects must share a common axis of movement.. |
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Parallel-Coupled – Two or more identical single-axis BiSlides coupled together to handle larger loads and longer traverses. The operation of the BiSlides are kept in synch through a timing belt. See the Parallel-Coupled BiSlide page for more information. |
Velmex also offers motorized BiSlide Assemblies.
BiSlide Configurations
The basic BiSlide is a 1-axis linear stage. It can be configured a number of different ways and with multiple axes using the BiSlide T-Slot and framing system.
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BiSlide® 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.
Manual BiSlide® | Travel Distance‡ | Base Length | Slider Length | ||||
Series | Inches | cm | Inches | cm | Inches | cm | |
MN10 – Lead Screw | ![]() |
5" - 80" | 12.7 – 203.2 | 12.95" – 90.35" | 32.9 – 229.5 | 5" | 12.7 |
MR10 – Rapid Advance* | ![]() |
5" - 80" | 12.7 – 203.2 | 12.95" – 90.35" | 32.9 – 229.5 | 5" | 12.7 |
MF10 – Free Slide | ![]() |
5" - 80" | 12.7 – 203.2 | 10.35" – 85.35" | 26.29 – 216.79 | 5" | 12.7 |
MN10 – Side Knob | ![]() |
5" - 15" | 12.7 – 38.1 | (Height) 15.15" – 25.15" | 38.48 – 63.88 | 5" | 12.7 |
MT10 – Tandem | ![]() |
5" - 80" | 12.7 – 203.2 | 12.95" – 90.35" | 32.9 – 229.5 | 5" | 12.7 |
PC1 – Parallel-Coupled | ![]() |
up to 80" | up to 203.2 | Standard offering: 8" to 80" center to center measurement. See Parallel-Coupled BiSlide Assembly details page for dimensional drawings. Other specifications will depend on design of the specific system. Talk to a Velmex Application Engineer. |
*The Rapid Advance BiSlide Assembly is not recommended for vertical travel. Also only available in a "M01" 1 mm lead screw.
‡Standard travel distances available are in 5" increments up to 20" in length and 10" increments over 20".
Manual BiSlide® | Weight | Height | Width | ||||
Series | lbs. | kg. | Inches | cm | Inches | cm | |
MN10 – Lead Screw | ![]() |
6.9 – 34.8 | 3.2 – 15.8 | 2.44" | 6.2 | 3.4" | 8.64 |
MF10 – Free Slide | ![]() |
5.9 – 28.9 | 2.7 – 13.1 | 2.44" | 6.2 | 3.4" | 8.64 |
MR10 – Rapid Advance* | ![]() |
2.44" | 6.2 | 5.1" | 12.95 | ||
MN10 – Side Knob | ![]() |
7.4 – 11 | 3.4 – 5 | 15.15" - 25.15" | 38.48 – 63.88 | 7.24" (depth 4.6 ") |
18.4 (11.68) |
MT10 – Tandem | ![]() |
12.8– 63.7 | 5.8– 28.9 | 2.44" | 6.2 | 6.8" | 17.3 |
PC1 – Parallel-Coupled | ![]() |
See Parallel-Coupled BiSlide Assembly details page. Other specifications will depend on design of the specific system. Talk to a Velmex Application Engineer. |
*The Rapid Advance BiSlide Assembly is not recommended for vertical travel. Also only available in a "M01" 1 mm lead screw.
Manual BiSlide® | Dynamic Load | Static Load | Momentary Load | |||
Load Capacity | lbs. | kg. | lbs. | kg. | lbs. | kg. |
MN10† & MF10 | ||||||
Maximum Centered (Recommended day-to-day) | 300 lbs. | 136.1 | 300 lbs. | 136.1 | 1000 lbs. | 453.59 |
Thrust | 100 lbs. | 45.36 | 200 lbs. | 90.72 | 300 lbs. | 136.1 |
Cantilevered | 500 lbs.-in. | 56.5 n-m | ||||
† Except MN10 Side Knob BiSlide models (Vertical Stage) | ||||||
MN10 - Side Knob | ||||||
Maximum Centered (Recommended day-to-day) | 40 lbs. | 18.1 | 40 lbs. | 18.1 | 100 lbs. | 45.36 |
MT10 - Tandem | ||||||
Maximum Centered (Recommended day-to-day) | 600 lbs. | 272.15 | 600 lbs. | 272.15 | 2000 lbs. | 907.2 |
Thrust | 100 lbs. | 45.36 | 100 lbs. | 45.36 | 300 lbs. | 136.08 |
Cantilevered | 1000 lbs.-in. | 113.00 n-m | ||||
MR10 – Rapid Advance* | ||||||
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Maximum Centered (Recommended day-to-day) | 150 lbs. | 68.04 | 150 lbs. | 68.04 | 150 lbs. | 68.04 |
Thrust | 3 lbs. | 1.4 | 15 lbs. | 6.8 | 15 lbs. | 6.8 |
*The Rapid Advance BiSlide Assembly is not recommended for vertical travel. Also only available in a "M01" 1 mm lead screw.
Coefficient of friction | 0.09 typical |
Coefficient range | 0.04 (Heavy Load Dynamic) to 0.15-0.3 (Lubricated heavy Load Static>1 hour) |
Repeatability | 0.00015" (4 microns) typical |
Straight line accuracy | 0.003" (0.076 mm) over entire travel distance. Higher accuracy 0.0015" (0.038mm) available |
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 Screws
A 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 BiSlide Stages, along with our other Velmex products.
BiSlide® Dimensions (Shown with optional motors and cleats) |
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‡Standard travel distances available are in 5" increments up to 20" in length and 10" increments over 20". |
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View from Top | |||
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View from Side | |||
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View from End | Carriage | ||
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Free Motion Model | |||
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To function efficiently single axis BiSlide Assemblies should be mounted to a flat surface. Cleating Recommendations.
BiSlide Base Cross-Section
The slider / carriage (shaded area in the cross-section to the left) rides inside the guide ways. The 45 degree opposing ways give strength to carry the payload.
BiSlide Load Calculations |
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Enlarge Chart | ||
1Note: Because of the interlocking nature of the BiSlide carriage and the dovetail ways, the maximum recommended load centered (normal) or under thrust would be comparable whether the slide was upright (Normal – LN), Inverted (LI) or set on the Edge (LE). |
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BiSlide Part Number Configuration
All manual BiSlide Assemblies have the same basic part number configuration. The number varies with the series, the travel distance, the lead screw and the slider length. Additional prefixes and suffixes are added for the options and accessories. You can determine the BiSlide part number using the chart below. The number can be found on the side or end of any Velmex device you may already own.
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The part number can be found on the side of the BiSlide Assembly. |
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BiSlide Assemblies conform to European Machinery Directive (89/392/EEC) Annex 1
Options/Accessories for Manual Velmex BiSlides®
The Velmex BiSlide framing options and various accessories allow the user to create complete multi-axis, high accuracy positioning systems quickly and easily.
BiSlide Framing - The versatility of the BiSlide's modular design enables building of complex configurations. A variety of framing components can be combined and connected, disassembled and reassembled in alternate configurations to build BiSlide structures as needed. For more specifics and to see the framing components, including plates and brackets, in use on a Velmex stage visit the BiSlide Adapters page. |
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T-Slot Plate – rugged, hard anodized aluminum extrusions with abundant T-slots for multiple attachment possibilities. The T-Slot Plate creates a heavy-duty support structure for building BiSlide mounting and framing structures or configuring multiple coordinates. |
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I-Beam BiSlide Base –The extruded I-beam base is made from a hard alloy aluminum and includes T-slots on each side to easily connect BiSlides to each other or attach the BiSlide to a frame or base structure. |
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T-Nuts , mounting bolts and other hardware – to create strong, secure attachments. Can also be used with the cleats. |
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Cleats - use BiSlide cleats to create rigid XY attachments, mountings for optical tables and attachments to other T-slot framing systems. The cleats are also used to secure BiSlides for longer travel distances and to support larger loads. Cleating Recommendations. |
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MC-1 – Standard 1 hole cleat. Mounts the BiSlide to a frame / base / surface. Can be used to mount to other BiSlides in an XY, XZ or XYZ configuration. |
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Adapter Plates and Spacers – use BiSlide adapter plates for vertical mounts; to create a larger base support; to mount Velmex rotary tables and turntables to the BiSlide; to as auxiliary payload mounting plates to support larger payload footprints. For more information on BiSlide Adapter Plates visit the BiSlide Adapters page. |
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MSPP-1 Foot Plate – Used as part of the foot for BiSlide bases and post assemblies. |
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Foot – Acts as an adjustable foot for BiSlide bases and post assemblies. (LFS-1) (Shown with a MSPP-1 foot plate.) |
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Angle Brackets and Gussets – Use XZ angle brackets and gussets as braces for vertical BiSlide assemblies perpendicular to the X or Y plane to provide higher rigidity. They are available in various sizes for vertical and gantry mounting. For more information on BiSlide brackets and gussets visit the BiSlide Adapters page. |
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Post Assemblies –Attach at right angles to the BiSlide Assembly to provide a convenient method to connect rotary tables or other accessories at a right angle, a distance from the carriage surface. Supports an adapter plate either vertically or horizontally. |
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Preconfigured Frames/Bases – For more information on BiSlide bases visit the BiSlide Adapters page. |
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F2 Style has I-Beam top rails running parallel on two sides. These are ideal for supporting parallel coupled BiSlide Assemblies. |
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Additional Carriages - Additional carriages (sliders) can be added to all models of BiSlides to increase the carrying capacity of the slide. |
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Left-Right screw motion - This configuration is very useful for applications where two objects must share a common axis of movement. This assembly incorporates two carriages driven by a single right- and left-hand threaded lead screw. When the knob is turned, the carriages simultaneously move toward or away from each other. |
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Two Independent Carriages - variation on the left-right screw motion UniSlide is one containing two lead screws with control knobs at both ends of the assembly. Each lead screw and carriage operates independently. |
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Scale on Base - Includes a precision engraved English or Metric scale on the base. Measures position from 0.001" or 0.05 mm. |
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Revolution Counter - A digital revolution counter delivers an absolute mechanical type readout. The counter is standard on Knob/Crank with counter and thumb lock style BiSlides. For details see BiSlide Counter page. |
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Motion Locks: |
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Thumb Lock (-TL) An easy method to fix the slider utilizing a simple thumbscrew. A thumb lock is found on both the Knob style or Knob with counter style BiSlide. The lock applies friction to the knob input shaft, locking the carriage in place.
(Standard on BiSlide stages.) For details see Motion-Locks page. |
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Right Angle Gearbox - Allows the control knob or wheel to be offset perpendicular to the BiSlide ways. Ideal for tight spaces or applications where access to the end of the stage is limited. For more specifics and to see the gearbox in use on a Velmex stage visit the BiSlide Adapters page. |
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Way Covers (-WC) – Protect the slider and dovetail base from dust, dirt and grit that could hamper the efficient operation of the slide. They also extend the slide's life. Way covers increase slider height and reduce the travel length of linear BiSlide stages. |
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Encoders and VRO™ Encoder Readout – For a high resolution position readout an encoder and Velmex's VRO encoder readout can be mounted to most linear BiSlide assemblies. An encoder, mounted directly to the slider gives a true and accurate reading eliminating lead screw and backlash errors. The VRO is compatible with all 5V incremental encoders. It can monitor one or two axis. 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 BiSlide 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 - MN10-0100-E04-11 becomes MN10-0100-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. |
Side Knob BiSlide Drawings
Side Knob BiSlide Documents
Drawings are not available at the present time for manual Parallel-Coupled BiSlide Assemblies. Please contact Velmex.
Parallel-Coupled BiSlide Instruction Sheets
BiSlide Frame Instructions
Type | File Name | Description | Download | View |
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Bislide base F2 assy.pdf | Instructions - Frame Assembly for F2 Base | ![]() |
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Bislide base F4 assy rev1.pdf | Instructions - Frame Assembly for F4 Base | ![]() |
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Right-Angled Gearboxes
BiSlide Documents
BiSlide Instruction Sheets
Velmex BiSlide® 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. |
Pictured in our gallery are examples of configurations for both manual and motorized BiSlides, 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 |
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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) |
Velmex also offers motorized BiSlide 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.
BiSlide Stage Troubleshooting
First - always read the Users Manual.
Symptom | Possible Cause | Possible Fixes |
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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 95 in-lbs. | ||
Remount base to a flat surface. (Recommend: Mounting surface should be steel or aluminum and have 1/4-20 UNC threaded holes with a minimum thread depth of 0.30".) | ||
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. | 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. (CAUTION: Over tightening will increase friction, could stall the motor and cause increased wear.) | |
There is some backlash in the carriage on a motorized BiiSlide. | Some backlash maybe seen when the lead screw and carriage start to wear. | Adjust by tightening the Allen cap screw on the top of the drive nut. (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 BiSlide. This may be accompanied by a clunking/knocking noise when pulling up and down on the corners of the carriage. | Objectionable play can be reduced by tightening the four carriage fit bolts on 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. | An out of parallel carriage may angle the limit switch actuator cam to be either too high or low resulting in limit switch failure. | |
The carriage seems to clunk when pulling and pushing on one diagonal of the carriage. | The Carriage Fit Bolts may not have been tightened equal. | Back off on slightly on the adjustment bolts on the opposite diagonal and re-tighten all 4 bolts equally to 1/8 maximum turn. Use a level and check for parallelism to the base. (See User's Manual.) |
Do BiSlides need lubrication and how often?
Lubrication is important for motor-driven systems or wherever you want maximum life and the lowest friction. BiSlide Assemblies should be lubricated with Velmex BL-1 oil. Only a few drops are required to keep your slide running smoothly. The load and hours of use effect the amount and frequency of lubrication. Manual BiSlide assemblies require less frequent lubrication. See the user guide that came with your BiSlide for recommendations.
Can BiSlides be mounted together?
Yes, BiSlides can be mounted together in XY, XZ, XYZ configurations. Mounting BiSlide assemblies in multi-axis systems is easy using cleats. T-slot bases and frames can be added for more structure and to create application specific systems. They also can be combined with Velmex Rotary Tables and our other linear stages to make custom systems for a wide range of requirements. See BiSlide Options and Accessories for more information on the cleats and T-slot structuring.
How do I mount a BiSlide to my working surface?
BiSlides typically are mounted to any surface with the BiSlide cleats. The surface should be flat to avoid binding, operate smoothly and accurately. Steel or aluminum are recommended for the surface. For heavy loads, you start with 2 pair of cleats (4) and add a pair for every 5" in travel. Lighter loads would require fewer cleats.
How do you adjust the carriage fit on an BSlide?
Adjustments the carriage on a BiSlide may be necessary after break in period and less frequently thereafter. The Lead Screw Nut (StabilNut) has an adjustable mesh to minimize backlash. Carriage fit can be adjusted by tightening the bolts on the carriage surface. See the BiSlide Owners Manual for how and when to adjust
How much weight can you lift vertically with a BiSlide Belt driven slide?
When used with a Velmex VXM™ controller you can lift up to 20 lbs. with the Belt Drive model. However, when using a BiSlide® Belt driven slide mounted vertically it should be used in conjunction with a "Fail-Safe-Brake" option to prevent rapid dropping. A VXM™ with braking option is offered. A servo system with similar braking option can lift up to 40 lbs vertically on the Belt Drive.
If you have questions about your specific application or want us to design a BiSlide System for you, please complete the Request Assistance form or call Velmex to speak to one of our Application Engineers.