BiSlide Manual Linear Stages

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.

Free Motion – The simplest BiSlide assembly where the slider is moved by hand. This features a linear dovetail bearing for smooth motion.

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.

‡Standard travel distances available are in 5" increments up to 20" in length and 10" increments over 20".

BiSlide Load Calculations

Deflection: a = 0.000011 degrees / in-lb (F x d = in-lbs)

The part number can be found on the side of the BiSlide Assembly.

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.

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.

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.

T-Nuts , mounting bolts and other hardware – to create strong, secure attachments. Can also be used with the cleats.

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.

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.
MC-2 – Standard 2 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.
MC-3 – 2 hole cleat with 2" center to center for use with optical benches with 1" or 25 mm centers.
MC-4 – Sandwich cleats - used to connect two parallel bases.

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.

MSPP-1 Foot Plate – Used as part of the foot for BiSlide bases and post assemblies.
MSPP-2 Adapter Plate – Multipurpose adapter plate (4.6" x 4.6" x 0.375")
MSPP-3 Adapter Plate – Use to mount Rotary Table (A48 or B48 Series) to BiSlide
MSPP-4 Adapter Plate – Use to mount Rotary Table (A59 or B59 Series) to BiSlide.
MSPP-5 Adapter Plate – Use to end mount BiSlide extrusion.
IM001-130-131 – Payload plate to expand the carriage (8" x 8" x 0.375")
IM001-130-132 – Payload plate to expand the carriage (12" x 12" x 0.375")
XS001-20 – connects an XSlide to a BiSlide.

Foot – Acts as an adjustable foot for BiSlide bases and post assemblies. (LFS-1) (Shown with a MSPP-1 foot plate.)

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.

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.

Preconfigured Frames/Bases – For more information on BiSlide bases visit the BiSlide Adapters page.

F2 Style has I-Beam top rails running parallel on two sides. These are ideal for supporting parallel coupled BiSlide Assemblies.
F4 Style bases have I-Beam top rails on all four sides for maximum support of heavy loads.

Velmex will design and build custom bases and frames as required to meet application and customer requirements.

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

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.

Note: Maximum carriage separation = distance of travel - (4.6" x 2).
Travel of each carriage = separation / 2

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.

Scale on Base - Includes a precision engraved English or Metric scale on the base. Measures position from 0.001" or 0.05 mm.

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.

Motion Locks:

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.)
Traveling Carriage Lock (-TCL) This lock attaches to the slider to lock the carriage in place. (Needs to be ordered as an option.)

For details see Motion-Locks page.

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.

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.

Way Covers can only be used in horizontal applications and at a maximum travel of distance of 10 inches. For more details see Way Covers page.

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.

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.