XSlide Motorized Translation Stages

Motorized 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 makes 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). Repeatability is 0.0001 inch (0.00254 mm).

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.

XSlide™ Features

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Additional Features

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

Motorized XSlide™ Series / Style

XSlide Motorized 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.

Standard style options for motorized XSlides include:

Style Options

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

Lead Screw Driven – A single-axis XSlide assembly available in several lead screw pitches. Travel distances to 30 inches (76.2 cm). Compatible with NEMA 17 or NEMA 23 Motors. Limit Switches are built into the end mounts, however optional external limit switches are available. They can also be purchased without limit switches.

Velmex also offers manual XSlide Assemblies.

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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.

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.

	Motorized XSlide™ XN10 Series – Lead Screw*
Travel Distance‡	2" - 30"	5.1 – 76.2 cm
Base Length (without motor)	6.36" – 34.86"	16.15 – 88.54 cm
Slider Length	2"	5.1 cm
Weight†	.99 - 3.22 lbs.	.45- 1.46 kg.
Height	1.72"	4.37 cm
Width	1.9"	4.8 cm
Dynamic Load -Maximum Centered	35 lbs.	15.9 kg
Static Load - Maximum Centered	35 lbs.	15.9 kg
Momentary Load - Maximum Centered	140 lbs.	63.6 kg
Dynamic Load - Thrust	10 lbs.	4.5 kg
Static Load -Thrust	20 lbs.	9.07 kg
Momentary Load -Thrust	120 lbs.	54.5
Dynamic Load - Cantilevered	32 lbs.-in.	3.6 N-m
Static Load - Cantilevered	65 lbs.-in	7.3 N-m
Momentary Load - Cantilevered	125 lbs.-in	14 N-m

* Motors sold separately.
† Weight of device without motor
‡Standard travel distances available are in 2" increments up to 8" in length and 6" increments over 8".

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Coefficient of friction	0.09 typical
Minimum motor torque required	25 oz-in (0.18 N-M)
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.

 

 

XSlide Dimensions

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

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

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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.

 

 

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XSlide Load Calculations
	Enlarge Chart
	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).

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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.

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

 

Options/Accessories for Motorized Velmex XSlides™

	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 the 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.
	Gussets – Use as end mounting for vertical XSlide assemblies perpendicular to the X or Y plane. The gusset provides higher rigidity and support to 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.
	Mounting bolts and other hardware – for use with the cleats to create strong, secure attachments.
	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.
	Additional Carriages - Additional carriages (sliders) can be added to all models of XSlides to increase the carrying capacity of the slide. Carriages can be driven or floating.
	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.
	Home Switch – A magnetic reed home switch sets and returns the carriage to home (starting) position. This is moveable.
	Adjustable Limit Switches – Fixed, end-of travel limit switches built in to the end plate are standard on motorized XSlides. Moveable limit switches can be added as an option to motorized XSlide Assemblies. These switches can be used to stop travel within the overall travel distance of the XSlide. When installed the adjustable limits reduce travel distance by 1.2" (3.05 cm). See Limits for more information.
	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.(Pictured on a manual unit. Motor-driven XSldes require a double-shaft motor with the encoder mounted on the motor end.) 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.
	Motors – XSlides are compatible with NEMA DC step motors – 17 or 23. SEE: Velmex Controls - Motors for additional details. The motor is purchased separately. Customers can mount their own motors, if they chose.
	VXM™ Controller – Step motors coupled with a motor controller like the Velmex VXM are a cost effective solution for accurate speed and precise incremental positioning. The XSlide has been designed with plug-run capability for the VXM. SEE: Velmex Controls on the VXM Controller 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.

 

Motorized 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-E05-71 becomes XN10-0120-XXX-71

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.

 

 

 

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 motorized 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)

 

Velmex also offers manual 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.