9/14/2011 | Quickly and Easily Select the Right Ball or Lead Screw for Your Linear Motion Application

WOOD DALE, IL – Thomson introduces?Linear MOTIONEERING®: Ball and Lead Screws - a new web-based sizing and selection tool that helps machine builders quickly specify the right ball and/or lead screw from Thomson’s world class range of inch and metric screws, to satisfy specific application performance requirements.? Users simply choose from “Application-based Product Sizing,”“Product Selector” or “Part Number Search” modes and enter a few key parameters to receive downloadable 2D and 3D models and detailed product specifications, as well as quick access to pricing, ordering and delivery information for the optimal ball or lead screws for the application.

“Linear MOTIONEERING: Ball and Lead Screws enables OEM machine builders and factory automation users to optimize machine design and operation in a few simple steps.? The tool walks users through a thorough, intuitive process to deliver all the data necessary to make a quick, logical ball or lead screw selection.? The user is provided with detailed specifications and dimensional information, links to CAD models in multiple formats, links to related catalogs and convenient option to request quotation,” says Ben Gambrel, Product Line Manager, Thomson Precision Screws.

The user inputs application data such as load, speed, life, orientation, mounting and length, and the program performs the necessary calculations and evaluations related to critical speed, column loading, ball nut speed and PV limit.? The program then recommends the smallest solution that satisfies the customer requirement and uses additional filtering that enables the user select any optional requirements such as shape, mounting configuration, thread direction, product line, accuracy class and preload, among others.

Thomson has available a number of additional web-based sizing and selection tools to help simplify and speed the design process, including:

• Linear MOTIONEERING®?for linear positioning slide systems
• Linear MOTIONEERING®?for 60 Case® LinearRace Shafting
• Micron MOTIONEERING®?for Micron TRUE? Planetary Gearheads

Thomson has?a storied history of manufacturing quality, strength, and expertise in all of?its ball and?lead screw products. Thomson invented the ball screw and boasts a number of patents, innovations and unique application successes.? Today the company offers the widest range of ball screw products in the industry – including rolled and ground thread screws in both imperial and metric sizes. Thomson precision lead screws boast lead accuracy of 0.003 in/ft that, combined with excellent straightness, runout and surface finish, make them the highest quality lead screw assemblies in the industry.? Thomson can customize ball and lead screw solutions to nearly any application requirement.?

About Thomson

With more than 60 years of motion control innovation and quality, Thomson is the industry’s premier producer of Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings and Profile Rail Bearings, 60 Case? Shafting, ground and rolled Ball Screws, Linear Actuators, Gearheads, Clutches, Brakes, Linear Systems, and related accessories.? Thomson invented the Linear Ball Bushing Bearing in 1945, and has set the standard ever since with an unsurpassed set of mechanical motion control solutions serving global commercial and aerospace & defense markets.? Thomson Industries, Inc. has facilities in North America, Europe and Asia with over 2000 distributor locations around the world.

Thomson, 1500 Mittel Boulevard, Wood Dale, IL 60191-1073; 1-540-633-3549; 1-540-633-0294 (fax);
thomson@thomsonlinear.com; www.thomsonlinear.com.