9/27/2022 | Thomson introduces precision ball splines that deliver robust rotary and linear motion integration

27.09.2022, WOLFSCHLUGEN, GERMANY – Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of linear motion control solutions, has introduced a line of precision ball splines that enable robust delivery of rotary and linear motion on a single shaft. These new components give designers more flexibility to compress an assembly, extend a stroke, distribute a load or otherwise meet modern automation demands.

“Ball splines have provided an elegant, single shaft solution for integrating rotary and linear motion on a single shaft assembly but did require some extra effort and lost some ground to pre-packaged, multi-shaft solutions. Meeting today’s industrial automation demands, however, requires more design flexibility than pre-packaged assemblies can provide, and we are proud to be offering machine builders this new family of ball splines for high-precision applications,” said Eduard Schweinfort, Product Line Manager EMEA & Asia at Thomson.

Ball splines exploit the low-friction torque transmission capabilities of rolling balls and augment that by adding one or more axial grooves, also known as splines, along the assembly shaft. That opens a low-friction path through which the balls move to facilitate low-friction axial displacement, while also transmitting torque.

The new line of Thomson high-precision ball splines is ideal for high-speed operation in compact spaces such as laboratory automation or semiconductor pick-and-place assembly. They can automate functions that a human might otherwise perform, like opening the cover of a sample jar and pouring it in a test tube. And they are especially cost-effective in industrial robotic applications that require high-speed, precise integration of rotary and linear motion without the wide freedom of movement of robots.

Thomson precision ball splines facilitate rotary and linear motion on the same shaft. (Image courtesy of Thomson Industries, Inc.)

Availability

Thomson precision ball splines are available immediately in lengths up to 300 mm; diameters between 6 and 30 mm standard. Larger diameters of 40 and 50 mm are available upon request. They can handle basic loads up to 55,064 N and torsional loads up to 2,984 N·m, speeds up to 10,000 rpm, and precision of ± 17 microns with or without flanges. Thomson also has extensive customisation capabilities to tap holes, add step-down assembly for a radial bearing, build in coaxial holds, or provide just about any modifications a user may need to integrate the ball spline unit into their machine.

For more information on precision ball splines, visit https://www.thomsonlinear.com/spl. Precision ball splines are currently stocked for fast delivery throughout North America.

About Thomson Industries, Inc.

With 75 years of achievement in motion control innovation and quality, Thomson is the industry’s premier producer of Linear Actuators, Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings and Profile Rail Bearings, 60 Case® Shafting, Ground and Rolled Ball Screws, 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 linear motion control solutions serving global aerospace and defense, medical and health, factory automation, food processing, and mobile off-highway markets. Thomson, a brand of U.S.-based Altra Industrial Motion, has facilities in North America, Europe and Asia with more than 2000 distributor locations around the world.

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