The BLS series belt drive stage is a low cost, durable and surprisingly quiet positioning stage that is well suited for both open and closed loop operation. The stage is capable of very slow speeds (< 0.001 in/sec) to speeds greater than 100 inches per second. Stages are offered with travel lengths up to 134 inches (3400 mm). The BLS stage offers a pulley system designed for long service life and dependable operation. An optional external cable carrier is offered for easy integration of cables and hoses. There are provisions for a linear encoder, which allow for dual loop operation in applications requiring precise positioning. The carriage is supplied with tapped holes for easy mounting of your payload.

Stages can operate either horizontally or vertically and can be supplied in compound configurations for multi-axis applications.

The BLS stage is offered with a bellows option (folded way covers) with a 12:1 extension to compression ratio. The bellows help to protect the belt and pulley mechanisms from contamination in dirty environments.

The BLS positioning stage incorporates the latest in linear motion technology.

  • Motors: Depending on the system requirements, stepper, DC brush and brushless AC motors are available.
  • Bearings: The table is supported by a standard guide wheel type linear bearing. A sealed recirculating ball linear bearing option is available for applications requiring precise motion of heavier payloads.
  • Encoders: The stage can be supplied with an optional magnetic linear encoder with quaderature output.
  • Limit Switches: Optional end of travel limit switches are available. The switches can be used to shut down the amplifier or to signal the controller that an error has occurred.
  • Cable Carriers: For management of hoses and cables, a cable carrier option is offered.
  • Bellows: Neoprene / nylon bellows with Mylar stiffeners are offered as an option and provide protection in harsh environments.
  • Hard Stops: Hard stops are incorporated into the ends of the stage to prevent over travel damage in the event of system runaway.

Advantages:

  • Quiet running, high speed
  • Low cost
  • Long life, low maintenance
  • ELinear encoder option
  • Cable carrier option
  • Bellows option
  • Two bearing options
  • Motor mounts directly to the stage, no motor mounts required

Applications:
  • Pick and Place
  • Parts transfer
  • Water Jet Cutting Machines
  • Laser Cutting/Etching Machines
  • Hi Speed Sewing Machines


Stages can be ordered with strokes up to 134 inches and with continuous forces up to 50 lbs. The stages are built as the orders are placed, they are not stocked, as each customer requirement is different.

Model # BLS - AAA - CCC - DD - E - F

AAA is the stroke in inches (52 inch stroke is -052)
CCC is continuous force in lbs (20 lbs is -020)
DD is for encoder option
E is for bellows option
F is for motor type
1. Stepper
2. Brushless AC
3. Brush DC

(i.e. BLS-048-020-ME–B–1 is a Belt Drive Stage with a 48” stroke, 20 lbs of continuous force, magnetic linear encoder, bellows and a stepper motor.)
Belt stages
Flatness ± 0.0008 in/ft ± 67 micron/meter
Straightness ± 0.0009 in/ft ± 75 micron/meter
Accuracy* ± 0.0007 in/ft ± 58 micron/meter
Repeatability* ± 0.0004 in ± 10 micron
Load Capacity 442 lbs 200 kg
* For reference only.

Required Electronics:
Depending on the type of motor selected, a stepper indexer/driver can be utilized for open loop step motor operation or a servo amplifier and programmable motion controller can be utilized for closed loop servo motor operation.


Environmental Considerations:
The stage is offered with bellows, however care should be taken to protect the stage from contamination and moisture. The stage is designed for ambient temperatures to 45 º C.


Mounting:
The stage should be mounted to a flat and rigid surface. Mounting slots are provided on the sides of the stage to allow for mounting to the customer’s platform. The moving table assembly has threaded holes on the top surface for attaching the payload. The stage may be mounted in any orientation. When mounting the stage with the table moving in a vertical direction, it should be noted that the stage will be required to generate additional force due to gravity and that the stage will slide down to the bottom hard stop when power fails. A motor brake is available.



Options:
  • Bearings
    • Guide wheel linear rail
    • Recirculating ball linear rail
  • Motors
    • Stepper
    • Brushless AC
    • Brush DC
  • Magnetic linear encoder
  • Gear box
  • Cable carrier
  • Custom tapped holes for mounting of stage to customer’s platform
  • Custom tapped holes in carriage for mounting of customer’s payload

Maintenance:
The ball bearing guides in the stage should be periodically lubricated with the manufacturers recommended grease. The stage is supplied with an integral springloaded belt tensioning system that may require periodic adjustment. Tensioning is made easy by simply loosening and tightening two adjustment screws on the outside of the stage body.