BS&A'S NEW ActiveCAM TECHNOLOGY OFFERS ZERO BACKLASH AT UNPRECIDENTED LOW PRICE
SAN JOSE, Calif., January 19, 1999 - Ball Screws & Actuators (BS&A) Inc., pioneer and leader of precision plastic nut and screw products for the linear motion industry, today announced the availablity of their patented plastic anti-backlash nut assemblies, which target high precision markets with an extremely low cost solution to the traditional expensive ball screw assembly.
BS&A's new XC Series incorporates the ActiveCAM design. This patented design utilizes a rigid stainless steel cam that automatically rotates and produces higher axial rigidity without sacrificing life, toque or positional accuracy. The ActiveCAM will automatically compensate for wear and deliver exceptional repeatability throughout the life of the nut. The ActiveCAM design, which replaces older spring loaded nut technologies, produces zero backlash and consistent minimal drag torque up to the rated load capacity of the nut. The new assembly also allows for a smaller, less expensive motor to be used in the design.
The difference between the ActiveCAM design and traditional compression spring assemblies is the way that they work. A conventional compression spring assembly forces the threads of the nut portions against the screw threads, thereby spitting the nuts apart to eliminate backlash. The ActiveCAM design uses a rigid stainless steel spacer, which looks like a sleeve, and performs the biasing. The biasing is produced by an internal torsion spring that rotates the sleeve. On the end of the sleeve there is a cam, which rotates and self-compensates for wear, or for play between the members and the shaft.
One of the main features of the ActiveCAM plastic nut assembly is the ability to be dropped into any application where precise motion and rigid strength is needed with loads up to 250 pounds, yet costs less than half the price of a traditional ballscrew. And, because of the inherent compounds that make up the plastic, these assemblies do not need to be lubricated therefore proving ideal for applications with clean or hard to get to environments.
"We are extremely excited about our new line of ActiveCAM nut assemblies," said Greg Traeger, general manager for BS&A. "We feel that this plastic nut assembly creates a potential niche for a low cost replacement of ballscrew assemblies."
The XC Series load capacities range from 10 pounds maximum for the 1/4-inch diameter, up to 250 pounds for the 3/4-inch diameter, with leads from .012" to 2.00", and are available in thread or flange mounts. For extreme temperature or special applications, BS&A offers custom plastics and complete engineering design capabilities. BS&A's special TriCOAT coating is available as an option. This coating increases the life of the assembly by providing a lower and more consistent torque.
Pricing and Availability
The ActiveCAM XC Series is available now and has an order price of $25 per single assembly at 1/4" lead screw, 6-inches of screw with the nut, and .5" lead with flange mounts, larger quantities significantly reduced. To order call BS&A toll free at 800-882-8857 and receive your shipment within 5 days.