Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions, Inc., a manufacturer of engineered linear motion products, recently introduced the SRA04 Motorized ScrewRail Linear Actuator with an integrated size 11 stepper motor. By eliminating the need for external rail-to-screw alignment, the motorized ScrewRail simplifies the design, manufacture, and assembly of motion systems.  The unit is extremely compact, and can save as much as 80 percent of the space required by a traditional two rail system.

The ScrewRail consists of a Kerk precision rolled lead screw supported by sealed ball bearings and contained within a concentric steel guide rail, driving an integrated nut and bushing. KerKote TFE coating and self-lubricating nut/ bushing material ensure long life and zero maintenance.  The ScrewRail is available with either a freewheeling (SRA) or anti-backlash (SRZ) nut assembly. When mounted vertically, the ScrewRail can be used to simultaneously lift and rotate (Z-theta motion), making the unit ideal for pick-and-place mechanisms. Up to 72" stroke length is available.

The motor used on the unit is the Haydon size 11 hybrid double stack stepper motor. The stepper motor is available with either flying leads or an integral connector. The connector is RoHS compliant and features a positive latch in order to insure high connection integrity. The connector is rated up to three amps and the mating connector will handle a range of wire sizes from 22 to 28 gauge.

Typical applications for the SRA04 motorized ScrewRail include pick-and-place mechanisms and robotic assemblies in life sciences instrumentation, semiconductor equipment, business machines, packaging and assembly and a wide range of factory automation applications.  Combined with Haydon Kerk's motion control components, the unit can be used to create custom systems for many types of motion. High reliability without the need for maintenance or adjustment makes the motorized ScrewRail well suited to the demands of precision motion applications.