Designing a gantry system, but no experience doing one before, so looking for general info. I'd appreciate any thoughts you have on these...
(1) For a light duty, but high precision application, what are the pros cons of the following gantry styles:
(a) Y axis has 2 linear rails or shafts/pillow blocks, but only one side is driven.
(b) Y axis has 2 linear rails or shafts/pillow blocks, but both sides are driven.
(c) Y axis has 2 linear rails or shafts/pillow blocks, but center driven.
I expect the answer will involve racking, but not sure how relevent it is for a light duty application.
(2) Why would I choose linear rails over shafts/pillow blocks? Suprisingly I can't much on this comparison here or via Google. Also, I've seen some designs that use bearings mounted at "triangulated" angles against a shaft. Any good for precision use?
(3) Over a 2-ft run, what diameter of shaft should I use? Or should I use something small but continuousl supported ?
Thanks,
-Neil.