Hello-
New to this site, just looking for some linear motion guidance and having a hard time getting anything from repeated google-searches...

My design team here at WSU Vancouver (I'm a senior in the Mechanical Engineering Program) is working with a local company to design an automated RF cable bending machine. Part of our design requires moving a bending head that will probably weigh 40 lb max. Basically needs to move side-side and up-down (I guess that would be y and z...forgive my newbie ignorance) with as much precision as possible. Approx 3" travel each way.

I was thinking we could mount a linear z-slide on top of a y-slide, with each actuated by ball screws driven by stepper motors. Can we just use a LinTech (or whatever brand) slide mounted vertically for the z motion? Can most slides take similar loads in the other direction (away from the rail)? The whole thing is going to be PLC controlled (the company Elec. engineers are taking care of that, thank goodness)

And the best part...no budget!

Any and all help is appreciated greatly, you may even get acknowledged in our final report and presentation!

If anyone wants to email me outside the forum: [email protected]