UHV Design has introduced digital linear scales for its linear shift mechanisms, delivering an accurate position readout to 0.01mm (0.0005in) resolution. The digital linear scales equate to a hundred-fold improvement on the accuracy achievable with conventional manually operated linear shift mechanisms, and effectively fill the void between manual and motorised versions. Indeed, in many cases the dramatic improvement in resolution removes the need for (and significant additional cost of) motorisation altogether.
The digital linear scale is fitted to standard linear shift mechanisms via a kinematic mount, ensuring the precise and repeatable location which is critical for accurate repositioning after bakeout. The kinematic design also ensures smooth, free-running motion of the display head with the travelling flange. The high visibility display and large characters make for easy reading, and users can switch between metric and imperial units as appropriate. The origin can be set at any point in the stroke, from where the display will provide a plus/minus reading according to the direction of travel. This user-defined origin is retained in memory until reset by the user, even whist the unit is switched off. A temporary, second zero facility is also provided to enable one-off measurements to be made: after the unit is turned off, this temporary setting reverts to the user-defined origin.
The digital linear scale is the latest addition to the UHV range of linear shift mechanisms and accessories - a range which the company believes is the world's most comprehensive and which is renowned among researchers and production engineers for its high load carrying capability and long-term reliability. The linear shift mechanisms are available in various strokes from 25-1000mm (1-40in) on all UHV flange sizes up to NW150CF (8in OD CF) as standard. Each mechanism can be operated manually, pneumatically or via motor, and UHV Design offers a full range of DC and stepper motors, along with associated controllers.
UHV Design is the UK's foremost specialist in ultra high vacuum motion components and heating products. In addition to its standard ranges of innovative products, UHV Design offers a full custom design service to precisely meet the needs of individual applications. With design, manufacture, assembly and test all under one roof, UHV Design leads the world in balancing the sometimes conflicting industry requirements of next generation solutions combined with long-term reliability.
