Online tool for the design and selection of linear units

Thomson Industries has expanded its online tool for designing and selecting linear units, making it easier than ever for drive system designers to choose the optimal linear system. The improvements are manifold: an interactive, application-based selection matrix, an expanded system display and more flexible accessory selection, more precisely tailored product recommendations, and simplified forwarding of parts lists.

"Pre-assembled linear systems offer significant advantages in terms of performance, maintenance, and cost. However, success ultimately depends on how closely they meet the application requirements. That's why we are constantly working to improve our design and selection tools to make the configuration of linear systems even faster and easier. With the latest upgrade, we believe we now have the most reliable, accurate, and efficient tool in the industry for optimizing linear units," says Hans Dahlen, Product Manager for Linear Axes at Thomson.

The Thomson Product Finder automates the selection and design process for complete linear systems, including shafts, drive technology, and guide and carriage configurations. Users can configure these components online in a simple three-step process. All they have to do is enter motion parameters such as stroke length, speed, and travel distance, as well as load parameters such as weight and force. They are then presented with options that meet their application requirements.

“As users enter their values step by step, the available products that meet the technical requirements are displayed immediately. Of course, they don't have to start from scratch if they want to make changes later. The tool narrows the selection down to a handful of perfectly matched configurations – rather than dozens or even hundreds,” Dahlen continues.

No application is too complex

The advanced algorithms integrated into the improved tool cover a wide range of complex application scenarios. They show the direct impact of minor adjustments, e.g., when higher loads require an additional carriage. They also show how a slightly changed moment load can affect overall system performance. Once the user has entered all motion parameters, the tool creates a model, including expected service life and price.

New features of the updated tool

• Availability matrix: As users specify their application requirements, the tool immediately identifies which Thomson components match the inputs. If the right system is not immediately available, possible alternatives can be searched for to avoid project delays.
• Visual selection process: Additional visual support in the form of illustrations, 2D diagrams, and dynamic crossfades for sensor placement show the direct effects of the selected options.
• Flexible accessory selection: Users are given even more options for adding accessories, such as component protection against water jets, external clamp mounts, and sensor mounting devices. The tool only shows accessories that are suitable for the respective application situation, so that the end result is always a customized configuration.
• More targeted recommendations: The improved algorithms provide a clear list of product recommendations tailored to the application requirements, reducing information overload and simplifying decision-making.
• One bill of materials for all: Once the selection has been made, a bill of materials is generated with a link that users can forward to their project participants.

By reducing development effort while enabling more precise component selection, Thomson's improved design and selection tool ensures that users can quickly and accurately track every change, allowing them to align their specifications with project requirements.