The Linear MOTIONEERING product sizing and selection tool for linear motion systems reduces the time for component selection from hours to typically less than 15 minutes. The tool retains the powerful Thomson engineering calculations that have proven so effective for design engineers and has added new product families, interactive navigation, expanded global support and mobile access.
The improved Linear MOTIONEERING sizing and selection tool provides an effortless navigation experience to users who seek real-time adjustments and quick filtration settings.
For more than 10 years, design engineers have relied on the Thomson Linear MOTIONEERING: Linear Motion Systems product selection tool to select an optimized solution for their applications. Upon entering requirements for orientation, support, stroke length, load and other attributes, they received a CAD-ready, three-dimensional model and an orderable bill of materials (BOM). Getting to that result, however, required extensive navigation and time. By using the latest online best practices to upgrade the product selector, Thomson has reduced sizing time dramatically.
With the new navigation, users make all selections on a single screen. As they enter parameters, the system recalculates in real time, instantly revealing how each choice impacts their available options. This gives them the opportunity to make unlimited changes without ever needing to navigate to another screen. Once satisfied, the user simply accepts the choice and receives the complete BOM and ordering materials.
System designers who already know what products they need will benefit from faster, more intuitive product filtering and comparisons. It is now easier for them to filter products on the attributes that most impact engineering calculations, such as cover type, material choice or environmental resistance. Or they can simply enter part numbers and receive the BOM immediately. Helping them narrow their choice further are comparison tables, which sort options based on variables such as price, highest safety factor and lifespan.
Where the original tool was used primarily in North America, the new tool has been enhanced for global use. In addition to English, it is available in German and Chinese, and the associated currencies: the U.S Dollar, Euro, Swedish Krona and Chinese Renminbi. The tool has been tested and optimized for the most popular tablets and smart phones.
Thomson’s tool helps design engineers choose the most suitable solution for their applications. Once they have decided on the systems, a detailed BOM is available, disclosing information such as the price, lead time, features and benefits of the products.
Thomson’s web tool includes products from the following families:
- M (Movopart) linear units: These are ideal for economical, transport-grade applications such as packaging, material handling and factory automation. The units are versatile since there are two drive options (belt or ball screw) and two bearing guide options (slide or ball guide).
- WH (SpeedLine) linear units: Belt-driven and wheel-guided, these units are designed for dynamic applications requiring throughput and smooth motion, including high-speed material handling and packaging.
- WM (PowerLine) linear units: These ball screw-driven, ball-guided units combine high precision with stiffness and rigidity for applications such as machine tool automation and test/measurement.
