Quote Originally Posted by John S View Post
Michael,
How do they drive the 30 meter axis ?
The reason I ask is I was involved with largish laser some years ago, 3 meter x 2 meter 3Kw up to 5Kw.

When they moved onto higher speed lasers, Bystronic's , the dropped the ball screws in favour of precision rack and pinion because the screws whipped at speed.
The rack and pinion was still able to guarantee 0.02mm on position.

John s.
Rack and Pinion by Gudel John, Pretty much the only option for axis of that length (and mass). Also easy to extend as the ganrty runs on huge precision rails fastened to the floor.

Michael.