Linear Slide Meets Turbocharger¡®SPEC¡¯

Fundamentally a turbocharger comprises a turbine and a compressor connected by a common shaft supported on a bearing system. It converts waste energy from the exhaust manifold into compressed air that is pushed into the engine. This allows the engine to produce more power and torque improving the overall efficiency of the combustion process. Proving and measuring the air flow through a turbocharger is a critical process and to assist in this process R.A. Rodriguez has recently supplied the linear motion element for one of Europe¡¯s leading turbocharger manufacturers. The special purpose test rig called for the incorporation of a short stroke, manually operated slide whose accuracy needed to be repeatable in all planes. This was required to ensure the concentricity of positioning two components. The unit recommended by R. A. Rodriguez is from its IEF Werner range of hand-operated slides. Made from GG25 cast iron to provide greater stability, the slide section is 150mm wide with a 50mm stroke. The unit has 20mm diameter spindle with 1mm pitch and accuracy is ¡À0.02mm over a 300mm stroke. It was supplied with special fixing holes and a bronze, adjustable pressure plate for establishing a light pre-load in the slide to ensure precision positioning. To identify position, the linear system works in conjunction with a linear digital reader and it is required to carry a load of approximately 20 kg. This manually operated slide is one of many IEF Werner options available from R. A. Rodriguez. The range can be equipped with dovetail, cross roller or Teflon guides. The latest addition to its slide range is DOMILINE, a variable-combination adjustable system. This visually and technically sound modular system can be specified in a large number of different variants and widths. There are also combinations with and without mechanical locking devices, with a spindle or if desired, a pneumatic or motor drive