What are The Standard Specifications for Installation Hole Position Design of Linear Modules, and What Should be Matched when Selecting?

Core Specification System for Electric Linear Module Mounting Hole Design

The mounting hole design of an Electric Linear Module directly determines the assembly efficiency and operational stability of the equipment in automated production lines. Standardized mounting hole specifications consist of four core elements: hole pitch, thread size, dowel pin holes, and the distance from holes to the end face. These parameters collectively form the mechanical interface between the module and the external structure. In industrial automation, every Electric Linear Module relies on precise mounting specifications for optimal operation.

The mounting hole pitch of an Electric Linear Module typically follows a series-based principle aligned with module width. For instance, the TM-S62-CM series with a 62mm body width features mounting holes that vary in quantity from 3 to 7 as the effective stroke changes. The TM-S85-CM series (85mm width) and TM-S100-CM series (100mm width) adopt different hole spacing configurations based on their respective design parameters. This design approach ensures interface consistency across different stroke specifications and can be seen as a foundation for successful integration of linear modules with electric-driven motion.

Regarding thread specifications, the industry generally adopts metric thread standards. Carriage mounting holes commonly use M4, M5, M6, and M8 specifications, with thread depths ranging from 7mm to 15mm depending on the module size. Base mounting holes require thread sizes matched to the module’s weight and load conditions. The machining accuracy of the locking threads on the mounting base surface is extremely critical. Moreover, the center distance tolerance of all interconnected bolt holes must be controlled within ±0.1mm. Consequently, this demands the use of CNC equipment for precise positioning machining, especially when working with an Electric Linear Module solution that requires repeatable precision.

Dowel holes represent a critical yet often overlooked element in mounting hole design. These holes provide accurate positioning references. Furthermore, they ensure Electric Linear Module maintains repeatable positioning accuracy after installation. The use of standard carriages with locating holes, which incorporate both dowel pin holes and threaded holes in a combined design, significantly reduces assembly time while improving repeatable positioning accuracy, particularly in complex electric module setups.

Mounting Hole Specification Parameter Comparison Table:

Source: TallMan Robotics Screw Drive Linear Modules specification data

Accuracy Standards and Technical Requirements for Electric Linear Module Mounting Hole 

Electric Linear Actuator mounting hole accuracy directly influences the module’s motion precision and service life. Leading manufacturers adopt strict internal control standards. Center hole tolerance is controlled within ±0.015mm. The perpendicularity between the fixed end support bearing surface and the guide rail mounting surface requires 0.015mm. Moreover, the flatness of the guide rail mounting surface also demands 0.015mm. These accuracy indicators ensure that the module maintains stable straightness and repeatable positioning accuracy during high-speed motion. In addition, electric linear modules must adhere to these requirements for optimal assembly and longevity.

The machining quality of the mounting base surface is equally critical. The parallelism between the guide rail mounting surface and the moving carriage mounting surface requires 0.015mm. Similarly, the center distance tolerance between the four threaded holes for the ball screw nut housing and the guide rail mounting surface is 0.015mm. To guarantee these accuracy requirements, all precision-related mounting processes must be performed on custom granite surface plates. Furthermore, threaded holes require thorough cleaning after machining to remove any aluminum chips or debris. In practice, Electric Linear Module mounting reliability is enhanced with proper attention to these production standards.

Chamfering represents a detail that cannot be overlooked in mounting hole design. The standard formula for threaded hole chamfer diameter is: chamfer diameter = nominal bolt diameter + thread pitch. For example, an M6 thread (1mm pitch) requires a 7mm chamfer diameter. Excessive or insufficient chamfering will compromise mounting accuracy. Therefore, strict control is essential, particularly for chamfers associated with Electric Modules that require consistent alignment and fit.

The flatness and straightness of the mounting surface also have clear standards. The parallelism between the main body reference surface and the carriage reference surface should be less than ±0.05mm per meter. Similarly, the parallelism between the carriage reference surface and the external straight edge reference requires less than ±0.05mm per meter. For long-stroke modules, the overall stroke straightness allows a 0.03mm crown in the middle. These standards apply to any Electric Linear Module system requiring reliable travel accuracy.

Mounting Hole Matching Principles for Electric Linear Module Selection

When selecting an Electric Linear Module, mounting hole compatibility is the prerequisite for ensuring proper equipment operation. The primary challenge when replacing modules between different brands lies in the differences in profile base dimensions and dowel pin hole positions. Therefore, selection must prioritize mounting interface compatibility above all else. When you compare Electric and other Linear Module variants, these interface details can become critical.

Load capacity directly determines the choice of mounting holes. Light-load applications (below 15kg) should prioritize smaller frame series such as TM-S45-CM or TM-S62-CM. Medium-load applications (15~50kg) require matching with TM-S85-CM or TM-S100-CM series. Heavy-load applications (above 50kg) demand TM-S135-CM, TM-S150-CM, TM-S170-CM, or even TM-S220-CM series. As loads increase, the required mounting thread specifications and tightening torques also scale accordingly. In this way, selecting the proper Electric Linear Module model ensures longevity and safety for your machine.

Installation space constraints affect the choice of module external dimensions and mounting hole configurations. In compact equipment, 5-10mm of heat dissipation clearance and maintenance access space should be reserved. Flange-type carriages feature lower height but greater width, with through-threaded mounting holes. Square-type carriages offer higher height but narrower width, with blind threaded mounting holes. Consequently, selection requires choosing the appropriate carriage type based on available equipment space. For Electric Linear Module integration, ensure that mounting space allows for sufficient clearance in tight enclosures.

Stroke length also correlates with mounting hole quantity. Taking the TM-S series as an example, shorter strokes may feature fewer mounting holes, while longer strokes require additional mounting points to ensure rigidity across the full range of motion. The number of mounting holes increases with stroke length to maintain fixed rigidity throughout the entire movement range. Thus, Electric Linear Module selection should always factor in the relation between stroke and support points.

Mounting orientation similarly affects hole matching requirements. Horizontal mounting, wall mounting, and vertical mounting impose different stress directions and tightening requirements on the mounting holes. Vertical mounting requires additional consideration of gravity’s effect on mounting bolts. In such cases, larger thread specifications or an increased number of mounting holes may be necessary. The choice of Electric Linear Module for your application must reflect these orientation needs.

Engineering Practice Points for Mounting Hole Design and Selection

Linear Module mounting hole design must consider multi-axis combination scenarios. When constructing XY stages or multi-axis systems, the base mounting holes, side mounting holes, and reference surface height must remain consistent with the existing platform. Identical mounting hole dimensions on both the base and the carriage significantly reduce the difficulty of building multi-axis systems. It is worth noting that Electric Linear Modules are frequently integrated into these advanced multi-axis assemblies.

Customization capability of mounting holes of Electric Linear Module is an important consideration during selection. Leading manufacturers can machine mounting holes precisely according to customer drawings. This flexibility enables equipment upgrades or brand replacements without modifying the existing mounting foundation. Consequently, this significantly reduces retrofit costs and downtime. Custom-fit Electric Linear Modules can thus streamline automation upgrades and new builds.

Installation procedure specifications for Electric Linear Module directly affect the effectiveness of hole design. Before installation, remove burrs, contaminants, and surface scratches from the profile body and machined components. During installation, tighten the linear guide positioning screws sequentially from the center outward. Use a dial indicator to verify the entire guide error on the opposite rail. After installation, check the tightness of all bolts and mark them for confirmation. Proper installation is key to leveraging the full benefits of your Electric-powered Linear Module.

Electric Linear Actuator mounting hole design must also consider maintenance accessibility. Hole layouts should reserve sufficient tool clearance to prevent bolts from being inaccessible for tightening or removal. Motor mounting hole designs must accommodate multiple motor mounting configurations including left-mount, right-mount, inverted, and side-mount arrangements. This requires a certain degree of symmetry and versatility in the mounting hole pattern. As always, when specifying Electric Linear Module solutions, account for future maintenance requirements.

Long-stroke applications of Electric Linear Module present unique mounting considerations. TallMan Robotics’ long-stroke Electric Linear Module series such as TM-SL135-CM, TM-SL170-CM, and TM-SL220-CM support strokes up to 2200mm or more. These extended strokes demand additional mounting points along the length to prevent sagging and maintain accuracy. Furthermore, the mounting base must provide adequate stiffness to support the extended travel range. Long Electric Linear Module designs uniquely benefit from reinforced mounting strategies.

Rack and pinion driven modules represent another category with distinct mounting requirements. TallMan Robotics’ TMG135, TMG170, and TMG220 series utilize rack and pinion drive systems. These modules require careful alignment of the rack mounting holes to ensure proper gear mesh. Moreover, the mounting holes must accommodate the higher thrust forces characteristic of rack and pinion systems. In these cases, Electric Linear Module mounting design has to account for dynamic mechanical loads.

Conclusion,

Electric Linear Module mounting hole design specifications encompass hole pitch, thread specifications, dowel pins, and accuracy tolerances across multiple dimensions. Selection requires comprehensive evaluation of load capacity, spatial constraints, stroke requirements, and mounting orientation. Only through full matching of these technical parameters can the module achieve optimal performance in automated equipment. Clearly, Electric Linear Module choices impact every step from procurement to production.