MECG1043: Design Project #2

2022-II
C.G. Helguero
Due on: January 20, 2023

Design of XY Table with Power Screws

You are asked to design an XY table for an automated system with limited budget. The
power screws for the XY table are to be designed to carry a load on the platform of mass
60 lb (including the weight of the platform). Each axis is driven by a stepper motor with a
step angle 0.5˚. (The spec of the stepper motor can be found from a typical stepper
motor catalog.) Consult the available specification and property tables in the textbook
and other handbooks to complete the design, subject to the following design specification.

Design Spec:
(1) The range of the workspace for the XY table is 6”x 6”.
(2) The external load on the platform includes an axial force of 20 lb along the y-direction
which has an offset height of 1.0” from the uppermost level of the XY table. (Note this
load is due to a tool mounted on top of your XY table design.)
(3) Calculate the torques that the motors need to apply and use the numbers in your
design. (Hint: The torque needs to drive the load and to overcome friction when
rotating the power screws.)
(4) Velocity in x or y direction does not exceed 25 mm/sec.
(5) ACME or ball screws are to be selected for your power screw design. Check resource
or on-line catalog on Internet; for example, the on-line ThomCat and numerous others.
(6) Ball or roller bearings are to be mounted at both ends of the screws to support them.
(7) The XY table is computer-controlled and the resolution of linear motion (i.e., the
distance of travel per each step of the stepper motors) has to be better than ten
microns (10 µm). (Hint: This has to do with the pitch of the power screw. Pick one that
satisfies your design from the on-line catalog and attach the source and description of
the screw.)
(8) Use a design factor of safety nd=1.75 as a guideline for your design.

Employ the methodology you have learned to design the power screws for the XY table.
Consider all applicable design requirements and loading conditions, and clearly state and
justify all assumptions you made throughout the design process. In addition, attach a bill
of materials and price estimate. Discuss if your design is practical and/or economical.
In the Appendix, attached a copy of your design drawing, parts diagram, assembly drawing,
and other relevant materials.

A formal written report is required. (See the handout on the Format of Project Reports.)
The grading of your individual report will be based on the rubrics (also see handout).
About the reports of MECG1043 design projects:
The Grading Rubrics for the Written Report of the MECG1043 Design Projects
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