Thomson Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of linear motion control solutions, developed an online product selector that helps customers choose and purchase round rail linear guide systems. The new tool provides an interface that enables users to find the optimal solution for their applications in a few steps.

Round rail linear guide systems are the non-driven building blocks for linear slide tables. Thomson offers linear guides in a variety of sizes, bearing types, and mounting configurations to fit motion control designs and applications. Options include end and continuous support systems, a side mount system, and FluoroNyliner linear guides, providing increased bearing load capacities, enhanced obtainable travel life, and improved performance.

Users have access to an intuitive, visual-based menu displaying the available round rail linear guide alternatives and gives a list of Thomson recommendations. They can narrow down their search by adjusting filter parameters such as size, accuracy, rigidity, load/life, and speed. They also benefit from upfront pricing, lead times, and user-prompted live assistance without ever leaving the original page.

Once the configuration is complete, users can download a 3D model of the product into their CAD program or access a PDF containing the product features and specifications. The entire process takes less than five minutes to get the user to an optimal round rail linear guide system that meets their needs.  It is much faster than the traditional technique and produces more precise results.