Re: Rotary to linear translation - an interesting idea.

Scott, thank you for directing us to the web page. It says that this
particular unit has an accuracy of 0.002, I'm not sure what the range
is. It could be over the whole 20". Seems kind of high though at 141
pounds or $225 an axis less shipping seems a bit high. There are glass
slide systems that are only a 1/3 more expensive than this for 3 axis.

Why not just use rotary encoders directly on the lead screw, instead of
all this over elaborate mechanism? Yes, I know you won't have the
accuracy, but you will have the repeatability. You can use other methods
to get the accuracy, once. Then use the rotary encoders to repeat the
operation until completed. If you really need DRO accuracy, purchase one
of those film slide pieces and mount it in some kind of protection or
Ouch, buy the glass versions.

Jim Eckman