u/SafetyIll2781

I’m designing a dual independent motion gantry system for a continuous pick-and-place application handling thin cardboard sheets (0.6 mm).
Framework is built using 40x40 aluminium extrusion.
Overall size is roughly 2000 mm x 1000 mm.
The part I’m trying to figure out is the red-arrow motion in the concept image — basically two independent moving gantries running along the long axis of the frame.
Requirements:
Independent motion for both bridges
Stroke: ~2000 mm
Payload at center: max 5 kg
Speed:
Minimum: 500 mm/sec
Target max: 1500 mm/sec
Continuous repetitive operation
Good repeatability/positioning
Mountable to aluminium extrusion frame
Prefer low-maintenance industrial solution
Application:
Pick and place of lightweight cardboard sheets ranging from:
35x35 inch
to
12x12 inch
I initially thought about:
Belt-driven linear actuators
V-slot systems with NEMA steppers
Timing belt gantries
Linear rail + rack systems
But I’m unsure what is actually suitable for:
2m travel
high speed
repeatability
continuous industrial duty

I am working on a vertical lift mechanism and wanted a sanity check on my current design approach

Specs

Stroke around 700mm

Platform size roughly 35x35 inches

Load varies from about 75kg up to 150kg

Concept I am going with

Two vertical profile linear rails spaced apart for guidance

One central ball screw for actuation

Platform is cantilevered out from the guides

Current design approach

Using a single rigid moving carriage plate

Four linear guide blocks total two per rail mounted to the plate

Ball nut mounted at the center of the same plate

Platform mounted above this plate using spacers or brackets

My concerns

Handling the moment load from the cantilever especially at full extension

How much rail spacing is typically needed for stability in this kind of setup

Whether size 20 rails are enough or if I should go with 25 or higher

For the screw I am thinking around 25mm diameter with 5mm lead mainly to reduce chances of backdriving

Motion requirement is small indexed movement around 2 to 3mm per step and it should hold position if power is lost so likely a brake motor setup

Not looking for a full design just trying to validate if this general approach makes sense and where it might fail in practice

If anyone has worked on similar lifts or gantry type systems would appreciate your input especially on rail sizing carriage design and screw selection

Concept : https://kommodo.ai/i/0MUgOvZLIBhpedNJoOK1

Hello fellow redditers,

I am working on a vertical lift design and wanted some feedback before I go further

Setup I am considering

700mm stroke

Platform ~35x35 inches

Load range ~75kg to 150kg

Concept

Two profile linear rails for guidance

One central ball screw for actuation

Cantilever mounted platform

My current approach is to use a single moving carriage plate that connects

4 linear guide blocks 2 per rail

Ball nut mounted at center of the plate

Platform mounted above the plate using spacers or brackets

Main things I am unsure about

Whether this carriage approach is correct for handling moment loads in a cantilever setup

How wide the rail spacing should realistically be for this load range

Whether size 20 rails are enough or if 25 is more appropriate

For the screw I am considering something like a 25mm dia 5mm lead ball screw to avoid backdriving issues but not fully sure.suggest

Motion requirement is small incremental steps around 2 to 3mm and it should hold position when power is off so I am thinking brake motor or similar.suggest

If possible would appreciate suggestions on

Typical rail sizes or series you would use in this kind of setup

Ball screw sizing or lead selection

Any obvious mistakes in this layout

Image attached is AI generated just to show general arrangement not exact design

Would appreciate any real world input or things I might be overlooking

Edit:any ideas on mounting the big platform with these? What possible mountings can be used or custom design that ensures it will be stable lift with all that load