The gap is narrowing between applications that require ball screws and those that are suitable for lead screws, and it’s becoming more difficult for engineers and designers to determine which technology is best for their machine. Advances in lead screw designs and materials have given them higher load capacities and better positioning accuracy, making them a sound choice […]
The top 5.5 linear motion stories of 2016
As a writer and editor, it’s always fun (and sometimes surprising) to look back at the end of the year and see what articles our readers were most interested in. And for you, our readers, it offers the chance to take a quick look at what are, at least to some of your peers, important topics […]
Linear actuators: the make vs. buy decision
With the range of linear actuators on the market, it’s becoming easier for machine builders and end users to find a standard or “customized standard” product that meets even the most unique application requirements. But there are still times when it makes sense, from a financial or technical standpoint, to design and build an actuator […]
FAQ: How do I calculate the inertia of a servo-driven system?
Inertia, or more specifically, inertia ratio, is one of the most important factors in sizing a servo system. Inertia is defined an object’s resistance to change in velocity, and in servo-driven systems, it can be used as a measure of how well the motor is able to control the acceleration and deceleration of the load. […]
Exposing the myth of zero-maintenance ball screws
Surface degradation due to friction typically arises from lubrication problems. Linear-motion designs that address this problem are realistic, effective, and affordable. By Bruce Gretz, Executive V.P. | Steinmeyer Inc. Maximizing uptime and avoiding downtime for unscheduled maintenance are key to productivity. Mechanical wear of moving parts, particularly the positioning systems, is the most common reason […]
Steinmeyer Xi-Plus line of precision ball screws: Smoothest raceways ever deliver quiet performance
Steinmeyer now sells a new ball screw line called Xi-Plus. These screws feature the manufacturer’s smoothest raceway surface ever to get significantly quieter operation with reduced vibration for every application. More after the jump. Xi-Plus precision ball screws are manufactured in Germany like all Steinmeyer products. The ball screws undergo a proprietary finishing process that removes micron-sized defects […]
New High-Performance Linear Actuators Offer Precise Positioning with High Thrust
ATLANTA Drive Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce a new range of High-Performance Linear Actuators, offering precise linear positioning and high dynamic performance by means of a servo-worm reducer and precision ballscrew spindle. Linear speeds up to 590 inches per minute can be achieved with ballscrews diameters up to 50 mm and axial load capacities…
Thomson Increases Design Flexibility for Machine Engineers
Thomson Industries, Inc. has built upon its selection of miniature metric precision ball screws to include three common interface styles: flanged, threaded and rounded. This comprehensive offering equips…
Steinmeyer appoints new Executive Vice President for North America
August Steinmeyer GmbH announces the appointment of Bruce Gretz to lead its North American sales and marketing operations. Mr. Gretz is now Executive Vice President of Steinmeyer, Inc.,…
Thomson FSI style Metric Precision Ball Screws now have faster delivery times
Thomson Industries, Inc., has further enhanced its customer offerings in North America by utilizing its domestic manufacturing facilities to deliver high-quality, German-engineered metric ball screws with shorter lead…
New actuator updates from linearmotiontips.com
If you’re looking for information on electric actuators, then check out the latest from motioncontroltips.com Design World sister site linearmotiontips.com. The following is a sampling of features we’ve posted there over the…
Meeting the Motion Needs of Flexible Automation – Transcript
This is the unedited transcript for webinar: Meeting the Motion Needs of Flexible Automation. Click here to watch the webinar on demand. Miles: Hello everybody. Thanks for joining us…
Examining screws from three different angles
The thread design of a power transmission screw—whether a lead screw or a ball screw—plays a critical role in the screw’s function. Aside from the basic thread form (acme,…
How to calculate motor drive torque for ball screws
When sizing a motor, one of the most important factors is the required torque. In general, motor torque-speed curves outline two primary areas of permissible torque: continuous and…
New ServoClass coupling size added to zero-max coupling line
A new ServoClass Coupling size in both single and double flex models has been added to the Zero-Max ServoClass coupling line. Providing high torsional stiffness, these ServoClass couplings…
What’s the difference between accuracy and repeatability?
There are numerous ways to classify the performance of linear positioning devices such as ball screws, belts, and rack and pinion systems, but the terminology can be confusing….
What are ball splines and rotary ball splines?
Ball splines are often lumped into the category of recirculating linear bearing guides (aka linear bushings), but they offer functionality beyond that of traditional linear bushings. Standard ball…
Ground vs. Rolled Ball Screws: Does manufacturing method matter?
There’s much debate among manufacturers, and sometimes among users, regarding the superiority (or lack thereof) of ball screws with ground threads over those with threads that are formed…
What are the main types of linear actuators?
Linear actuators come in a multitude of configurations to suit almost any application, environment or industry. When sorting through the various designs, one thing you’ll notice is that…
Four technical articles about linear-axis options
Our site here at linearmotiontips.com is part of the Design World Network. So, while we house an extensive online library covering linear-axis motion in technical articles, our sister site…
Bearing trends through 2020 Pt. 2
The second in a short, 3-part series, Schaeffler’s Director – BU Production Machinery, NA, Craig Hooker gives Bearing Tips his take on trends he sees coming along for the industry. Bearing Tips: Tell us about an application where engineers used your bearings to improve their design. What about this application is unlike anything possible […]
The post Bearing trends through 2020 Pt. 2 appeared first on Bearing Tips.
150-mm precision X-Y motion platform from Griffin Motion
Griffin Motion’s new CXY-BS Series 150-mm Precision XY Motion Platform is fully customizable, ships quickly and is ideal for use in microscopy, inspection, wafer processing, microtiter plate processing, laser marking, and…
ServoClass coupling size added to coupling line
A new ServoClass Coupling size in both single and double flex models has been added to the Zero-Max ServoClass coupling line. Providing high torsional stiffness, these ServoClass couplings…
New high torsional stiffness and low inertia ServoClass coupling size
A new ServoClass Coupling size in both single and double flex models has been added to the Zero-Max ServoClass coupling line. Providing high torsional stiffness, these ServoClass couplings…
The top 10 Linear Motion Tips articles of 2015
With the range of technologies, designs, and options available for linear motion components, ploughing through the alternatives and making the best decision takes more time and resources than many designers…