SCHNEEBERGER Inc. has expanded its MONORAIL MR profiled linear guideway series with its new MR 30 MONORAIL 30-mm rail and cross roller cartridge. The MONORAIL MR series moves especially heavy workpieces of up to 150 tons — with extreme accuracy — in milling, turning, drilling, or grinding machines. The new MR 30, along with the […]
Linear Motion Tips – Top 10 articles of 2019
Linear motion publications are typically dominated by topics related to linear guides, ball screws, and lead screws. But looking back at this site’s most-viewed articles in 2019, it’s obvious that while these are important technologies in the world of linear motion, they’re not the only things our readers are interested in. Case in point: In […]
Stepper motor torque and speed characteristics explained
Stepper motors have different torque-speed characteristics depending on whether the motor is starting/stopping or already running. These characteristics are depicted in two curves on the motor’s torque-speed chart, and it’s important to understand the differences between these curves and what each one means for the motor’s operation. But a stepper motor can also produce torque […]
Gantry motion system for inspection, assembly, and 3D printing
Physik Instrumente’s (PI) new compact XY/XYZ gantry motion system provides overhead motion for industrial automation applications in assembly, pick-and-place, alignment, inspection, and custom 3D printer design. The A-351 compact gantry is designed and manufactured in the USA by PI’s air bearing & precision motion division in Hopkinton, MA. The A-351 gantry motion system is related […]
Part 2 – What is racking in gantry systems, and how can it be avoided?
In Part 1 of this post, we looked at various methods of driving the X axes in gantry systems and how the drive method can influence the gantry’s tendency to experience racking. Another factor that can cause racking in gantry systems is lack of mounting accuracy and parallelism between the two X axes. Racking is the common name […]
Stepper-, servo-based 400-mm hollow core motorized rotary stages from OES
OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) has added two larger rotary stages to their AY110 Series of motorized rotary stages. The low-profile 400 mm AY110-400-01 (step motor driven) and AY110-400-02 (servo motor driven) rotary stages feature a 180 mm (7.087 in.) open aperture. The height of the stage is just 71 mm (2.795 in.). A precise […]
What is racking in gantry systems, and how can it be avoided? (Part 1)
Gantries differ from other types of multi-axis systems (such as Cartesian robots and XY tables) by using two base (X) axes in parallel, with a perpendicular (Y) axis connecting them. While this dual X-axis arrangement provides a wide, stable footprint and allows gantry systems to deliver high load capacity, long travel lengths, and good rigidity, […]
Review of actuation complemented by guide wheels
Linear bearings based on steel guide wheels often complement motor-based linear actuation in two challenging application types: Long-stroke linear-motion axes as those driven by belts, linear motors, or rack-and-pinion sets Linear systems in harsh environments subject to hot and humid conditions, abrasive materials, extreme loading, and corrosive chemicals. Recall that wheel-based linear guides are systems […]
Thomson introduces online quote tool for customized 60 Case shafting and hardened pins
Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of linear motion control solutions, has introduced an online instant quote tool that helps design engineers save time during the selection and purchase process of its customized 60 Case shafting. By providing real-time pricing and instant access to lead times for chosen products, Thomson’s intuitive, self-service tool allows designers […]
Wire-actuated encoder features 12-m measuring length
The new SG121 wire-actuated encoder from SIKO features measuring lengths up to 12 m with an installation depth of just 70 x 85 x 105 mm. The robust aluminum housing, coupled with impact-resistant plastic, survives even the harshest of operating conditions. Temperatures between -40 and +80°C, high shock and vibration loads, dirt, dust and water […]
Mechanical properties of materials: stiffness and deflection
In a previous post, we looked at the stress-strain curve and its relationship to various aspects of material strength — tensile strength, yield strength, and fracture strength, for example. And while we often think of materials and structures in terms of strength, technically, “strength” is a measure of how much force a material can withstand […]
Boosting productivity with the right direct-drive motor and linear-motor feedback
Feedback options for linear motors and direct-drive torque motors abound. The most common employ optical, magnetic, capacitive, or inductive measurement. Here we explain how the key application parameters of precision, cost restrictions, and insensitivity to mechanical characteristics and environment dictate which technology is most suitable. By Steffen Preg | CEO • SIKO Products Inc. Machines […]
New IoT-ready electro-mechanical actuators from Ewellix
Ewellix, formerly SKF Motion Technologies, has developed new actuators which deliver forces up to 82 kN and speeds of 1 m/sec, to provide real-time, accurate information that improves machine productivity. With the newly designed Ewellix actuators, production line upgrades are now possible without major modification of existing machine layouts. The new CASM-100 and LEMC actuators […]
What causes synchronous belt noise and how can it be reduced?
Synchronous belts are common in motion systems, providing smoother operation and better high-speed performance than chains and lacking the problems of slipping and stretching that can plague V-belts in precision applications. But one downfall of synchronous, or toothed, belts is the noise they produce. Although quieter than a chain drive, a synchronous belt can still generate noise […]
What causes synchronous belt noise and how can it be reduced?
Synchronous belts are common in motion systems, providing smoother operation and better high-speed performance than chains and lacking the problems of slipping and stretching that can plague V-belts in precision applications. But one downfall of synchronous, or toothed, belts is the noise they produce. Although quieter than a chain drive, a synchronous belt can still generate noise […]
New generation of linear motor stages from Yaskawa
The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has added the Sigma Trac II series linear servo motor stages to the Sigma-7 servo family. Sigma Trac II combines a Yaskawa SGLF2 series linear motor with linear bearings, high-resolution absolute optical scale, cable management, and optional bellows to create a turnkey linear stage. Leveraging the […]
Space-saving integrated guide with linear encoder from THK
The new Type SHS-LE from THK integrates the global standard THK Type SHS LM guide with a THK linear encoder (linear position sensor). This combined model allows for compact machine designs that require less assembly time. THK’s Type SHS Caged Ball LM Guide performs with high speed and precision. Each row of balls is arranged […]
Festo electric actuators simplify setup of linear motion axes
Festo now sells a Simplified Motion Series of electric drives that combines the simplicity of pneumatics with the benefits of electric automation. These new electric drives equipped with Digital I/O and IO-Link enable a range of operational and productivity benefits and deliver intelligent IIoT communication. The actuators in this series are built for simple motion […]
SMAC actuators satisfy existing OEM form-fit-function requirements
SMAC now sells voice coil actuators that include differential features to satisfy OEM requirements … actuators that allow drop-in replacement of existing motion technologies having the same form, fit, and function. This design process is called MCA Inside and has been key in helping OEMs with an install base or an existing design to solve […]
Linear motion systems: Only as strong as weakest link
Demands placed on linear systems in today’s automation are greater than ever — and continue to increase. Here we review five links in the chain of design elements so critical to precision operation. By Mark Huebner • Mechatronics global product manager | PBC Linear Kevin Bischel • Principal engineer | PBC Linear A linear motion […]
New integrated motor/actuator features high power density
The newest integrated motor/actuator from Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial Division, the Exlar GTX100, is the second frame size in the integrated motor/actuator series. Incorporating Curtiss-Wright’s patented inverted roller screw technology, the GTX100’s high power density and compact form factor make it a suitable replacement for hydraulic cylinders. The GTX Series actuators offer the power, precision, and programmability […]
THK roller LM guide type HRX for myriad applications and harsh environments
A new Roller LM Guide Type HRX from THK America Inc. meets the demands of myriad applications and environments. The Type HRX boasts a duplex face-to-face structure (DF Structure) and a full roller design for resilient performance in even harsh settings. Features include a highly rigid, yet simple structure, caged rollers and an extensive dust […]
Balluff offers intelligent position measuring system for absolute linear feedback
The BMP series from Balluff is an intelligent displacement sensor that provides not only the absolute position signal for the stroke travel of a piston via IO-Link but also information about the sensor status and the current ambient conditions. It monitors the sensor temperature and the number of starts and issues warnings when a configurable […]
New hygienic integrated electric actuators for food/beverage processing from Tolomatic
Tolomatic IMA-S integrated electric servo actuators are designed to hygienic standards for eliminating harborage points and preventing bacterial growth. The 316 stainless-steel construction provides corrosion resistance and withstands high pressure, high temperature and caustic wash-down. With its hygienic design and IP69k ingress protection rating, the IMA-S meets clean-in-place requirements, allowing machine designers to achieve open […]
New compact, high-resolution two-axis gimbal mount from OES
The new, compact AU100-ER two-axis gimbal mount from OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) features a full 360 degree continuous rotation of each axis. This compact two-axis gimbal mount handles loads to 10 kg (22 lb) and has a clearance of 300 x 300 mm, (11.8 x 11.8 in.) about the roll axis of the stage. […]