The R-Series actuators from Ultra Motion leverage years of heritage in high reliability actuator design for aerospace/spaceflight applications. Using Ultra Motion’s flight proven, patented Phase Index absolute position sensor, the R-Series provides high-resolution absolute position feedback in the most extreme environments and with uncontested mass, economy, and power density. R-Series actuators are well suited for […]
Pick-and-place applications with Festo tools — showing at Pack Expo
Festo offers software and hardware to shorten packaging-machine development time and reduce engineering overhead. These components, systems, and software tools will be on display at Pack Expo on September 23 to 25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center Booth LS-6349. Design a pick-and-place robot and control cabinet in minutes Festo demonstrates a Cartesian robot and […]
High-resolution, high-repeatability XYR alignment stages from OES
Two new economical XYR (Theta) alignment stages from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) offer high precision and repeatability for industrial, medical, semiconductor, research, and laboratory applications. The XYR-01-01 and XYR-01-02 Alignment Stages feature ± 7.5 mm of travel in the X and Y axes and ± 180° of rotation (theta). The XYR-01-01 and XYR-01-02 Alignment […]
Linear motion systems for packaging applications from Bishop Wisecarver
Bishop-Wisecarver offers product options that include UtiliTrak linear guides and LoPro linear actuators, to complete actuated system solutions. LoPro linear actuators excel in high speed, long length and dirty environments. UtiliTrak is constructed with DualVee Motion Technology in vee and vee/crown designs, and using MadeWell Crown Rollers, and are ideal for commercial applications in need […]
How roller-screw and ball-screw actuators compare in high-force applications
As electric rod-style actuators overtake fluid power in a variety of high-force applications, it is important to understand how different screw technologies compare in the search for optimum performance and low life-cycle cost. By Daniel Schmit • Product Manager | Tolomatic Inc. Electric-rod actuators with either roller-screw or ball-screw technology are playing an expanding role […]
High-precision vertical elevator stages from OES
Two new high-precision Z-Axis Elevator Stages from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES), The AZV9010 and the AZV9020, are Motorized Z-Axis Linear Positioning Stages featuring vertical travels of 10 mm and 20 mm respectively. The vertical motion of each Z-Axis Stage is driven by an 8-mm diameter ball screw with a 1-mm lead, and guided by […]
Low-power voice-coil actuator for cryogenic environments
H2W Technologies’ new high-force, non-commutated dc linear actuator, otherwise known as a direct-drive voice-coil actuator, is designed specifically for use in cryogenic environments. Material choice and design parameters were implemented such that the motor can operate without degradation or damage when placed in a cryogenic environment. The model NCC14-78-830-1SM can generate a continuous force of […]
Full extension telescoping rails feature smooth sliding
LM76 has added a new series of 100% extension rails to their extensive product line of linear motion components and complete linear motion systems. The exclusive distributor of SAIBO Linear Motion Systems in the US, LM76, is now offering the SAIBO TDB28 and TDB43 series of Telescoping Extension Rails. Stroke lengths (extension) are 100% of […]
New voice coil stages feature 1-micron positioning resolution
The compact open aperture HCDS-051-032-013-01-B1-30 and the HCDS-051-032-013-01-B1-01 Voice Coil Stages from Moticont have a footprint of just 2.000 in. (50.8 mm) wide by 5.000 in. (127.0 mm) long and feature positioning resolutions of 30 microns and just 1 micron respectively. These precision stages allow the user to select the level of precision needed for […]
PHD Inc. offers linear slides that are IP54 and even IP67 rated (for washdown)
PHD Inc. offers electric Series ESU linear slides that are IP54 rated with magnetic band sealing for rugged protection. These are electric-motor and belt-driven linear actuators with a robust enclosed design and high-capacity rail bearing system to deliver exceptional moment and load capability. Available in three sizes with travel lengths to 5,500 mm (with other […]
igus linear guides help drones repel pests
One Spanish OEM has developed a drone for pest control; the design features low-weight carbon linear guides and a micro energy chain and pillow block bearings manufactured by igus. The FitoStinger was developed by the Technology & Advances Centre of Barcelona. It includes an extendable arm that allows the precise spraying of pesticides. Light maintenance-free […]
HEIDENHAIN and ETEL exhibiting together at SEMICON West
Visitors to this July’s SEMICON West 2019 trade show will get to learn about where accuracy meets throughput at the HEIDENHAIN and ETEL joint booth in San Francisco in the Moscone Center — July 9 to 11. Here, daily presentations will be given by HEIDENHAIN and ETEL experts highlighting this year’s application focus of Fan-Out […]
Physik Instrumente linear stage provides high speed and 10-nm resolution
Precision motion specialist Physik Instrumente (PI) now sells a new integrated XY stage — part of its compact high-speed positioning stage roster. All of these positioning are powered by ultrasonic piezo-linear motors — patented motors that deliver smooth motion, high resolution and rapid step and settle response. Also featured on the motors is a self-clamping […]
SIKO’s new SG61 draw-wire linear sensor measures lengths to 6 m
SIKO — maker of wire-based sensors — now sells SG61 wire-actuated encoders. These are suitable for measuring lengths up to 6 m. On the basis of 30 years of experience in development and production, a wire-actuated sensor has been designed that impresses with its compactness, sturdiness and flexibility. Compact and robust wire-based linear sensor The […]
Precision zero clearance, smooth sliding partial extension rails
As the exclusive distributor of SAIBO Linear Motion Systems in the US, LM76 is offering the SAIBO TPE28 and TPE43 series of Partial Extension Rails. These compact, precision, smooth sliding rails are assembled with a zero clearance. The TPE28 and TPE43 Partial Extension Rail series are created using a “C” shaped external rail and an […]
SMAC single-axis servo controller starting at $200
SMAC Moving Coil Actuators has announced release of their next generation Very Low Cost (VLC) single axis DC brushed/brushless motor controller/driver. With a price of $250 for stand-alone ($200 for built in types) the VLC represents another 35% drop in price compared to many of the company’s previous controllers … and with no loss in […]
Using software for designing and sizing motion-control systems
Today servomotors abound. Thankfully the art of using speed, torque, and inertia to select from these servomotor offerings for specific applications has become quite automated. By Sixto Moralez • Regional motion engineer | Yaskawa America Inc. Drives & Motion Div. Now, certain sizing and selecting software only requires that design engineers enter a minimum of […]
Güdel gantry robots add gentle touch to bakery automation
In the U.S., about 50 million people a day eat at fast-food restaurants — and about 60,000 of those establishments sell hamburgers. That requires epic volumes of fresh buns every day … and only commercial bakeries with automated operations can output sufficient production volumes. Workhorse Automation Inc. (based in Oxford, Pa.) supplies machines to this […]
Tolomatic adds press model to RSX extreme-force electric actuator family
Tolomatic’s new RSX press model (RSX096P) electric linear actuator increases the force range of the existing RSX product family to 40,000 lbf (178 kN) and is designed to be optimized for force in the extend direction. The RSX press-model electric actuator is ideal for metal-forming and assembly including pressing, punching, stamping, riveting, fastening and joining. […]
THK America’s Ohio plant and MVPvets sponsorship highlight commitment to U.S.
THK America Inc. is committed to serving the U.S. market. For nearly 25 years, the leader in linear-motion guides has been manufacturing components in the United States at their Hebron, Ohio facility. This year, the manufacturer joined forces with MVPvets in assisting, preparing and transitioning military veterans for meaningful employment. More than 70% of THK […]
New rack and pinion systems available from GAM Enterprises
GAM now offers new helical rack and pinion systems. High quality rack and precision pinions are paired with GAM gearboxes for optimized system performance. Helical rack provides smooth, quiet operation and precision operation. The rack is available in 1-meter lengths in module 2, 3, or 4 and ISO quality 6 or 10. Precision pinions in […]
NUMERIK JENA’s new LIKgo linear encoder for semiconductor industry
NUMERIK JENA’s newly designed LIKgo is a low-cost linear encoder that meets the demands for use in production and inspection machines in the semiconductor industry. Available in North America through HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION, the LIKgo encoder will be showcased at its SEMICON booth #851 during this July 9-11 show in San Francisco. The new LIKgo is […]
Basics of cam followers (including those for linear motion)
Cam followers are power-transmission devices with a rotary bearing core that bears load while serving as the interface between independently moving machine sections. Applications include those on rotary indexing tables and turntable conveyors, long-stroke robot transfer units (RTUs), and an array of highly customized machinery. The outer diameter (OD) of the cam-follower bearing assembly is […]
igus unveils new quick-fill energy chain
The new E4Q energy chain from igus can be opened and closed in seconds without tools and has been specifically developed for the special requirements of unsupported lengths and long travels. igus, the Germany-based manufacturer of motion plastics, unveiled a prototype of the new E4Q in April at Hannover Messe. The chain links have a […]
From the archives: HIWIN’s Datorker at Automate and the Robotic Summit
Robots aren’t all humanoid and SCARA; some take the form of linear-motion arrangements. In fact, we’ve covered how Cartesian arrangements in particular offer better energy efficiency and price points than more stereotypical robotic arrangements. You’ll get copious amount of information on such linear designs and technologies at the 2019 Robotics Summit (on commercial-robotics design, development, […]