The XYR-03-01 Alignment Stage from Optimal Engineering Systems Inc. (OES) is a high resolution, high repeatability XY-Theta stage for such applications as angular glass cutting and grinding, wafer alignment, semiconductor handling, laser cutting and drilling. The linear resolution of the X and Y axis is 5 µm (non-micro-step) or 0.125 µm (20 micro-steps per step […]
Warner Linear new rugged-duty B-Track K4x actuators for demanding industrial applications
The new B-Track K4x model provides the highest load rating in its class with a ball nut screw for a 4,000-lb (17,760 N) load capability in a compact package size. The units work in demanding applications where an alternative to hydraulic or air cylinders is needed or where hydraulic power sources are unavailable. Suitable applications […]
Motion Trends: 3D printing aides lead screw design, prototyping
A number of trends in the motion industry are impacting lead screw design and implementation. One of these is the miniaturization of components. For instance, applications in optics as well as medical devices demand high precision, and smaller miniature lead screws can meet high precision specifications and can fit where space is limited and where […]
Motion Trends: Better performing, more customized ball screws
Slow but steady improvements continue with ball screw technology. For instance, developments in manufacturing and materials have improved ball screw performance so that the most recent generation of ball screws have greater load densities than before, leading to high load capacities in smaller packages. A trend that continues is the adoption of ball screws into […]
New integrated motor/actuator series from Curtiss-Wright
Curtiss-Wright’s Sensors & Controls Division recently announced the release of the Exlar GTX080 next-generation integrated motor/actuator. The GTX080’s latest design offers substantial performance improvements over its predecessor. Incorporating Curtiss-Wright’s patented inverted roller screw technology, the GTX080’s high power density and compact form factor make it an ideal replacement for hydraulic cylinders. The GTX Series actuators […]
Belt drives offer practical option for performance designs: Motion Trends report
Belt drives include belts and pulleys (as well as clutches and mechanisms for ratio variation) for power transmission between shafts. In cases where these drives function as a conveyor, the load rides on the belt. Elsewhere (as in actuators or machine-axis coupling) belt drives function as the device to convert rotary motion of an […]
Multi-axis stages and tables: Manufacturer involvement and software yield turnkey motion systems
There’s increasing demand for stages, tables, gantries, and indexing tables with simplicity or turnkey operation — largely because of industry moves toward focused expertise and abstraction. No wonder that motion-system manufacturers are now doing more integration for plant engineers and OEMs. “As we increase our business with OEMs of various markets — including those in […]
New high-performance miniature ball screws from SKF
The new SP Series high-performance miniature ball screws from SKF Motion Technologies have been optimized to deliver precise positioning, excellent repeatability, and smooth-running and quiet linear actuation. Their advanced internal ball recirculation system and thread design additionally enable higher speed capabilities and longer operating life compared with conventional rolled ball screws. These small packages ultimately […]
Long-stroke robotic RTU applications pose new challenges for cable carriers
New applications for mechanical devices present unique requirements. Consider the exceptionally challenging application for cable management in robot-transfer units (RTUs) and linear tool-tray transfer systems. RTUs are long tracks to carry robots between workstations. As an inverse solution, linear tool-tray transfer systems move workpieces past a stationary robot for various material handling or fabricating tasks. […]
Online shopping changing consumer (and design-engineering) habits
Sizing software and online procurement tools are changing how all design engineering is done — including that including the specification of electric actuators. According to Good of PBC Linear, that’s because design engineering is undergoing changes that mirror what’s happening in consumer markets. “Customer and supplier interfaces are rapidly expanding beyond high-touch selling models — […]
Motion trends: Linear actuators leverage modularity and connectivity
Pre-integration is a common refrain in the motion industry — and actuators lead this trend. Some of the fastest growth is in motion designs destined for compact applications, many of which are being automated for the first time. “We’ve seen the most rapid growth in applications using NEMA 34 and 60-mm and smaller motors — […]
Bishop-Wisecarver reaffirms commitment to STEM with another year of diamond-level and local sponsorship of the FIRST Robotics Competition
Designer and manufacturer of proven motion setups Bishop-Wisecarver today announced its ongoing support of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education by being a Diamond Supplier of the 2018 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition. “Our job at FIRST is to develop the next generation of problem solvers who need […]
Linear Motion Trends: Consumer health-monitoring devices and more driving innovation
Growth of consumer health-monitoring devices is prompting new uses of linear-motion designs. Just consider two prototypes shown at the recent CES 2018 by THK America Inc. (with THK Co. Ltd.) that demonstrate new uses for linear slides and guides. One is a humanoid robot called the ATMOS Sensoroid that monitors its environment (to replicate what […]
High-performance XY stage with linear servo motors from InteLiDrives
New IntelLiDrives XY stage design allows critical elements such as orthogonality, straightness, and flatness to be optimized, resulting in a stage with exceptional geometric tolerances. Direct-drive technology with core-less linear servo motors has no hysteresis or backlash, enabling accurate and repeatable nanometer scale motions in both X and Y directions. Non-contact direct-drive technology offers robust, […]
Robot-transfer unit (RTU) and other linear-transfer system considerations
As robotics applications proliferate, robot integrators have begun to apply more 7th-axis tracks — also called robot-transfer units or RTUs — as well as linear tool-tray transfer systems. Benedict Talan • President | LazerArc of Motion Index Drives Robots excel in repetitive assembly and process operations that include welding, trimming, routing, drilling, fastening, composite layup, […]
New Oriental Motor DRS2 Series compact linear actuator
Oriental Motor now offers an expanded lineup of the popular AZ Series with the introduction of the new DRS2 Series compact linear actuator. The DRS2 Series compact linear actuator is a high precision ball screw actuator fitted with the AZ Series stepper motor with absolute mechanical encoder. The absolute encoder is a mechanical multi-turn absolute […]
HEIDENHAIN debuts multi-section linear encoder for use with ACU-RITE’S digital readouts
HEIDENHAIN announces the addition of the AMO LMF 9310 multi-section linear encoder to its line of robust linear encoders. This TTL encoder is specifically designed for long length applications (over 10 ft) on manually operated machines and is compatible with HEIDENHAIN’s ACU-RITE brand of digital readouts. The AMO LMF 9310 is a replacement for the […]
Gallery: Crossed-roller slide variations and uses
Precision rail guides known as crossed-roller guides (also called crossed roller slides, linear bearings, or ways) are linear-motion load supports that incorporate arrays of cylindrical roller bearings for the reduction of friction. These crossed-roller slides contain the rollers between solid twin guide bars (usually made of through-hardened tool steel) cut with V-shaped grooves that are […]
What causes plain bearing wear?
For rolling element bearings, the L10 life calculation is an easy way to determine the bearing’s expected travel life. But for plain bearings, determining life expectancy is not so straightforward. Plain bearing life is based on the amount of wear the bearing experiences, which depends on factors that are unique to each application, such as […]
Thomson extends Electrak HD smart actuator line to 16 kN loads
Thomson Industries, Inc. has extended the capability of its Electrak HD electromechanical linear actuator line to loads of up to 16 kilonewtons (kN) (3,600 lb.) This new offering delivers heavy load handling capacity comparable to hydraulic technologies but with greater controllability, smaller footprint and low maintenance. The Electrak HD expansion also sets a new stroke […]
H2W develops highest force voice-coil actuator
H2W Technologies has developed what it says is the world’s highest force commercially available non-commutated DC linear actuator, otherwise known as a direct drive voice coil actuator. The model NCC08-75-3000-3X is capable of generating a continuous force of 300 lb (1,330 N) and a peak force of 900 lb (4,000 N) at a duty cycle […]
Mounting bracket turns shaft encoders into linear measurement solution
New mounting bracket fits size 25 programmable and absolute shaft encoders Encoder Products Company (EPC) has introduced a new linear measurement solution: a bracket that fits all of EPC’s size 25 shaft encoders with 2.5 in. flange mounts, including absolute and programmable encoders. The bracket works with: The Model MA63S absolute encoder. With resolution up […]
12 sizing resources for linear guides and screws
Most linear guide and screw manufacturers offer online tools to help engineers with product sizing and selection. But these tools can sometimes be more in-depth – or alternatively, more simplified – than is needed at the current design or selection phase. In these cases, the easiest and fastest solution is to do the sizing yourself. […]
Low-profile, high-precision motorized cross-roller linear stages from OES
Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) offers a high-precision series of low-cost, low-profile motorized single-axis positioning stages. The compact AQ110 Series of four cross roller linear stages have travel lengths of 15 mm (0.590 in.), 30 mm (1.181 in.), 50 mm (1.968 in.), and 75 mm (2.952 in.) Open-loop repeatability of all stages is 0.5 µm […]
Can plain bearings be used for cantilevered loads?
There are few linear motion applications in which the load is perfectly centered over the supporting bearing. On the contrary – the majority of applications involve loads that are cantilevered, meaning they are offset from the bearing and induce a moment load. In this context, the term “bearing” can mean a single bearing or a […]