OES (Optimal Engineering Systems Inc.) has added to their line of purpose-built stages. The new XYZR Series of Four-axes Stages are the integration of a: 15 mm, 30 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, or 100 mm linear stages (in any combination) for the X, Y, and Z axes, and a 60 mm or 100 mm […]
Compact linear motion system brings modularity to small-space applications
Thomson Industries, Inc. has introduced a family of compact linear systems that makes it easier for motion designers to implement complex applications in small spaces. Designers needing thrust and bearing support in a single, compact unit now have the flexibility to build such applications with versatile, time-tested components from Thomson. “As demand for smaller-scale applications […]
Compact linear motion system brings modularity to small-space applications
Thomson Industries, Inc. has introduced a family of compact linear systems that makes it easier for motion designers to implement complex applications in small spaces. Designers needing thrust and bearing support in a single, compact unit now have the flexibility to build such applications with versatile, time-tested components from Thomson. “As demand for smaller-scale applications […]
Haydon Kerk Express online tool speeds up linear actuator selection
Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK’s Advanced Motion Solutions division, has debuted its new Haydon Kerk Express online linear actuator calculator. The Haydon Kerk Express tool joins the Pittman Express tool, released last year, and allows users to now identify and select the right linear actuator for their applications quickly and easily. When […]
Haydon Kerk Express online tool speeds up linear actuator selection
Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK’s Advanced Motion Solutions division, has debuted its new Haydon Kerk Express online linear actuator calculator. The Haydon Kerk Express tool joins the Pittman Express tool, released last year, and allows users to now identify and select the right linear actuator for their applications quickly and easily. When […]
The top linear motion posts of 2022
As the year comes to a close, the editors here at linearmotiontips.com (as, apparently, editors everywhere are prone to do) like to look back over the past year to see what our readers clicked on and read the most. As in years past, readers found our “back to basics” articles quite useful and so it’s […]
Linear motors find a home in CNC machines
For one manufacturer of CNC grinding machines, new high-performance linear motors replaced ball-screws and improved machine performance. It’s no secret that linear motors are highly effective motion devices. Linear motors can achieve high acceleration rates and long travel lengths with good thrust forces and extremely high positioning accuracies, while other drive mechanisms, such as belts, […]
igus modular linear axis for travels of any length
igus, the Germany-based manufacturer of motion plastics, is launching the drylin Endless Gear linear module (EGW), a modular, lubrication-free linear guide with rack and pinion drive. The modular system can be extended to any travel length, costs little, and is almost as light as the guide for a toy train. Several carriages can travel on […]
New miniature voice coil motor from Moticont features 0.125 in. open aperture
Moticont has debuted its most compact miniature hollow core linear actuator; the HVCM-016-010-003-01 linear voice coil motor, featuring a 0.125 in. (3.2 mm) open aperture and high force-to-size ratio. This miniature open aperture actuator is a true dc linear servo motor. Quiet and clean, this non-commutated, miniature brushless servo motor features: Zero cogging and zero […]
New magnetic tracks for linear motors boost force with no redesign
Offering a track with stronger magnets for their linear motors than previously available, ETEL introduces the new MWD+. This magnet-track family is compatible with any existing LMG and LMS linear motor from ETEL, enabling up to 15% higher continuous and peak forces compared to the existing MWD product. With the option of more powerful magnets, […]
Miniature lead screws for compact application designs
Thomson Industries, Inc., has introduced a line of miniature lead screws and nuts. This new offering extends the Thomson lead screw product line to include 2-, 3- and 4-millimeter diameters. “OEMs are increasingly demanding components for smaller assemblies, and we are pleased to announce that Thomson high-quality lead screws and nuts are now available in […]
IKO offers AutomationWare electric actuators for optimal positioning accuracy and control
IKO International has announced the U.S. availability of the Mech Series of E-actuators as part of its distribution partnership with AutomationWare. With AutomationWare’s Mech Series E-actuators, engineers can obtain accurate, controllable movement for almost any performance and size requirement. The series features an advanced ball screw transmission system to handle a wide range of dynamic […]
Beckhoff expands XPlanar function with bumper ID, new mover variants
Beckhoff has created new possibilities in adaptive automation by expanding the functionality of the XPlanar “flying motion” system. Now, on top of XPlanar’s field-proven capabilities, the solution can handle more products with even more flexibility through new mover identification, movers for two lanes of traffic on one tile, rectangular movers and mover coupling for higher […]
New 600-mm vertical lift stage features 5-micron repeatability
The new AT20-600 series of Motorized Vertical Lift Stages from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) features a vertical lift of 600 mm. The AT20-600-01 is driven by a two-phase stepper motor and features a repeatability of 5 microns, positional accuracy of 20 microns and has a knob on the motor for manual adjustment. The AT20-600-02 […]
Linear actuator features integrated controller
With the PSA56, Nanotec launches its first linear actuator with integrated controller. This extremely compact drive unit combines the LSA56 hybrid linear actuator and the intelligent controllers of Nanotec’s PD4-E series. The integrated magnetic single-turn absolute encoder has a resolution of 1,024 CPR and supports field-oriented control via CANopen. The screw’s protective coating is made […]
Ametek Haydon Kerk Pittman introduces EGS low-profile precision rail
As a world leader in compact linear motion systems, Ametek Haydon Kerk Pittman (HKP), a business unit of Ametek, is pleased to announce its new EGS04 low-profile precision rail. The EGS “efficient guided system” is ideally suited for customers in lab automation and electronic assembly whose applications require high speed and highly efficient point-to-point motion. […]
Rediscovering ball splines for robust linear and rotary motion
Ball splines were once a staple for machine designers seeking an elegant way to integrate rotary and linear motion. Driven by pressures to speed their machines to market, many designers found it faster to implement prepackaged solutions in which rotary and linear motion shafts had already been integrated. By Charles Isaac • Thomson Industries Chris […]
New linear position detector series from Nidec
Nidec Machine Tool Corporation will launch the MPLS series, an inductive coupling principle-type linear position detector that determines a machine’s position and detects its feed digitally, on November 1st. Intended for compact machine tools, it uses a signal-detection method and integrates numbers of substrates to realize a simple structure that does not require scale wiring […]
Linear electric motors designed specifically for machine tools
NUM has launched a series of brushless linear servo motors designed specifically for continuous duty cycle applications in machine tools. NUM’s new LMX series linear motors incorporate a number of features to help mitigate the effect of arduous operating conditions. Their moving coil primary section is fully encapsulated in a robust stainless-steel housing, with an […]
How to choose a roller screw nut assembly
A roller screw’s application will dictate whether the shaft or nut should rotate. In either case, the type of nut selected depends on the load and how the assembly will move and actuate the system. There are three major types of roller screw nuts: single, split, and double. Single nuts are the most common configuration […]
Precision ball splines deliver robust rotary and linear motion integration
Thomson Industries, Inc., has introduced a line of precision ball splines that enable robust delivery of rotary and linear motion on a single shaft. These new components give designers more flexibility to compress an assembly, extend a stroke, distribute a load or otherwise meet modern automation demands. “Ball splines have provided an elegant, single shaft […]
Low-load polymer bushing bearings increase motion system design flexibility
Thomson Industries, Inc., has added a polymer bushing to its line of state-of-the-art Ball Bushing bearings. It expands the company’s extensive bearing portfolio, providing design engineers a new option that helps them avoid overdesigning for low-load applications. Thomson polymer bushing bearings provide a reliable solution for machines where moment load is non-critical (30 to 40 […]
How to select the right roller screw size
Roller screw systems typically have smaller footprints and more compact designs than their hydraulic counterparts. One motivation to replace hydraulics with roller screws is to reduce bulky and auxiliary equipment and its associated maintenance without compromising performance. Roller screw shafts come in a variety of diameters and load capacities. Some are 3.5 mm in diameter with […]
Rugged linear position sensors with optimized accuracy
LINARIX linear positions sensors from POSITAL have been updated with extra-heavy-duty draw-wire mechanisms and with a convenient pre-scaling option for devices with analog communication interfaces. LINARIX position sensors are suitable for a wide variety of applications, including medical equipment, packaging and materials handling systems, forklifts, overhead gantries, lifts, and flow control gates in water management […]
New high-precision, three-axis gimbal mounts with four motor options
OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) has released four all new three-axis Azimuth, Angular Elevation, and Roll Gimbal Mounts. These new high-precision and high stability AU270-AER Gimbal Mounts locate the surface of the roll stage 115 mm below the center line of rotation allowing for the positioning of cameras, optics, lasers and instrumentation for scanning, tracking, […]