New from THK, the Type KR-RL LM Guide Actuator features a driving element that uses right/left threads and enables symmetrical movements with a single motor. Formerly available only as a custom system, THK responded to the high demand for a right/left actuator by adding the Type KR-RL to its lineup. The Type KR-RL Actuator integrates […]
New actuator offers high-performance linear positioning at economical price
The new SLA Actuator from SCHNEEBERGER delivers high-performance linear positioning at an economical price. Representing a unique position among high-performance actuators, only the new SLA Actuators deliver SCHNEEBERGER quality, engineering expertise, and global service in a highly customizable super-compact design at an impressively affordable price. SLA Actuators use recirculating ball linear guides that ensure smooth […]
PMM miniature slides are compact and low-friction for accurate linear motion
Compact – Smooth – Accurate PM’s miniature ball slide Type PMM is a compact and robust solution for smooth and accurate linear motion that fits in narrow spaces to transfer light to moderate loads. The slides where developed for the semiconductor industry and medical devices where they are used for accurate positioning of samples under […]
Ball and lead screw drunkenness: What is it and when does it matter?
Unlike ball screws, which follow industry standards such as DIN ISO 3408, JIS B1192-1997, or ANSI-B5.48 for accuracy classifications, there are no accuracy standards for lead screws. Instead, many lead screw manufacturers have loosely adopted two of the most common ball screw lead accuracy specifications: lead deviation per 300 mm and lead deviation per revolution. Lead deviation […]
New Smart Function Kit for Handling from Bosch Rexroth reduces engineering outlay, simplifies commissioning
Following the introduction of the Smart Function Kit for Pressing and Joining, Bosch Rexroth is expanding its Smart MechatroniX solution platform with a second plug-and-produce subsystem that can be operated intuitively. The new Smart Function Kit for Handling can be used in a variety of areas, such as production handling, machine assembly and packaging. Pick-and-place […]
New frame size added to Curtiss-Wright integrated motor/actuator series
Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division has added a third frame size, the Exlar GTX060, to its GTX integrated motor/actuator series of industrial electromechanical actuators. The GTX Series actuators offer force, precision, and repeatability while eliminating or minimizing the maintenance and inefficiencies typical of fluid power alternatives. With continuous force ratings up to 2,668 N (600 lbf) and […]
Mini nanopositioning stage designed with voice coil motor and air bearing slide
Cleanroom-compatible, this new high performance noncontact miniature linear slide from PI is suited for applications like wafer inspection, scanning/metrology, fiber alignment, laser micromachining and marking, autofocusing, and genome sequencing. PI’s air bearing motion product line is expanding again. The new A-142 high performance compact nano-positioning and linear alignment stage is designed with a voice coil […]
What’s the difference between module and diametral pitch for rack and pinion drives?
Gear sizes are typically specified by one of two designations: module or diametral pitch. While both specifications define the size of the gear teeth, module and diametral pitch are calculated differently, with module (sometimes referred to as metric pitch) being the metric sizing standard and diametrical pitch being the Imperial (inch) sizing method. Standard modules for […]
Getting straight on roller screws
Knowing the differences between the several kinds of roller screws can help determine the best fit for an application. Michael Boudreau, P.Eng. Application Engineering Manager Rollvis S.A. Planetary roller screws – also referred to as satellite roller screws – have long been the primary choice for applications that involve heavier loads and higher forces than […]
New sealed linear encoders for metrology applications
RSF Elektronik’s newly designed sealed linear encoder series are suitable for high-end metrology applications. Offered through parent company HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION in North America, these MSA 7xx/8xx model encoders offer high quality and easy mounting that are well suited for use on CMMs, optical comparators, video measuring machines, among other types of measuring equipment. The MSA […]
Ball spline preload: How, why, and when it’s applied
Like other linear motion components where rolling elements ride in raceways, ball splines can be supplied with preload. In the case of a ball spline, the main purpose of preload is to reduce angular backlash — clearance in the rotational direction — when torque is applied. Without preload, ball splines have a small amount of […]
What’s the difference between moment and torque in linear motion applications?
In linear motion, we often deal with applications that involve forces applied at a distance from a linear guide — referred to as cantilevered, or moment, loads. In these cases, we’re concerned with guide’s moment load capacity, or its ability to resist rotating. But we also deal with components that should rotate when a force […]
Smart mechatronics add capabilities to linear motion applications
Today’s manufacturing system OEMs and automation end users are constantly seeking technology advancements to help make their lives easier. Industry 4.0 innovations have spurred a new class of smart technologies that combine digital electronics and communication interfaces for more sophistication, functionality, and ease of use. By Richard Hansen • Senior automation engineer | Bosch Rexroth […]
Slide ways feature stable motion at high to low speeds
NB Slide Ways are non-recirculating linear motion bearings used primarily in optical and measurement equipment where high precision movement is required. The SV style consists of 2 roller cages with precision rollers in a cross arrangement and four rails with V-shaped raceways. The SVW has one rail with V-shaped grooves on both sides and 2 […]
Top 10 considerations when applying rack and pinion systems
Rack and pinion systems are excellent electromechanical devices uniquely suited for achieving a linear or rotary motion solution mostly unattainable with other technologies. The typical system is made up of long straight rack (or linear gear) with teeth on one surface, a matching pinion (or circular gear), and a method for driving one or the […]
New direct-drive linear modules from PI
PI’s two new series of direct-drive linear modules are geared for machine builders and system integrators. The V-855 and V-857 product families were designed for high-load and high duty cycle industrial precision motion applications where traditional actuators or linear slides with lead-screw or timing-belt drives are not precise, robust or reliable enough. The maintenance-free and […]
What is ball screw whip and why does it happen?
Ball screws are often the drive mechanism of choice in applications that require high thrust forces with excellent positioning accuracy and repeatability. But one of the drawbacks of ball screw technology is that speed is inversely related to length — the longer the ball screw shaft, the more likely it is to whip, like a […]
What is a 7th axis (also known as an RTU) and when is it used?
Linear Cartesian and gantry robots are used extensively in automation, particularly for tasks such as pick and place and assembly. But for applications that require movements such as changing the orientation of a part or navigating around complex obstacles, the robot of choice is often the 6-axis articulated robot. Despite their dexterity, the reach of a […]
Linear slide with maintenance-free voice coil motor features nanometer precision
PI extends its large offering of nanometer precise, fast focusing stages with the addition of its new V-308 nanopositioning slide for vertical applications providing 7 mm of Z-travel and 10 nm incremental motion, making it suitable for OEM and research applications in the life science, semiconductor, and material science fields. The novel design combines long […]
When does open-loop stepper control still make sense?
Stepper motors are inherently open-loop devices, able to make precise moves without feedback regarding motor position. But one of the drawbacks of using stepper motors in some applications is that if steps are lost (or gained), the system has no way to detect this. The resulting discrepancy between the actual position of the motor and […]
LINAK calculator takes the guesswork out of actuator lifetime prediction
LINAK is launching a B10 lifetime calculator, providing their customers with a valuable glimpse into the future when it comes to actuator service life. Predicting the lifespan of integrated actuators can be challenging, as different applications and conditions place varying demands on components. However, because the B10 life is based on a combination of real-life […]
Trends: More integration in linear motion designs
There are many intertwining trends driving developments in the broad field of linear motion systems – from the push for more integrated systems to new applications incorporating linear motion components to better performance and efficiency. Not to mention the coronavirus pandemic, which has touched every facet of life including manufacturing. We surveyed some leading linear […]
Integrated motion designs see more electric actuators
Technology trends in electric actuator design continue from years past, influencing manufacturers offerings to designers. For instance, electric actuators are easier to specify and install, with more application-specific models on offer. This tracks with other trends including the move to more integrated motion designs, opening up more and varied applications for electric actuators. Here’s what […]
The benefits – and drawbacks – of linear motors for dynamic applications
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, screws, or rack and pinions, must sacrifice at least one of these requirements in order to achieve the others. This is why linear motors are the preferred choice for […]
What’s the difference between a vertical lift stage and a Z axis actuator?
In many applications that require vertical motion, a Z axis actuator is combined with one or two horizontal axes in a Cartesian or gantry-style arrangement. In these multi-axis configurations, the moved load is mounted to the Z axis via a bracket, creating a moment load that affects not only the Z axis, but also the horizontal […]