To make the right selection when specifying actuators, it’s important to consider the operating environment.   Bruce Ng Valin Corporation Actuators are required for a variety of operations throughout a multitude of different industries. With so many different potential applications, one would correctly assume that the options can often be overwhelming. Many of these actuators […]

Gantry robots, X-Y tables, split bridges, and stages all serve specific functions. There are many ways to build linear systems for motion in the X, Y, and/or Z directions — also called Cartesian coordinates. Industry terms for these systems depend on how the axes are assembled, where the load is positioned, and (to some extent) […]

Stepper motors are commonly used in linear motion applications for their precise positioning capabilities and good holding torque. Though the basic operating principle is the same for all stepper motors, there are differences in operation and performance between the three primary types — permanent magnet, variable reluctance, and hybrid. Permanent magnet stepper motors Permanent magnet […]

Stepper motors are commonly used in linear motion applications for their precise positioning capabilities and good holding torque. Though the basic operating principle is the same for all stepper motors, there are differences in operation and performance between the three primary types — permanent magnet, variable reluctance, and hybrid. Permanent magnet stepper motors Permanent magnet […]

Stepper motors are commonly used in linear motion applications for their precise positioning capabilities and good holding torque. Though the basic operating principle is the same for all stepper motors, there are differences in operation and performance between the three primary types — permanent magnet, variable reluctance, and hybrid. Permanent magnet stepper motors Permanent magnet […]

By Mary C. Gannon, Senior Editor igus Inc. exhibited at MinExpo this past September for the first time, using the event to promote its newer lines of heavy-duty bearings, for use in heavy equipment like excavators, cranes, and other machinery used in rugged environments. For example, the iglide TX1 heavy-duty bearing is rated for up…

Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) has added four high-resolution, low-profile goniometers to their expanding catalog of high precision positioning stages. This newly released, AK120-45 Goniometer Series features precision ground worm gears with a 296:1 ratio and pre-loaded cross roller guides, and +/- 45 degrees of travel with 10 kg of load. The high resolution of […]

A new linear dc motor driven stage from Moticont features one-micron resolution. The high performance VCDS-025-038-02-B1-01 linear voice coil stage features high speed, high acceleration/deceleration, zero backlash, smooth motion, precise positioning, high reliability, and low cost. This non-commutated stage is also clean-room friendly. This compact linear voice coil (also called a moving coil) stage is […]

Thomson Industries, Inc., has announced that its Electrak MD actuator now has a 48-V rating. The availability of a 48-V actuator that can handle loads of up to 2 kN (about 450 lb.) equips battery powered system designers with energy efficiency, cable management and control capability that might otherwise require larger, more expensive actuators. “The […]

Bell-Everman announces that its latest generation of ServoBelt Linear actuators feature a design enhancement that simplifies the assembly and installation of long-travel motion systems including gantry and linear robots. The new design, which involves the lower static toothed belt, also strengthens ServoBelt’s ability to non-destructively withstand high-force events, such as carriage crashes. In earlier designs,…

Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) has debuted its new compact DAG8-60 Series of Motorized Vertical Elevator Stages. These stages feature high parallelism and smooth motion via four high-precision pre-loaded crossed roller bearings. These laboratory grade, high resolution, compact, low-profile elevator stages feature 8 mm of vertical travel. The 60 x 60 mm table with a […]

PI’s new X-417 Integrated Multi-Axis System (IMAS) provides machine builders and system integrators with a freely configurable solution, utilizing highly dynamic, precision XY linear stages as a base, with travel ranges from 4 to 16 in. (102 to 407 mm). The X-417’s modularity allows users to configure the system according to their application needs, including […]

Tolomatic has introduced five new products to meet a wider range of industrial applications. These five sizes expand the RSX’s capabilities to include forces up to 66,000 lbf (294 kN). These expansion efforts also include updated model numbering, with each number now reflecting the actuator’s thrust. For example, the RSX096 is now the RSX15 with…

The piezoelectric effect directly converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. PI uses this effect for high-precision, solid-state-based actuators, and grippers. Embedding a piezoceramic stack in a flexure-based arrangement can increase the motion range of the piezo actuator while providing protection, precision guidance, and a mounting interface at the same time. PI’s motion-amplified piezo actuators are […]

PI introduces a new microscope stage family designed for democratizing the advantages of ultrasonic piezo motor drive systems in super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. The U-781 XY stage provides 128 x 86 mm travel, is equipped with 10-nm resolution linear encoders for direct position measurement at the platform, and is compatible with inverted microscopes of the four […]

OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) has added vertical stages to their extensive line of high-accuracy, high-resolution lift stages. The Z110 Series of Z-axis Stages are available in travel strokes of 15 mm (0.590 in.), 30 mm (1.181 in.), 50 mm (1.969 in.), and 75 mm (2.953 in). These black anodized aluminum alloy stages feature preloaded […]

Robot transfer units have become increasingly important to automated settings. Now, transfer units with collision detection pair with collaborative robots for human-centric technology enabling previously unimagined levels of productivity. Kyle Thompson • product innovation manager | Thomson Industries Chris Diak • southeast automation manager | Motion Most robot arms have six axes of motion, fewer […]

Novotechnik U.S. has introduced the LS1 series of advanced inductive linear position sensors, with stroke lengths of these non-contact sensors from 25 to 200 mm. Absolute linearity of the LS1 Series is to ≤ 0.1 % of full scale with repeatability to < 3 µA or 3 mV, depending on current or voltage output selected. […]

RUD’s new Omega Drive is a new chain drive with a 180° wrap angle. From the Tecdos series, it is suitable for both linear and rotational motion — capable of rotating, lifting, and lowering loads in various on and offshore settings. Applications include shifting harbor and ship cranes, relocating machinery, and solar panel sun tracking. […]

Global precision motion control and nanopositioning supplier Physik Instrumente (PI) now sells a high-dynamics linear motor stage family — the V-574, a new series of linear positioning stages with guiding precision and frictionless three-phase linear motors. Equipped with high-precision crossed-roller bearings installed in a proprietary process, these stages achieve excellent geometric performance. The 130mm variant, […]

To meet the complex factory automation challenges of tomorrow, linear motion systems are evolving to become quicker, more economical, and more sustainable. Kevin Straub Bosch Rexroth Linear motion components are central to the functioning of a host of machines and mechatronic systems. They enable reliable guidance, precise positioning, and advanced handling capabilities. Such features are […]

In the ever-evolving world of engineering, finding a parts supplier who truly prioritizes your needs can be a game-changer. Bosch Rexroth stands out as a strategic ally in this respect, offering not just advanced components but a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to tackle even the most complex engineering challenges. With a portfolio that spans…

PI’s new S-335 fast steering mirror (FSM) provides fast and high-resolution motion in two degrees of freedom. Based on solid-state piezo drives, it is suited for precise, high-speed laser beam control and high-resolution imaging applications. The S-335’s long angular travel range is made possible by motion-amplified piezo actuators, operated in a differential push-pull mode for…

AutomationDirect has added new SureMotion lighter-duty carriages and guides for linear motion applications. Carriage and guide systems are machine elements that move objects in a straight line with minimal friction or resistance. They are offered in two varieties: external carriages with wheels that ride outside the guide tracks and internal carriages with wheels that ride…

The S-335 fast steering mirror (FSM) from Physik Instrumente (PI) provides fast and high-resolution motion in two degrees of freedom. Based on solid-state piezo drives, it’s well-suited for precise, high-speed laser beam control and high-resolution imaging applications. The S-335’s long angular travel range is made possible by a clever design using motion-amplified piezo actuators, operated […]