Linear Motion Tips

PI now offers the US-manufactured V-781 XY Stage series, setting new standards for precision, stability, and ease of integration in high-performance motion systems. Engineered as a monolithic, single-module XY stage — rather than a stack of separate linear axes — V-781 stages deliver superior straightness, minimized yaw, and enhanced geometric stability in a compact, low-profile […]

OES (Optimal Engineering Systems) has added two stainless steel electroless nickel-plated linear single-axis stages to their extensive line of high-resolution stages. The AX40-F1VR-ND and the AX40-F1VL-ND Linear (X-axis) Stages have a 40 mm (1.575 in.) by 40 mm (1.575 in.) table and a stroke length of 15 mm (0.590 in.). These high precision stages feature […]

PI’s new B-421 BIX nanopositioning stages are compact, high-precision linear positioning systems designed for applications requiring reliable and accurate motion in extremely space-constrained environments. Equipped with integrated linear encoders with 6 nanometer position resolution and advanced dual-phase piezo inertia motors, BIX stages deliver smooth, backlash-free performance with excellent repeatability, and a minimum incremental motion of […]

igus’s new drylin WWP linear guide features a PTFE-free locking carriage and is engineered from lubrication-free, high-performance polymers and aluminum. The guide offers a lightweight, hygienic and low-maintenance alternative to complex mechanical and electronic adjustment systems. “Many manufacturers require a minimalist linear guide with a snap function that eliminates the need for levers or intricate […]

The new YP200-30 Series of dual-axis, yaw-pitch stages from OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) features a high precision rotary stage (yaw-axis) capable of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation and a high precision goniometer with +/- 30 degrees of travel. The pitch axis table measures 160 x 160 mm with a precision pattern of threaded holes for […]

Kollmorgen’s new addition to its IC Ironcore DDL motor family expands beyond 230 Vac products with a new capability to support 400/480 Vac-powered applications. Kollmorgen’s new direct drive linear motor delivers a continuous force range up to 8,211 N and peak force up to 13,448 N. When powered at higher bus voltages, the motor is […]

The P-562.6CD 6-axis nanopositioning stage from PI (Physik Instrumente) is an advanced multi-axis nanopositioning system. Engineered for cutting-edge applications in photonics, semiconductor metrology, super-resolution microscopy and nanomanufacturing, this advanced motion system delivers nanometer-level accuracy, repeatability, and high dynamic performance with millisecond responsiveness across six degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, pitch, roll, yaw). The P-562 […]

A review of the different types of linear actuators reveals how to choose the best solution based on the particular application requirements. Michael G. Giunta VP/ Mechanical Engineer Macron Dynamics Inc. Linear actuation, or moving a load in a straight path, can be accomplished using a variety of methods. Each actuator type has features and […]

PI’s new H-815 6-Axis Hexapod is a ruggedized, highly accurate, positioning and alignment system designed for continuous 24/7 operation in demanding industrial motion applications. Engineered as a durable parallel kinematic machine for high-precision alignment tasks, it provides six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) — X, Y, Z, pitch, roll, and yaw — delivering flexibility for applications […]

The new YPR-45-45-100 Series of pitch, roll, and yaw three-axis stages from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) are the integration of two +/- 45 degrees goniometers for lower (pitch) and middle (roll) axes, and a large upper, 100-mm diameter, rotary stage (yaw axis). This series of three-axes stages feature four motor options. The -01 option […]

IKO’s new LT170H2 direct-drive linear motor stage is suitable for dynamic applications such as semiconductor fabrication which require high thrust forces and long strokes. This latest addition to the LT family of linear motor stages delivers 260 N of rated force and up to 500 N maximum, exceeding the thrust ratings of previous LT stages […]

In industries requiring high precision, such as semiconductor manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, precision and cleanliness are critical requirements. The UNIMOTION CTL Linear Unit offers advanced linear motion capabilities to meet the specific needs of these environments. With its integrated high-performance linear motor and innovative design, the CTL unit is reshaping what engineers can expect from linear…

Thomson Industries, Inc. has upgraded its online sizing and selection tool to help motion system designers optimize linear systems. Updates include an interactive application matching grid, improved system visualization, flexible accessory options, tailored vendor recommendations, and enhanced bill of materials sharing. “Prepackaged linear systems provide significant advantages in performance, maintenance and cost, but success depends […]

Moticont has added the SDLM-016-032-01-01-M (Metric) direct-drive linear motor with an integrated encoder and temperature sensor to their SDLM Series of Metric and Imperial dimensioned high precision linear actuators. This motor is the smallest of the series of linear motors featuring zero backlash, zero cogging, high acceleration, high speed, high resolution, and long life. Also […]

How paper-thin electroadhesive linear brakes can unlock significant power and weight savings in new and legacy linear motion systems. Kirby Witte VP of Engineering ESTAT Actuation Linear motion systems must pack all the right features and components in increasingly compact designs. Brake technologies are a critical part of this puzzle, providing load holding, emergency stopping […]

AutomationDirect has added seven new sizes of PBC linear guide tracks with slides in lengths up to 2000mm.  The guide tracks are ceramic-coated 6061-T6 aluminum, paired with a self-lubricating slide. The slides have a proprietary PTFE (FrelonGOLD) plain bearing bonded to the mating surface. These guide tracks and slides are rated for static loads up…

Redex’s patented DualDRIVE and TwinDRIVE preloading technologies now give CNC machine designers several ways to build a zero-backlash system. These approaches leverage Redex modular SRP, DRP, KRP and KRPX Series rack and pinion reducers whose output pinions are preloaded against the rack to eliminate backlash — a longstanding challenge with designs that require long axis […]

Tolomatic Inc., has launched an online Drive Integration Tool that streamlines the selection and commissioning process to seamlessly match a drive system to a servo linear actuator. Tolomatic’s new Drive Integration Tool combines the motor, drive, feedback and connection information across a wide range of industry-leading manufacturers with Tolomatic’s own servo linear actuator specifications. By […]

Aerotech Inc.’s new HexGen HEX150-125HL Miniature Hexapod is a six degree-of-freedom (DOF) precision positioning system. This compact, cost-effective hexapod, with a 150-mm base diameter and a nominal height of 125 mm, achieves minimum incremental motion to 15 nm and payload capacity up to 12 kg for applications requiring multi-DOF motion – especially those with constricted […]

PI’s new F-141 photonics alignment system provides high throughput with motion in 4 and 6 degrees of freedom for industrial test and assembly of photonic integrated circuits (PIC). This ultra-compact precision alignment system fits inside a space of approximately 5 by 7 by 4 in. (W x L x H) while providing 40 mm of […]

OES (Optimal Engineering Systems) has released a new series of dual-axis high-precision Alpha-Beta stages capable of rotating an object around a fixed point in space on a spherical surface.  The AK150-10-15-01 Dual-axis Goniometer Stepper Motor driven stage (pictured) features +/- 0.01 degrees repeatability, 0.05 degrees accuracy, and 0.0006 degrees resolution with a 10 micro step-per-step […]

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 […]