Linear Motion Tips

Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) has released two new motorized elevator stages, the DAG20-120-01 and the DAG20-120-04. These high-resolution, compact, low-profile elevator stages feature high stability 120 x 120 mm tables and 20 mm of vertical travel. High precision ball bearing profile rails assure high parallelism and smooth motion throughout the raising and lowering of […]

igus is expanding its 3D-print and online ordering offering to include custom format toothed belt pulleys. Toothed belt pulleys are a common component in many machines and are widely used in linear drives of printers, robots, and packaging machines. However, if an individual variant is required, developing a custom component can take days or even […]

Thomson Industries, Inc. has enhanced its online ball screw selection tool to include online configurability options, expert guidance and faster performance. Design engineers using the tool will now have access to more capabilities and expert guidance in configuring end machining, end fixity, thread lengths, nuts and related assembly preferences. An interactive reference table is updated, […]

The highly dynamic AL8000 linear motors from Beckhoff now meet even greater requirements for accuracy and synchronization with the new TwinCAT Cogging Compensation software. This makes the linear motors particularly suitable for high-precision applications such as milling machines or laser cutting machines. The cogging compensation software makes use of machine learning, which is seamlessly integrated […]

The new L-836 Stepper Motor Linear Slides from PI (Physik Instrumente) are a newly designed motorized linear translation stage family that combines high performance, small dimensions, and low cost of ownership. These compact micro-positioning translation stages are driven by a robust, direct-drive rotary stepper motor, available as in-line design and folded drive train design for […]

With the new TBS Linear Axis offering from ETEL, semiconductor equipment manufacturers can now integrate a high-precision linear axis enabling outstanding performance in term of accuracy and precision in its category of one-Degree-Of-Freedom (1-DOF) systems. With its ISO 2 rating for cleanrooms and incorporated HEIDENHAIN Group encoder technologies, the TBS provides high cleanliness and accuracy […]

igus’ dryspin lead-screw assemblies are now available as a single-source solution for the automotive industry. In today’s vehicles, advanced linear motion components play a critical role in providing convenience and safety to drivers. Lead-screw assemblies are used extensively wherever automotive parts need to be opened, closed, lifted, or lowered. Typical uses include seats, doors, sunroofs, […]

Combining sturdy construction, protective features and high-performance characteristics for load, moment control, speed and acceleration, the Plus System family of belt-driven linear actuators from Rollon features an anodized aluminum structure and steel reinforced driving belt. All series are available with stainless steel elements for applications in harsh environments such as those subject to frequent washes. […]

Flexible manufacturing system (FMS) systems leader MCM S.P.A. Machining Center Manufacturing will be participating in the upcoming IMTS show this September at McCormick Place in Chicago — September 12 through 17. They will be at booth # S-8574. MCM will showcase a portion of their eight-machine system FMS, including an RVG pallet system, load stations, […]

AMETEK Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK, announces the availability of its new 43000 Max Series Size 17 single- and double-stack hybrid linear actuators. Based on the company’s best-selling compact hybrid 43000 motor, the Max Series Size 17 delivers up to a 30% performance enhancement over its predecessor when used with almost all […]

Four new three-axis stages from OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) feature four different motor options to best fit application needs. The YPR-45-15-60 Series of three-axes stages were developed through the integration of a 60 mm diameter rotary stage (upper axis) capable of 360 degrees of continuous operation, and two goniometers (middle and lower axes) each […]

The new LDL Programmable Electric Linear Actuator from SMAC Moving Coil Actuators has been designed as a cost-competitive alternative to pneumatics. A common trend in industrial automation is that engineers are looking for electric alternatives to pneumatic components for a number of reasons, including increased control, improved cycle life, and reduced operating cost. The LDL […]

The new LINAK I/O actuator highlights flexibility. With its range of movement and choice of input control and data output, the I/O actuator offers endless modifications to give engineers full control of the exact functionalities needed. Input options allow for adjusting and controlling the electric actuator, while output data gives invaluable insights into application performance. […]

Bosch Rexroth’s electromechanical cylinders (EMCs) are now available in a high-force, high-precision, low-maintenance version – the EMC-HP. Designed for heavy loads up to 100 kN, the new actuators are robust, compact and low-maintenance. Based on the reliable planetary screw drive, users will benefit from impressive continuous power even under harsh conditions. This is thanks to […]

LM76’s new SPEED DEMON EL300 rail/roller bearing wheel system is the latest edition to the SPEED DEMON linear bearing family. It features travel lengths of 400 to 3,000 mm, a wide 90 mm base and 49 mm centerline to centerline of the parallel rails of the base, and 100 mm centerline to centerline spacing of […]

igus has introduced a maintenance-free toothed belt axis specifically designed to improve sanitation in food manufacturing systems. The new drylin ZLW toothed belt axis is based on hygienic design principles and uses FDA-compliant materials. Cleaning complex machines and systems in food production leads to longer and therefore expensive downtime. For instance, industrial bakeries are faced […]

Rollon has updated its SMART SYSTEM lineup of belt-driven linear actuators with a rugged new design that supports heavy loads and ensures low maintenance operation in automated manufacturing, packaging machines and food and beverage equipment. The actuators have a self-sustaining anodized aluminum frame and a steel reinforced driving belt, and are engineered to provide stiffness […]

Ball and lead screws are specified by the diameter of the screw shaft and the lead (or, in some cases, pitch) of the screw thread. The lead, which specifies how far the nut travels for each revolution of the screw, is created by the thread, or helix, that wraps around the screw shaft. If the […]

The MSA213K high-resolution, non-contact absolute linear encoder from SIKO provides the absolute position at any time, without referencing or buffer battery. With its high signal quality, the encoder is ideal for use in handling and assembly automation, machining systems, pick-and-place applications, PCB machining and always provides precise values for position and speed measurement in linear […]

The manufacture and testing of semiconductors involves the competing requirements of nanometer positioning and high throughput. Here, the right encoder can help motion designs deliver on both counts. By HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION staff engineers Semiconductor manufacturing and testing equipment can have the best motion-control bandwidth, artificial intelligence capabilities, and optics in the world, but none of […]

Rollon, a leading manufacturer of linear motion systems, guides, linear actuators and gantry systems, has unveiled a new digital tool to help engineers design equipment and systems more efficiently. The new ecosystem consists of two core elements: a redesigned corporate website and myRollon — a tool that personalizes product selection. The website has been expanded […]

Determining the life of a linear system that uses balls or rollers is relatively straightforward, thanks to the L10 bearing life equation, which gives life in meters of travel (for linear bearings) or revolutions (for screws). And for plain bearings and lead screws, manufacturers typically use the bearing’s PV value and operating conditions to provide an […]

Some of the surest, time-tested methods of linear actuation are screw drives. Whether lead- or ball- or roller screws, screw actuation remains a large part of the linear actuation equation, thanks to their reliability, accuracy, and relative simplicity of operation. Recently screw drive developments have included advances in materials as well as manufacturing methods leading […]

Aerotech Inc. has released the second generation of its popular ANT nanopositioning stages. Building on its best-in-class predecessor, this line is engineered to bring superior performance to applications that demand truly outstanding dynamics and nanometer-level precision. “We’ve made the ANT nanopositioning stages even better, giving our customers options with impressive dynamic capabilities, industry-leading positioning performance, […]

Linear motion components include everything from various types of linear actuators to linear guides, slides and ways, and a host of components in between. One thing they all have in common is that their development and production are influenced by both technological trends as well as broader market forces. One of those forces is has […]