Linear Motion Tips

H2W now offers a revolutionary series of single-axis linear stepper stages that integrates a linear encoder into the stage to operate the linear stepper motor as a 2-phase brushless motor when coupled with an advanced motion control electronics package provided by H2W. When operated this way, the motors will tend to run cooler, as they […]

As a world leader in compact linear motion systems, Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK’s Advanced Motion Solutions Division, is pleased to announce its size 8 21mm hybrid stepper motor is now available with an integrated connector. Offered alone or with a harness assembly, the connector is RoHS-compliant and features a positive latch […]

Thomson Industries, Inc. has launched an online ball screw sizing and selection tool to give motion designers fast, intuitive and precisely calculated ball screw solutions for their linear motion designs. The Linear Motioneering tool not only simplifies and streamlines the sizing and selection process, it also provides the designer more direct, self-serve access to decades […]

Linear motion systems — consisting of a base or housing, a guide system, and a driving mechanism — are available in a wide variety of designs and configurations to suit almost any application. And because their designs are so varied, they’re often categorized according to key construction and operating principles. Case in point: The term […]

In order for a motor to accelerate or decelerate a load, it must overcome the load’s inertia, or resistance to change in motion, as explained in Newton’s First Law. In belt-driven linear motion systems, the motor has to overcome not only the inertia of the applied load, but also the inertia of the belt, pulleys, […]

Rollon, a leading manufacturer of linear motion guides, actuators and systems, has acquired Intelligent Machine Solutions, Inc. (iMS), a Michigan-based designer and manufacturer of standard and custom machinery for the automation industry.  With this acquisition, Rollon is expanding its lineup of linear actuator modules and robotic transport units (RTUs), allowing for static loads of over […]

In linear guides and ball screws, load-carrying balls or rollers can ride on planar (flat) raceways, as with non-recirculating linear roller bearings, or in curved raceways, as with ball screws and profiled rail guides. When a ball or roller rides on a planar raceway, the contact between the rolling element and the raceway will be […]

AutomationDirect has added Gefran WPG and WPP series magnetostrictive linear position transducers. These transducers work like other linear position sensors by translating a linear position to an electrical signal. However, they are contactless, which provides a longer life because there is no mechanical wear. Because they use magnetostrictive technology, they’re also immune to electromagnetic interferences. […]

Linear bearings that use balls or rollers are typically chosen for their ability to carry high loads with very low friction. But rolling elements — including linear bearings — are not friction-free. One of the factors that contributes to friction in linear bearings (along with properties such as surface roughness, elastic hysteresis of the materials, and […]

The Four-Axis Gantry (YY’ZZ’) from H2W Technologies is a four-axis positioning stage that consists of two SRS-007-03-006-01 brushless linear motor stages; each vertically mounted to two independently moving horizontal linear axis. It’s ideal for applications that require multiple independent motions on a single travel plane. When an application requires fast motion with a stroke over […]

The dynamic load capacity of a ball screw is typically defined by the DIN ISO 3408-5 standard, or in some cases, by the JIS B1192-1997 standard, both of which use 1 million revolutions as the basis for load capacity. However, some manufacturers determine ball screw dynamic load capacity according to the ANSI ASME B5.48-1977 standard (reconfirmed […]

Hardness is a common specification for linear shafts and guides — especially those used with ball and roller bearings, where the guide encounters extremely high loads over very small areas. The hardness of a bearing surface can significantly affect the life of the system and is often accounted for by applying a hardness correction factor […]

Moticont has introduced two high performance linear DC motor driven stages.  The VCDS-051-032-01-B1-30 (pictured) and the VCDS-051-032-01-F1-30 linear voice coil stages feature high speed, high acceleration/deceleration, zero backlash, smooth motion, precise positioning of 30 microns, high reliability and low cost.  These non-commutated stages are clean room friendly, quiet, and available off-the-shelf. With a 0.97 in. […]

BRECOflex CO. is launching a new timing belt. It’s the company’s most innovative timing belt to hit the market since its move-series in 2014. It’s called BRECOroll. Typically, toothed timing belts used for material handling tasks are very long. The belt’s load side usually lies in a support rail which causes friction. BRECOroll provides the […]

Air bearings provide several advantages over rolling element bearings, including higher travel accuracy and reduced friction and heat generation. But because air is compressible, air bearings can be less stiff and exhibit more deflection under load than similar rolling element bearings (although the stiffness characteristics of air bearings are very linear). However, the compressible nature of air […]

Dover Motion, with over 30 years of precision motion design and manufacturing expertise, announces the launch of their newest product: the SmartStage XY. The SmartStage XY platform simplifies the motion and control into one package so instrument design teams can focus on bringing their core technology to market. The SmartStage XY combines the precise direct-drive […]

Several types of non-recirculating linear bearings use a cage to contain the rolling elements, maintain consistent spacing between them, and ensure even load distribution. But in each of these non-recirculating designs, the cage “floats” between the two moving components, meaning that it’s not constrained and can gradually move away from its intended, centered position. This […]

For applications that involve corrosive environments, designers of linear motion systems can take precautions such as using covers to protect vulnerable components, ordering parts with special coatings or platings, and strategically placing sensitive components within the machine or system to minimize their exposure to hazardous liquids or fumes. But some applications — due to the nature […]

mk North America’s new pallet conveyor system, the VersaFlex P08, is designed to quickly be altered and adapt to product changes. It can also convey products that have unusual shape or geometry with ease. VersaFlex P08 carries loads up to 22 lb per pallet and can carry multiple pallets at once. It also boasts repeat […]

From a mechanical standpoint, one of the more challenging applications in linear motion has traditionally been to move two or more loads independently, as is required in some handling, transport, and inspection applications. While using multiple linear systems, or preassembled actuators, is a simple solution mechanically, this option typically requires a significant amount of space […]

Screw assemblies that use rollers as the load-carrying element come in several varieties, with the most common being the traditional planetary roller screw, which provides high load capacities and very high rigidity, capable of outperforming ball screw and hydraulic actuators in some heavy-duty applications. But another type of roller screw — the recirculating roller screw — […]

The new LIKselect kit-style linear encoder is designed to make machine motion design ideas come to life while saving valuable space and enabling precise positioning within its control loop. Available now from NUMERIK JENA in North America as part of the HEIDENHAIN group, this miniature three-field scanning sensor is offered with a variety of different […]

When sizing a motion system with a ball or lead screw drive, the first step is to determine the screw diameter and lead that can meet the application requirements for thrust force, speed, and compressive (buckling) loads. Once the screw diameter and lead are determined, the next step is to choose a motor that can […]

The updated Gemco 956 eBlok linear position sensor from AMETEK Factory Automation is a Rod & Barrell style package that can help simplify installation and serviceability and improve on performance and price without affecting quality. The Gemco 956 eBlok is a high-performance, cost-effective linear position sensor designed for applications that often would choose traditional linear […]

SCHNEEBERGER Inc. announces a new white paper titled “Advancing Life Science and Biomedical Manufacturing Through Linear Motion: The OEM’s Guide.” It explores how original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can achieve advancements in life science and biomedical manufacturing through the use of next-generation linear motion technology. Facing ongoing competitive pressures and market growth demands, life science and […]