Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of linear motion control solutions, has announced the availability of the CANopen industrial networking protocol as an option for its line of heavy duty Electrak HD electric actuators. Designers of linear motion systems requiring up to 16 kN load handling can now enjoy the cost savings and flexibility of […]
What is a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT)?
In previous articles, we’ve covered a variety of technologies for measuring linear position: magnetic and optical encoders, magnetostrictive sensors, and even measuring systems integrated into linear guide systems. Another technology for measuring absolute linear position is the linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). A linear variable differential transformer is an induction-based measuring system that consists of […]
New multi-axis stages: Driving dynamics in one plane for top performance
Having all of a stage’s driving dynamics in one plane can prevent problematic reaction torques on sensitive workpieces … and maximize machine performance for demanding motion applications. By Mathys te Wierik • Lead system engineer Jan Willem Ridderinkhof • Manager of R&D and engineering | PM B.V. High-end mechatronic motion solutions have proliferated as various […]
THK debuts high load capacity, high reliability telescopic-type utility slider
THK’s new Telescopic Type ATG Utility Slider combines proven smooth motion technology with fully hardened raceways to enable high load capacity and ensure a long service life. The Type ATG uses THK Circular-Arc Raceways for equal to or higher permissible load capacities than Gothic Arch Raceway designs. Circular-Arc Technology achieves less differential slip between the […]
New conveyor clamping module option from Dorner
Dorner is now offering a Clamping Module on its FlexMove conveyor system that gives users the ability to hold back or pace products for accumulating applications. The Clamping Module is ideal for totes, boxes, bottles and square, round and rectangular containers. As products pass through the Clamping Module, pre-programmed photo sensors trigger a pneumatic-clamping actuator […]
New linear motor stages for high load and precision industrial applications and EtherCat motion controllers from PI
PI’s V-817 linear stage series with ironless 3-phase linear motors is well suited for precision automation applications such as sensor and camera positioning, laser welding, optical and tactile testing, and wafer processing and inspection. PI introduces a new motion controller and precision linear stage family geared towards precision industrial automation applications. The V-817 linear stages, […]
Hexapods precisely jostle cameras during image-stabilization testing
The six-axis parallel-kinematics systems known as hexapods excel in motion simulation and testing of mechanical and drive systems, multi-dimensional position sensors, and (the focus of this article) image-stabilization designs for cameras and video equipment. By Doris Knauer • Project Manager — Industrial Automation | Physik Instrumente (PI) Modern camera systems are capable of astounding feats, […]
Tubular linear motors from ANCA Motion offer drop-in replacement for ball screw systems
Like other tubular linear motors, ANCA Motion’s LinX M-Series is designed to be close in form to ball screw systems, offering easy substitution for those who want to make the change. Both cylindrical linear motors and flatbed linear motors have superior accuracy and repeatability compared to ball-screw options. A tubular linear motor is also a […]
What to consider when specifying a customized linear slide
Here are some considerations when specifying a linear slide for a new or existing application. By Mike Quinn • LM76 When a design engineer has fully defined a linear-motion application’s requirements regarding travel length, speed, force, and accuracy as well as repeatability, the next question to answer is this: Does an off-the-shelf linear slide (or […]
Low-cost, high-performance alternative to rod actuators, pneumatic cylinders
Bell-Everman’s new ServoBelt RA is a high-performance, drop-in replacement actuator designed for applications that have traditionally used rod actuators, pneumatic cylinders or even linear motors. Unlike traditional rod actuators, ServoBelt RA is fully guided along the entirety of its stroke, making it more resistant to off-axis loads and more stable in on-axis moves. With linear […]
What are fixed and floating bearings in the context of linear motion?
There are two instances when the terms “fixed bearing” and “floating bearing” are used in linear motion: to describe the support bearings used on ball and lead screws, and to describe linear guides mounted in parallel. And while the meanings of the terms are the same in both situations, their applications are different in each […]
What are planar motors and where are they used?
Linear motors are often described as rotary motors cut open and rolled out flat, so they produce motion in a straight line along one axis. Their construction is relatively simple, with a primary part (also referred to as a forcer) that contains windings, and a secondary part that contains magnets. The primary part is typically […]
High-performance alternative to rod actuators and pneumatic cylinders
Bell-Everman has launched ServoBelt RA, a new high-performance, drop-in replacement actuator designed for applications that have traditionally used rod actuators, pneumatic cylinders or even linear motors. Unlike traditional rod actuators, ServoBelt RA is fully guided along the entirety of its stroke, making it more resistant to off-axis loads and more stable in on-axis moves. With […]
Kollmorgen’s DS4/6 high-precision modular positioning tables offer superior design flexibility
The DS4/6 Series is Kollmorgen’s most versatile and modular line of positioning tables, offering design flexibility and a wide variety of configurations for high-precision positioning applications. The DS4/6 series is available in single and multi-axis configurations, including XY, XZ, XYZ and Cartesian arrangements. The tables are driven by a precision ball screw (with 5, 10 […]
ElectroCraft expands AxialPower family of linear actuators with the APES 17
ElectroCraft has recently expanded the AxialPower enhanced series of linear actuators to include a new high-performance 42mm (NEMA 17) frame size. This new linear actuator is highly configurable and: • Is available with a variety of imperial or metric leadscrew options • Achieves resolutions of 0.006 mm to 0.050 mm per step • Delivers output […]
NewTek sensor addresses requirements for custom LVDT position sensors
As many industries continue to experience supply chain challenges, NewTek Sensor Solution is addressing more requests for custom LVDT sensors in short timelines in meeting unique and demanding position measurement requirements for applications in a range of industries including oil/gas, packaging, manufacturing and power generation. As travel bans, border closures and regulations associated with COVID-19 […]
Compact, open-aperture voice coil stages from Moticont
Moticont has debuted the HCDS-051-051 Series of eight linear open-aperture voice coil stages. These compact open-aperture stages have a small footprint of just 10.500 in. (266.7 mm) long x 4.000 in. (101.6 mm) wide x 3.755 in. (95.4 mm) high. Linear dc motor driven stages (also known as moving coil) are clean, quiet, and efficient, […]
LinX M-Series electric actuators from ANCA Motion offer direct replacement of pneumatic cylinders
Pneumatics (and compressed air) are indispensable in many industrial applications. They’re cost-effective and easy-to-understand technologies that are rugged enough to run in even very challenging environments. The problem is that some facilities can spend up to 30% of their electricity bill on generating compressed air. Because pneumatic actuators for linear motion (which have been an […]
THK adds high-speed SDA-V/SDAN-V caged ball screws to linear motion offerings
THK’s new Type SDA-V/SDAN-V caged ball screw is engineered to enable the development of high-speed machine designs. Featuring newly developed circulation components, the Type SDA-V/SDAN-V picks up balls in the tangential direction and achieves a maximum rotational speed of 5,000 rpm — for a maximum DN value of 160,000. Torque remains stable even during long […]
AutomationDirect adds inductive linear position transducers
Linear Variable Inductance Transducers (LVITs) from Alliance Sensors Group convert the linear displacement of an object into a proportional electrical signal output of 0 to 10 V or 4 to 20 mA (depending on model). LVITs are contactless devices designed for dimension or position measuring applications where the sensing element cannot be attached to the […]
Electromechanical linear actuators feature embedded CAN bus support, PLC capability
Thomson Industries, Inc. has unveiled their new Electrak MD, a more compact electromechanical actuator that retains all of the intelligence built into its larger counterparts. Mobile off-highway, material handling and factory automation applications can benefit from the compact actuator with up to two kilonewtons (kN) of force, advanced onboard electronics and J1939 CAN Bus support. […]
What are boxway slides and where are they used?
Recirculating linear guides get significant media attention, thanks to their versatility and wide range of uses. But linear guides based on sliding contact — namely boxway and dovetail slides — are often the bearings of choice for applications that call for high load capacity, extreme stiffness, and excellent vibration damping characteristics. Boxway slides are a type […]
Linear servo brush-type amplifiers for voice-coil actuators
H2W’s new dc linear brush-type servo amplifier, the LCAM 5/15, is suited to drive the company’s line of voice coil linear actuators. Linear amplifiers provide continuous current flow to the motor which prevents any dead-band issues that occur in many PWM type amplifiers. Additionally, linear amplifiers have low EMI, and no audible noise that also […]
Three important design considerations for Cartesian robots
If your application calls for a Cartesian robot, you have a wide variety of options, depending on the level of integration you want to undertake. And although pre-engineered Cartesian robots are becoming more widely adopted as manufacturers expand their product ranges to fit a broader scope of performance criteria, some applications still necessitate building your own […]
Magnetically preloaded single-axis linear stepper motors from H2W
H2W Technologies’ single axis linear stepper motors are suitable for high-speed open-loop positioning applications. They can perform at speeds of up to 80 in./sec [2 m/sec] and strokes of up to 68 in. [1.7 m]. Linear stepper motors are capable of precise position, velocity, and acceleration control when coupled with a micro-stepping drive and indexer. […]