The new TFD Series of touchless linear position sensors from Novotechnik, U.S. provide wear-free operation in tight spaces, with maximum sensor dimensions of 40 x 27 x 7 mm thin. Sensing direction can be either parallel or perpendicular to mounting holes. The TFD-4000 Series uses a magnetic position marker to provide a touchless measurement range […]
Festo’s motion automation innovations provide reliability in battery assembly
In an active demonstration, as shown in this YouTube video of the demo, pneumatic and electric actuators from Festo handle and pierce battery cells. This new demonstration showcases the company’s motion automation innovations in battery and electric vehicle assembly. In battery production applications, high speeds and throughput are required, as are reliability and repeatability. In […]
A better control method for laser materials processing: Part 2 of 2
(This is the second article in a two-part series, the first of which can be found here.) Dr. Cliff Jolliffe Head of Automation Market Segment Physik Instrumente (PI) GmbH Modular controllers offer an easy and straightforward way to link a laser to multi-axis positioning systems. For instance, PI’s ACS Laser Control Module (LCM) introduces a […]
Linear and rotary motion components satisfy aerospace requirements
Linear guides, cam followers, and crossed-roller bearings can satisfy the demanding requirements for space-flight hardware. By IKO engineering staff | www.ikont.com As space activity shifts from governmental agencies to a growing industry driven by commercial entities and even startups, the types of spacecrafts and the missions they support are also expanding. This diversifying industry is […]
A better control method for laser materials processing
New modular controllers offer flexible solutions for linking a laser to multi-axis positioning, making it easier for system integrators to design and build advanced systems for a new age of laser applications. Dr. Cliff Jolliffe Head of Automation Market Segment Physik Instrumente (PI) GmbH This is Part 1 of a 2-part series of articles on […]
Miniature voice coil servo motor features high force-to-size ratio, 1-micron resolution
Moticont’s new miniature GVCM-016-019-01M linear voice coil servo motor is smaller in diameter than a U.S. dime. This 15.9 mm (0.625 in.) diameter servo motor, also called an electric cylinder, features a high force-to-size ratio of 1.5 N (5.3 oz) continuous force and 4.6 N (16.6 oz) of peak force. The compact housing is just […]
Multi-axis transfer robot features backlash-free belt drive
Bell-Everman has introduced a new multi-axis transfer robot based on its proven ServoBelt backlash-free belt drive technology. Called ServoBelt Arc Drive, it features custom designed rotary and tilt axes that precisely position semiconductor glass panels. Measuring 450-mm across, the robot’s large rotary axis is built around a ServoBelt drive mechanism and a proprietary Bell-Everman bearing […]
Elevator stages feature 0.03 micron resolution
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 offers custom toothed belt pulleys delivered in 48 hours
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 […]
Enhancements to Thomson online ball screw configuration tool simplify selection and ordering
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, […]
Beckhoff optimizes linear motion with machine learning solution that eliminates cogging
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 […]
PI offers new stepper motor translation stages for precision automation
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 […]
Linear axis provides precision, stability for semiconductor manufacturing equipment
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 […]
Lead-screw assemblies from igus for automotive applications
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, […]
Belt-driven linear actuators integrate seamlessly with industrial machines
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. […]
Machining Center Manufacturing MCM S.P.A. to exhibit at this year’s IMTS
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, […]
New size 17 hybrid linear actuator features enhanced performance
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 […]
High-precision three-axis positioning stages feature four motor options
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 […]
Programmable linear actuator features stroke to 100 mm
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 […]
New I/O interface from LINAK expands features, control options
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 adds high-force model to electromechanical cylinder line
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 […]
New rail/roller bearing wheel system for high speed, low friction linear motion
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 […]
Self-lubricating toothed belt axis for clean use in food manufacturing
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 […]
Belt-driven linear actuators feature greater load capacity
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 […]
What is a high helix (high lead) screw?
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 […]