A collection of key technology topics available for download.
LINEAR POSITION
SENSORS
CABLE CARRIERS
Motion control systems can vary from simple, straightforward single-axis direct-drive systems with little wiring to large and complex multi-axis robotic systems with a hornet’s nest of cables. In this Design Guide, we detail cable carrier subtypes as well as the different designs into which cable carriers integrate.
In this Design Guide, the editors of Design World detail some of the most common sensing options for tracking linear position and travel … including variations based on capacitive, eddy current, Hall effect, and inductive technologies.
GEARMOTORS
TRACK-ROLLER
LINEAR GUIDES
GENERAL MOTION SYSTEM DESIGN
Detailing the construction, control, and networking of gearmotors -- and approaches to sizing and applying them for top performance.
New for 2023: Track-roller lubrication! This Design Guide details the special case of track-roller linear guides and how they compare to other linear rails, slides, and ways to facilitate single and multi-axis linear motion.
In this Design Guide, we detail motion systems with various electric, electronic, and mechanical components.
HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACES (HMIs)
MACHINE DESIGNS FOR PACKAGING
This exclusive Design Guide reviews various types of HMIs — as well as their basic functions and new and emerging HMI functions, connectivity options, and IIoT operations.
In this exclusive Design Guide, the editors of Design World outline an array of packaging machine applications and motion solutions — including electric motors, pneumatics, linear assemblies, controls, sensors, and networking elements.
LINEAR ACTUATORS
NANOPOSITIONING
AND MINIATURE MOTION SYSTEMS DESIGN
GEARBOXES
In this Design Guide, the editors of Design World detail the most common gear types for precision applications — as well as the contained gear trains known as gearboxes (those mechanical components consisting of a series of integrated gears) and other iterations to simplify integration and servotuning.
In this Design Guide, the editors of Design World Focus on actuators employing many variations and the applications for which they’re most suitable.
This exclusive Design Guide reviews the technologies and component types used in nanopositioning and miniature motion systems — and detail their typical modes of integration.
ENCODERS
MACHINE SAFETY
This Design Guide details the most suitable encoder type for a given machine function depends on the required accuracy, ruggedness, and signal type — as well as cost constraints.
In this exclusive Design Guide, the editors of Design World review the approaches needed to fully assess a machine’s required level of safety; the components needed for safe installations; and the proper integration of such components in individual machines and workcells. The role of controls and leading standards (for markets and general automation) will also be covered.
MOTION STAGES,
TABLES & GANTRIES
SERVO DRIVES
PLAIN LINEAR
BEARINGS IN CONTEXT
This exclusive Design Guide reviews the functions and variations of servo drives as well as their connectivity and configuration requirements.
This design guide covers motion stages for precision automation, how crossed-roller bearings complement linear stages, putting cartesian robots in context and more.
In this Design Guide,
the editors of Design
World explain basic
linear-bearing terminology.
COUPLINGS
MOTION CONTROLLERS
In this Design Guide, the editors of Design World detail the most common coupling types for motion control and power transmission as well best practices for sizing, selection, and installation.
This Design Guide details motion controllers that take the form of standalone controllers that mount on machines as well as in control panels, controller+HMI hybrid components and more.
BALLSCREWS
POWER SUPPLIES
In this exclusive Design Guide, the editors of Design World present information on ballscrew-based linear-motion drive types.
Choosing the most suitable power-supply subtype is essential to safety and properly working automated systems … as is the proper integration of power supplies.
LINEAR BEARING DEFINITIONS
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Ways to quantify the performance and capabilities of linear bearings for sizing, selection, and installation.
In this Design Guide, the editors of Design World detail the most common relay types and variations as well best practices for sizing, selection, and installation. Then we explain the various subtypes of terminal blocks — and what’s more common on the market today.
PULLEYS & BELT DRIVES
DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION
PROFILED-RAIL LINEAR GUIDES
This exclusive Design Guide covers both V and synchronous belt types — including the fundamentals of their operation and topics on sizing and selection.
This Design Guide outlines ways to leverage AI, IoT, wireless, and other connectivity technologies to continually evolve and optimize.
In this Design Guide, the editors of Design World detail the linear rails, guide rails, linear slides and linear ways used to facilitate single and multi-axis linear motion.
CONVEYORS
STEPPER MOTORS
In this Design Guide, the editors of Design World detail the most common conveyor types and variations as well best practices for sizing, selection, and installation.
In this exclusive Design Guide, the editors of Design World detail application variations and the vast array of
stepper-motor designs.
SPRINGS AND RETAINING RINGS
SPECIFYING LINEAR BEARINGS
In this Design Guide, the editors of Design World build on the information presented in previous Design Guides and explain the parameters employed to properly specify linear bearings — especially those relating to accuracy, life, and preload. Such values communicate the performance and capabilities of linear bearings for optimized sizing, selection, and installation.
Springs and retaining rings are mechanical components found in countless assemblies in a variety of sectors. As we’ll explore, springs used in motion system designs come in three main types: compression, extension, and torsion. For retaining rings, there are also three main types: tapered section, constant section, and spiral.
AC MOTORS
AND DRIVES
ROTARY BEARINGS
This Design Guide details rotary bearings that take the form of plain style bearings as well as rolling-element rotary bearings for the support of radial and axial loads.
In this exclusive Design Guide, the editors of Design World review the functions and variations of AC drives and motors for general automation as well as motion (servo) designs as well as their connectivity and configuration requirements
NEMA STEPPER LINEAR ACTUATORS
A GUIDE TO ADDITIVE
MANUFACTURING
In this exclusive Design Guide, the editors of Design World review linear actuators that pair stepper motors with ball and leadscrews.
Additive refers to how a part or design is created—all additive parts are built layer-by-layer. This information guide covers the main methods of additive manufacturing so that you can decide what method work best for you.