SKF LLT profile rail guides from SKF Motion Technologies, Inc. have been uniquely designed to deliver smooth running performance, high precision and accuracy, and long service life with minimal maintenance for a wide range of linear guiding applications. LLT guides have the ball circuits placed in an X-arrangement, which optimizes load sharing in all four […]
How does the number of stator phases affect stepper motor performance?
Stepper motors move in discrete steps when current is applied to coils in the stator. The size of the step is determined, in part, by the number of phases in the stator. In general, the more stator phases, the smaller the basic step angle and the higher the motor’s resolution. Stepper motors come in three basic types […]
How to specify linear motion components for vacuum applications
Vacuum applications are common in the manufacturing of semiconductors, liquid crystal and plasma displays, fiber optics, and aerospace components, where linear motion systems are used for the positioning, handling, and alignment of critical equipment. Although vacuum applications are often likened to cleanroom applications, in the category of “special environments,” there is a critical difference between […]
Vention and Thomson Linear announce partnership for linear motion applications
Vention, the first digital manufacturing platform dedicated to machine design, and Thomson Industries, a global leader in mechanical motion technology, are announcing their partnership for linear motion components compatible with the Vention hardware and software platform. The Vention platform allows for the design, order and commissioning of factory equipment in just days. Premium custom linear […]
What are goniometer stages and where are they used?
The term “goniometer” can refer to a type of device that measures angles or to a device that rotates objects to a precise angular position. The former type, for measuring angles, is widely used in physical therapy to measure the range of motion of joints, such as the wrist or knee. This type of goniometer […]
ANCA Motion unveils the new LinX M-series to the market at IMTS 2018
ANCA Motion designs and manufactures flexible control systems, specializing in high precision solutions for CNC machines. Unique to ANCA Motion is the LinX M-series linear motor which is housed within a slim body, is highly energy efficient, and delivers precision CNC applications or high-speed automation systems every time. An early adopter to new technology, ANCA […]
How raceway geometry affects profiled rail guide performance
In the context of profiled rail guides with recirculating balls, the raceway geometry defines how the load-carrying balls are positioned relative to the raceways of the rail and the bearing (aka “carriage” or “slide”). The two most common raceway geometries are referred to as circular arc and Gothic arch, but some manufacturers have adopted a […]
Beam deflection equations for linear systems
When a linear guide, such as a round shaft or profiled rail, deflects or sags, the bearings that travel along the guide experience edge loading (a higher load concentrated at the ends of the bearing), which can cause rough, irregular movement, increased wear, and reduced bearing life. And when a linear guide is incorporated into […]
THK expands manufacturing plants and automated processes in response to LM guide demand
THK is taking major steps to meet the growing worldwide demand for linear motion products. In fact, as the world leader in linear motion guides, THK has recently invested over a half-billion dollars in new brick and mortar facilities that will increase floor space for their global manufacturing operations to just under 10.5 million square […]
What benefits do dovetail slides offer versus other linear bearing types?
Dovetail slides are a type of plain linear bearing — along with boxway slides and plain bushings made of plastic, composite, or bronze — that rely on direct contact between sliding surfaces to support a load. These differ from modern rolling element linear bearings, which use balls or rollers to reduce friction between the load-bearing […]