Engineers are often the butt of jokes, and in many cases, we deserve it. From our single-pointed focus on our studies in college, to our relentless need to be right, to our literal interpretation of, well, everything — we unintentionally make ourselves an easy target. But most of us take it in stride and even […]
Applications
What are planar errors and how do they affect the accuracy of a linear motion system?
In an ideal world, a linear motion system would exhibit perfectly flat, straight motion and reach the intended position with zero error every time. But even the highest precision linear guides and drives (screws, rack and pinions, belts, linear motors) have some errors due to machining tolerances, handling, mounting, and even the manner in which […]
How to convert between mass and force — in metric and English units
Converting between mass and force is a common step in the design and sizing of linear motion systems. If you’re lucky, you work primarily in one set of units — either metric or English. But it’s likely there has been (or will be) a time when you need to work in both systems of units, possibly […]
New induSENSOR controller for inductive displacement sensors
The new induSENSOR MSC7401 controller from Micro-Epsilon works for displacement and distance measurements in automation technologies and machine building. The controller is compatible with inductive LVDT and LDR measuring gauges and displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon. The MSC7401 controller is designed to be operated with LVDT and LDR measuring gauges and displacement sensors. These sensors are […]
Micro-Epsilon draw-wire sensor is smallest in the world
The new Micro-Epsilon wireSENSOR MT19 draw-wire sensor has a weight of only 8 g and a size of just 19 x 19 mm. This wireSENSOR MT19 linear sensor is used for displacement and distance measurements with a measuring range of 40 mm. The dynamic sensor is compact and enables wire accelerations up to 60 g. […]
Thomson creates online industrial linear-actuator sizing and selection tool
Thomson Industries, Inc. now offers a new Linear MOTIONEERING online tool that helps design engineers accurately size and select electric linear actuators. The powerful, self-service functionality of the tool provides an interactive series of questions, making it easier for users to benefit from Thomson’s extensive application engineering knowledge base. The online questionnaire starts with an […]
How to generate the motion profile for a linear system
One of the first steps in sizing any type of linear guide or drive component is to determine the required motion profile. The motion profile is simply a way to define and graphically depict how the component should achieve the specified travel, in terms of velocity and time. The motion profile is the basis for […]
Gallery: Hexapod robots – design variations and applications
Hexapod robots, also referred to as simply “hexapods” or “Stewart platforms,” are a type of parallel kinematic device with six degrees of freedom. You might recognize hexapod robots as the technology behind motion simulators and vibration isolation mechanisms, where their six degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, roll, pitch, and yaw) allow them to accurately […]
Motion Trends: Linear bearings help some CNC machine builders trim cost
Axes on cnc machining equipment to allow spindle movements are mission critical — requiring high accuracy. But doors and other linear axes have different design requirements — with forgiveness and ruggedness being priority instead. Now, linear bearings from Rollon Corp. help some CNC machine builders trim cost and improve reliability by satisfying these unique design requirements. […]
Linear motion trends in slides: Robotics and mobile designs lead the charge
Demand for simple-to-install and pre-integrated linear-slide systems continues unabated … especially in applications only recently automated. Here’s the perspective of Matt Mowry, North American market manager for drylin products at igus: “We’ve supplied fully assembled and customized linear-slide tables … complete with motors and accessories. We’ve also supplied custom-extruded linear profiles and bearing liners to […]