In a recent video with our esteemed colleague Lee Teschler, we got to look at six linear actuators from Schneider Electric Motion — in NEMA sizes 14, 17, and 23. These linear actuators incorporate single-stack stepper motors to deliver long life and high accuracy and repeatability. The compact IP20 motors are 1.8° step-angle motors pre-integrated […]
Ball + leadscrew driven
PV Equation: How to calculate the PV value for a lead screw application
Lead screws rely on sliding friction between the nut and the screw to convert rotary motion into axial (thrust) force to move a load. Most lead screw designs use either a carbon steel screw with a bronze nut, or a stainless steel screw with a plastic nut. In either case, there are no recirculating balls […]
Does my system need high accuracy or repeatability (or both)?
Question: “I’m designing a new linear motion system. Should I design it for high accuracy or repeatability? Or both?” Before we answer this question, let’s define accuracy and repeatability for linear systems… Accuracy In linear motion, there are two generally categories of accuracy – positioning accuracy and travel accuracy. Positioning accuracy specifies the difference between […]
New high-performance miniature ball screws from SKF
The new SP Series high-performance miniature ball screws from SKF Motion Technologies have been optimized to deliver precise positioning, excellent repeatability, and smooth-running and quiet linear actuation. Their advanced internal ball recirculation system and thread design additionally enable higher speed capabilities and longer operating life compared with conventional rolled ball screws. These small packages ultimately […]
New integrated motor-actuators from Curtiss-Wright
Curtiss-Wright’s Sensors & Controls Division today announced the release of the fourth and final planned frame size of its next-generation Exlar® brand FTX Series actuators. These high-force, electric, rod-style actuators now offer higher performance and ease of maintenance than previously available. The FTX Series actuators are intended for use in high-force, high-duty cycle applications in […]
12 Volt DC linear actuator with 67 percent more output force
New 12V DC linear actuator widely applied in 4×4 vehicle and sport truck slide steps now available from stock in Minnesota USA. Midwest Motion Products of Howard Lake, Minnesota, is pleased to announce the release of a new DC linear actuator, the model MMP LA3-12V-5-A-SP-100. The actuator accepts any 12V DC input, including automotive battery […]
3DP leadscrew nut insert from Haydon Kerk boosts accuracy of 3D-printed prototypes
Now, a 3DP (3D-printed) leadscrew-nut insert prototype service from AMETEK Haydon Kerk gives machine builders a way to verify linear-motion design iterations quickly and more accurately. Engineers typically do not have access to 3D printers to do this prototyping. Instead, most of them contract with a third party to get quick turnaround on parts. With […]
AMK SPINDASYN SEZ linear drive motor — rotor is integrated with screw
The new SPINDASYN SEZ electric cylinder from AMK Automation is a ready-to-install linear drive motor system in which the rotor is pressed directly onto the screw. Featuring high and constant force, high precision and position accuracy and high energy efficiency, the closed-loop positioning and force control of the SEZ make it an suitable alternative to […]
Linear-actuator application example: New angle on wheelchair vehicle accessibility
Kneeling systems have become widespread on custom wheelchair-accessible vehicles from BraunAbility and other accessible-vehicle converters. Here linear actuators lower vehicles’ rear suspension to reduce the incline angle of wheelchair ramps for easier access. Because the actuators typically mount under the vehicle chassis, they must be rugged. “Our vehicles typically kneel 2.5 to 3 in. We […]
High-speed linear actuators: What qualifies them as high speed?
Like many terms used in the linear motion industry, such as “heavy duty,” “miniature,” and “corrosion-resistant,” to name a few, there is no industry standard that specifies what constitutes a “high-speed” linear actuator. Nevertheless, there are some general guidelines that manufacturers follow when classifying and marketing their actuators as high speed. These guidelines are typically […]