Belts and rack and pinions have several common benefits for linear motion applications. They’re both well-established drive mechanisms in linear actuators, providing high-speed travel over extremely long lengths. And both are frequently used in large gantry systems for material handling, machining, welding and assembly, especially in the automotive, machine tool, and packaging industries. Timing belts for linear […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
New linear motor stages with magnetic direct drives and motion controller
Ultra-precise linear motor stages are well-suited for industry and research positioning and scanning applications, such as found in precision automation, micro-assembly, biotechnology, laser beam control, optics, lens testing, and photonics alignment. Motion and nanopositioning industry leader PI is expanding its PIMag® series of high dynamics linear motor stages with 2 new models and a new […]
How to estimate your linear actuator needs with minimal application data
Choosing linear motion components during the development phase of a project has been a source of frustration for designers and application engineers for decades—especially when it comes to complex subassemblies such as linear actuators. Consider for a moment the influence that a linear actuator has on the overall machine design. First of all, in an actuator, […]
When do you need a ball screw?
The gap is narrowing between applications that require ball screws and those that are suitable for lead screws, and it’s becoming more difficult for engineers and designers to determine which technology is best for their machine. Advances in lead screw designs and materials have given them higher load capacities and better positioning accuracy, making them a sound choice […]
Motion applications: Electric actuators in new designs
Electric actuators come in versions as small as syringes for medical applications to those big enough to drive industrial presses. These muscles of precision motion usually incorporate an electric motor and rotary-to-linear device for conversion of torque to linear force. No matter the application, electric actuators deliver repeatability that’s indispensable for moving loads to a […]
The top 5.5 linear motion stories of 2016
As a writer and editor, it’s always fun (and sometimes surprising) to look back at the end of the year and see what articles our readers were most interested in. And for you, our readers, it offers the chance to take a quick look at what are, at least to some of your peers, important topics […]
Onboard electronics make linear actuators safer and smarter
By Chad Carlberg | Product-line manager for linear actuators, Thomson Linear • Today’s electromechanical actuators deliver performance that’s comparable or even superior to other technologies in outdoor applications. They’re often cleaner with lower cost of ownership than predecessors. Traditional electric actuators provide basic machine functionality (to push and pull loads on command via switches) but more […]
Compact linear piezo stages offer nanometer resolution and extended travel ranges
Engineers and scientists working in the fields of nano-biotechnology, metrology, and photonics run applications that require nanometer precision and ultra-fine adjustment, often in confined spaces. To meet those requirements, PI, a lead manufacturer of nanopositioning and motion control solutions, provides its compact linear piezo positioners – P-620.1 to P-629.1 – of the PIHera family consisting […]
How linear force-current relationships from linear motors improve motion
Applying an electric motor is easier when one knows what it will output for a given input. The simpler it is to predict that, the more elegant and robust the design. To this end, some linear motors have linear force-current relationships so engineers don’t need to accommodate nonlinear effects through approximation or additional terms in […]
Tolomatic adds extreme-force capability to electric linear rod actuator offering
Tolomatic’s new RSX hydraulic-class electric linear rod actuator meets the need for extreme forces and is a good choice for replacing hydraulic cylinders. Designed and tested for 100% duty cycle, the actuator’s roller-screw drive ensures long, consistent life. Applications include pressing, punching, stamping; riveting, fastening, joining; injection molding; and sawmilling. The Tolomatic RSX family of […]