PI’s new N-565 compact, nanometer-precision linear stages are designed for high-end applications in bio-nanotechnology, fiber-optics, microscopy, semiconductor testing, and metrology and scientific research in beamlines and laser labs. Compact, Affordable and Nanometer Precision Due to the fully integrated linear piezo motor, the low-profile stages have a very small footprint with a width of only 65mm […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
High dynamic linear piezo nanopositioning stages
Aerotech’s QNP linear piezo nanopositioning stages provide the benefits of both a stage and actuator in one compact, high stiffness package. With a direct metrology, capacitive sensor feedback option, high resonant frequencies, and high load capacity, the QNP is ideal for a wide range of high speed and high precision applications such as scanning probe microscopy, disc […]
New HRS Series industrial electric actuators from Hayward Flow Control
Hayward Flow Control now sells HRS Series Quarter Turn Electric Actuator family. The HRS Series is the result of years of listening to customers’ feedback and requirements, combined with the latest actuation technologies, resulting in a complete line of quarter-turn electric actuators that bring high performance and ease of use to the market. More after […]
Basics of rigid-chain actuators
Updated November 2018 || Rigid-chain actuators work by pairing a drive (usually an electric motor) with a length of chain sporting shoulders on each link. The motor output shaft—fitted with a specialty sprocket or pinion—applies tangential force to the chain. Then the chain comes out and straightens, and its links’ shoulders lock to form a rigid […]
IMS-A integrated linear measuring system from Rexroth: Absolute, inductive and precise
Whether in machining operations, 3D printing or electronic handling, ever-greater accuracy and availability are essential. The new Rexroth IMS-A linear measuring system — integrated in linear guides — is helping do just that. It detects the absolute position of the axis to ±4 micrometers (µm). What’s more, the measuring system is immune to contamination, vibrations, shocks […]
How to calculate motor drive torque for ball screws
When sizing a motor, one of the most important factors is the required torque. In general, motor torque-speed curves outline two primary areas of permissible torque: continuous and intermittent. Intermittent motor torque is allowed only for a short time (specified by the manufacturer) and in most cases is the torque required during acceleration. A motor’s […]
Tubular linear motors for gantry applications
Linear motors are often thought of as either flat or U-channel designs. But tubular, or shaft-type, linear motors have a construction principle that provides higher efficiency and makes them especially well-suited for gantry applications. Benefits of cylindrical design Tubular linear motors consist of a thrust rod (or tube) with permanent magnets and a stator (sometimes referred […]
Moment of inertia: area or mass?
Moment of inertia is an important parameter when sizing and selecting a linear system. But it’s critical to know which type of inertia—planar moment of inertia or mass moment of inertia—is given and how it affects the performance of the system. Planar moment of inertia Planar moment of inertia (also referred to as second moment of […]
Motion trends update: Positioning stages lead charge to pragmatic design
Positioning stages today can satisfy specific and demanding output requirements. That’s because customized integration and the latest in motion programming now help stages get incredible accuracy and synchronization. What’s more, advances in mechanical parts and motors are helping OEMs plan for better multi-axis positioning-stage integration. Mechanical advances for stages Consider how traditional stage builds combine […]
Repeatability and Accuracy: What’s the Difference?
There are numerous ways to classify the performance of linear positioning devices such as ball screws, belts, and rack and pinion systems, but the terminology can be confusing. The two most common terms, accuracy and repeatability, and are often used interchangeably. When someone says that a ball screw is very accurate, they may really mean that […]