Griffin Motion, a precision motion equipment manufacturer that designs and develops extremely precise modular and application-specific motion solutions that deliver accuracies from microns to nanometers, announces its high-speed LM3 Series 300mm-travel precision linear motion platform. Built for high duty cycles and long-lifetime precision performance in inspection, scanning, optical positioning, and laser marking and machining applications, […]
Linear Actuators Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about linear actuators.
Three easy ways to reduce maintenance costs for linear systems
If you’ve read many articles on this site, you probably recall that inadequate lubrication can cause bearing failure. But while lubrication is the most important maintenance factor in linear bearing life, there are other things that users can do to reduce maintenance costs and ensure they get the most life from a linear bearing, ball screw, or […]
Engineered synchronous sprockets improve drives using curvilinear belts
Belt drives are a mainstay in power-transmission design. In these setups, a reinforced belt wraps around and engages a motor-driven sprocket (or pulley) to transmit translational or rotational motion. Especially in setups where belts and sprockets drive linear axes, repeatability and positioning accuracy are better than ever, thanks to engineered guides and innovations in integration. What’s […]
New high-precision Z-axis nanopositioners from Aerotech
Aerotech has introduced a series of Z-axis piezo nanopositioners for extreme precision research and industrial requirements. The new QNP-Z stages join a family that includes the QNP-L linear and QNP-XY stages, providing a complete range of positioning solutions for most extreme precision applications. They provide the resolution, linearity, repeatability, and high dynamics required for the […]
2016 trends in linear motion design
Technology improvements continue in linear motion design, with packaging and medical leading the charge this year. In fact, the biggest trend has been more reliance on flexible machine designs, which require that machine axes constructed for one purpose easily reprogram for others. “Flexible machine designs—ones that engineers can reconstitute for multiple functions—are what machine builders want […]
Picking the right accumulation chain for conveying
For logistics and material-handling applications, chain engineered for accumulating discrete pieces of product is efficient and durable. By Gerhard Hartinger • Key Account Manager | iwis Drive Systems Accumulation chains convey, collect, and separate discrete components. The chains work off electric motors that engage and drive parallel conveyor trains (sometimes called chain strands) on the […]
Tips for preventing linear bearing corrosion
Corrosive environments can include anything from detergents and chemicals for washdown (the high-pressure cleaning of equipment), to acid baths and their related vapors, to chemicals in food processing. Because profiled linear rails, round shafts, and ball screws are made primarily from steel components, they’re highly susceptible to corrosive agents, which can quickly cause rust, pitting, […]
Actuator manufacturer PHD, Inc. releases new complete solutions catalog
PHD, Inc., a leading manufacturer of industrial automation actuators, now offers a new product catalog, available in a traditional printed version and on the PHD website as a PDF. The new PHD main catalog features: • PHD’s complete comprehensive standard product line • 21 new products • The Optimax line of global drop-in actuators • The PHD […]
What are the main types of linear actuators?
Updated August 2017 || Linear actuators come in myriad configurations to suit almost any application, environment or industry. They’re primarily categorized by their drive mechanism; then manufacturers use other features such as the type of guide and housing to further differentiate them. Below is an explanation of the most common linear actuator categories. Belt-driven and […]
New high-precision, compact linear stage from PI
PI (Physik Instrumente) has debuted a new compact linear stage, the L-509. Providing high precision linear motion with minimized runout, this positioner delivers performance and reliability at minimized cost. Despite its compact dimensions, the stage can handle payloads of more than 20 lb. Available with travel ranges of 26 mm (1 in.), 52 mm (2 […]