Inertia matching is one of the inexact sciences of motion system design. When a motor and a load are coupled together, the ratio of load inertia to motor inertia determines how well the motor can control the load during acceleration and deceleration. In theory, a “perfect” inertia match of 1:1 (load inertia equals motor inertia) should […]
Linear drives (all)
Twelve Days of Automation
In honor of the upcoming holiday, here’s an Automation spin to the classic song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” On the first day of Christmas An Engineer gave to me A design layout in 3D On the second day of Christmas An Engineer gave to me Two feedback loops […]
Five Ways to Make Your Linear System Cleanroom Friendly
Implementing linear motion in a cleanroom presents a particularly difficult challenge, since motion – whether rolling or sliding – necessarily produces particles. But by understanding the sources that contribute to particle generation and implementing smart design options, it is possible to achieve linear motion without compromising even the most stringent cleanroom environments. Below are five ways […]
Linear Motion in the Third Industrial Revolution
According to The Economist magazine, a third revolution is coming for the manufacturing industry, ushered in by 3D printing, new materials, and collaborative manufacturing services. Anyone who has watched the 3D printing industry develop over the past decade, or even the past five years, will likely agree. Gartner forecasts that worldwide shipments of 3D printers […]
Nexen offers new catalog featuring Versa thermoplastic rack
Nexen Group, Inc. introduces their latest Precision Motion Control Application & Selection Guide with an expanded range of products. This catalog offers complete performance data, sizes, specifications and technical reference on the company’s line of precision linear and rotary motion control solutions. It also includes Nexen’s newest addition to its lineup, the Versa Thermoplastic Rack. […]
Belt-driven linear motion for high throughput
Thomson Industries Inc., a manufacturer of mechanical motion control solutions, now manufactures its popular WH SpeedLine Linear Units in North America to reduce delivery times for customers. The WH SpeedLine is a belt-driven positioning slide with an H-type roller guideway system designed to handle high forces and moments. These high efficiency units provide smooth, accurate […]
Linear Motor vs. Ball Screw
While ironless linear motors have been used in semiconductor and electronic applications for more than a decade, they are still viewed by many designers and OEMs as “niche” products. But the perception of linear motors as a costly solution for unique applications is slowly changing, as more industries are adopting them as replacements for ball screws […]
Motorized lead screw range offers more thrust, smaller footprint & easier maintenance
Thomson Industries Inc., a manufacturer of mechanical motion control solutions, introduces its new range of Motorized Lead Screws. The precision engineered units combine a hybrid stepper motor and lead screw in one, compact envelope to provide clear advantages with a solution that is smaller, stronger, and more efficient than alternate technologies. Through precision engineering, Thomson […]
Make no mistakes about ball screw lead error
Updated July 2016 || Accuracy is an important criteria in ball screw selection. But with two production methods and four different standards governing ball screw accuracy, making the best selection for your application can be a challenge. Understanding these standards and terminology, as well as the differences between the two manufacturing methods, will help you choose a ball screw […]
Economical direct drive linear motors feature: High speed, no backlash, and zero cogging!
MotiCont’s DDLMs (Direct Drive Linear Motors) eliminate backlash and provide an economical solution for users requiring high acceleration, high speed, and long life. They are available in three popular off-the-shelf models. The compact DDLM-019-044-01, linear motor is only 0.75 in. (19.1 mm) in diameter and 1.75 in. (44.5 mm) long. It has a stroke of 0.46 […]