Gear sizes are typically specified by one of two designations: module or diametral pitch. While both specifications define the size of the gear teeth, module and diametral pitch are calculated differently, with module (sometimes referred to as metric … [Read More...] about What’s the difference between module and diametral pitch for rack and pinion drives?
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Mini nanopositioning stage designed with voice coil motor and air bearing slide
Cleanroom-compatible, this new high performance noncontact miniature linear slide from PI is suited for applications like wafer inspection, scanning/metrology, fiber alignment, laser micromachining … [Read More...] about Mini nanopositioning stage designed with voice coil motor and air bearing slide
What’s the difference between module and diametral pitch for rack and pinion drives?
Gear sizes are typically specified by one of two designations: module or diametral pitch. While both specifications define the size of the gear teeth, module and diametral pitch are calculated … [Read More...] about What’s the difference between module and diametral pitch for rack and pinion drives?
Getting straight on roller screws
Knowing the differences between the several kinds of roller screws can help determine the best fit for an application. Michael Boudreau, P.Eng. Application Engineering Manager Rollvis … [Read More...] about Getting straight on roller screws
New sealed linear encoders for metrology applications
RSF Elektronik’s newly designed sealed linear encoder series are suitable for high-end metrology applications. Offered through parent company HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION in North America, these MSA 7xx/8xx … [Read More...] about New sealed linear encoders for metrology applications
Ball spline preload: How, why, and when it’s applied
Like other linear motion components where rolling elements ride in raceways, ball splines can be supplied with preload. In the case of a ball spline, the main purpose of preload is to reduce angular … [Read More...] about Ball spline preload: How, why, and when it’s applied
What’s the difference between moment and torque in linear motion applications?
In linear motion, we often deal with applications that involve forces applied at a distance from a linear guide — referred to as cantilevered, or moment, loads. In these cases, we're concerned with … [Read More...] about What’s the difference between moment and torque in linear motion applications?
Smart mechatronics add capabilities to linear motion applications
Today’s manufacturing system OEMs and automation end users are constantly seeking technology advancements to help make their lives easier. Industry 4.0 innovations have spurred a new class of smart … [Read More...] about Smart mechatronics add capabilities to linear motion applications
Slide ways feature stable motion at high to low speeds
NB Slide Ways are non-recirculating linear motion bearings used primarily in optical and measurement equipment where high precision movement is required. The SV style consists of 2 roller cages with … [Read More...] about Slide ways feature stable motion at high to low speeds
Top 10 considerations when applying rack and pinion systems
Rack and pinion systems are excellent electromechanical devices uniquely suited for achieving a linear or rotary motion solution mostly unattainable with other technologies. The typical system is made … [Read More...] about Top 10 considerations when applying rack and pinion systems
New direct-drive linear modules from PI
PI’s two new series of direct-drive linear modules are geared for machine builders and system integrators. The V-855 and V-857 product families were designed for high-load and high duty cycle … [Read More...] about New direct-drive linear modules from PI
What is ball screw whip and why does it happen?
Ball screws are often the drive mechanism of choice in applications that require high thrust forces with excellent positioning accuracy and repeatability. But one of the drawbacks of ball screw … [Read More...] about What is ball screw whip and why does it happen?
What is a 7th axis (also known as an RTU) and when is it used?
Linear Cartesian and gantry robots are used extensively in automation, particularly for tasks such as pick and place and assembly. But for applications that require movements such as changing the … [Read More...] about What is a 7th axis (also known as an RTU) and when is it used?
Linear slide with maintenance-free voice coil motor features nanometer precision
PI extends its large offering of nanometer precise, fast focusing stages with the addition of its new V-308 nanopositioning slide for vertical applications providing 7 mm of Z-travel and 10 nm … [Read More...] about Linear slide with maintenance-free voice coil motor features nanometer precision
When does open-loop stepper control still make sense?
Stepper motors are inherently open-loop devices, able to make precise moves without feedback regarding motor position. But one of the drawbacks of using stepper motors in some applications is that if … [Read More...] about When does open-loop stepper control still make sense?
LINAK calculator takes the guesswork out of actuator lifetime prediction
LINAK is launching a B10 lifetime calculator, providing their customers with a valuable glimpse into the future when it comes to actuator service life. Predicting the lifespan of integrated actuators … [Read More...] about LINAK calculator takes the guesswork out of actuator lifetime prediction
