An improvement in packaging efficiency required attention to ergonomics, ease of assembly, and cost efficiency. Automation is changing how traditional distribution centers operate as companies search for new ways to maximize their efficiency, increase order accuracy and fulfill customer demand. When it comes to automated technology, most people tend to think about robots, automated guide […]
When to consider crossed roller slides
When an application requires a linear guide with high load capacity, high stiffness, and good travel accuracy, the range of suitable products is typically narrowed down to two designs: recirculating linear guides and crossed roller slides. Where recirculating linear guides use balls to support the load, crossed roller slides use rollers. The rollers ride in […]
Electric actuators double the eject speed of pneumatic actuators
SMAC Moving Coil Actuators reached a cycle rate of 2400 ppm (40 Hz) with their new LCB model electric actuator, meeting the target set by several leading packaging OEM’s. The fastest pneumatic actuators generally reach a peak speed of 1,200 ppm. By doubling the speed of pneumatic actuators, SMAC can greatly improve the efficiency of […]
What is cogging in linear motors?
Linear motors are generally classified by the construction of the motor’s primary part: ironless or iron core. In an ironless linear motor, the windings of the primary are embedded in an epoxy resin, whereas the windings of an iron core linear motor are mounted in an iron lamination stack. The lamination contains teeth, or protrusions, […]
What is microstepping?
Microstepping is a method of controlling stepper motors, typically used to achieve higher resolution or smoother motion at low speeds. Stepper motors move in discrete steps, or fractions of a revolution. For example, a stepper motor with a 1.8 degree step angle will make 200 steps for every full revolution of the motor (360 ÷ […]
How to improve ball screw rigidity (with support-bearing selection and more)
Updated May 2019 || Ball screw rigidity depends not only on the screw shaft and ball nut, but also on the thrust bearings and on the ball nut and bearing housings. Where: Rtot = Rigidity of the screw system (N/μm) RS = Rigidity of the screw shaft (N/μm) RN = Rigidity of the ball nut (N/μm) RB […]
Guide Master from Samick Precision Industry: The masterpiece of precision guides
Guide Master was developed to meet market demands for precision applications such as semiconductor, LCD, LED, and secondary battery production processes. The masterpiece of precision guides Features of Guide Master linear guide include: Higher load capacity: With 8 rows of needle bearings in its octagonal design, Guide Master has more points of contact between post and […]
Common applications for air bearings
Air bearings offer numerous advantages over mechanical bearings such as profiled linear guides and crossed roller slides. But they are still considered by many designers and engineers to be a high-cost solution, primarily for niche applications that require extreme precision. However, their benefits include more than just high precision, and cost is being driven down […]
What are V-belt pitch length and datum length?
The length of a V-belt can be specified in several ways, including outside length, effective length, and pitch (or datum) length. Outside length is measured around the belt’s outer diameter with no tension, but is only an approximation and is not useful for sizing or selection. Effective length is measured at the effective outside diameter […]
What are planar stages and gantries?
Multi-axis stages are usually constructed in either an XY or a gantry configuration. Within the category of XY stages, there are stacked and monolithic designs. But both XY and gantry stages can be designed as planer types. Stacked XY stages consist of two individual axes mounted together, and they offer a high degree of design flexibility. […]