Automated storage and retrieval systems are a key enabler of the next-day delivery we’ve come to expect from online retailers. But like other types of automation, AS/RS equipment must meet the customer’s objectives for safety, footprint, and energy efficiency. It used to be that as you drove through industrial suburbs, just beyond cities such as […]
XY tables: How do they differ from Cartesian and gantry systems?
There are many ways to build linear systems for motion in the X, Y, and/or Z directions – also known as Cartesian coordinates. The terms we generally use to refer to these systems depend on how the axes are assembled, where the load is positioned, and to some extent, what type of use the system […]
Lexium MDrive linear actuators: Mechanicals integrated with motors and electronics
Schneider Electric announces the release of Lexium MDrive (LMD) linear actuators, delivering clean, quiet linear motion to a wide range of applications from medical to packaging. These compact motion products integrate robust motor, electronics and linear mechanicals, providing machine builders with solutions that can reduce their system cost, design and assembly time. For more LMD linear product […]
What is a chopper drive for a stepper motor?
There are two primary types of drivers for stepper motors, constant voltage drives (also referred to as L/R drives), and constant current drives (also referred to as chopper drives). One difficulty with stepper motor operation is that the time constant (L/R) of the motor windings prevents current from increasing rapidly during pulses. This means that […]
What makes miniature ball screws unique?
Ball screws are used in a wide variety of applications, but some of the most challenging are those on the extreme ends of the performance spectrum – from large diameter, large lead screws for machine tools, to screws with small diameters and very fine leads for optical and medical applications. For very small, high-precision movements, […]
Roller screw actuators: Design and applications
Electromechanical actuators come in many varieties, with common drive mechanisms being lead screws, ball screws, and roller screws. When a designer or user wants to transition from hydraulics or pneumatics to electromechanical motion, roller screw actuators are usually the best choice. They provide comparable performance characteristics to hydraulics (high force) and pneumatics (high speed), in […]
IKO MX series linear roller bearings now include dust protection
IKO International is building on its standard MX series of linear roller bearings to include special features for environments that are sensitive to metal chips, dust, and other contaminants. Dust protection A dust protective C-Wiper can be mounted to the outside of the end seal, ensuring operation in environments where metal chips are spattering. After […]
What is a 12 volt linear actuator?
Linear actuators are typically characterized by their drive mechanism – belt drive, ball or lead screw drive, pneumatic drive, etc. But it’s not unusual for rod style electric actuators to be classified by the input voltage – commonly 12 or 24 volts – of their integrated motors. These actuators provide thrust force, much like a […]
What are can stack linear actuators?
Can stack linear actuators are based on can stack stepper motors, which are a form of permanent magnet steppers that consist of two stators (and therefore two coils) stacked on top of each other. The poles of each stator are “claw tooth” design and are offset from each other by one-half of the pole pitch. […]
Cyber dynamic linear actuators with integrated ball screw from WITTENSTEIN
Ideal for packaging, food & beverage, medical and semiconductor applications, the latest addition to the cyber® dynamic line from WITTENSTEIN cyber motor offers maintenance-free precision positioning in compact space. As part of its cyber dynamic line product series, WITTENSTEIN cyber motor has launched a new series of linear actuators designed with an integrated ball screw […]