Voice coil actuators are most commonly used for micro- or nano-positioning applications, with strokes from 10 nm up to 100 mm. In addition to very precise positioning capabilities, voice coil actuators provide extremely smooth movement. They’re often paired with air bearings, crossed-roller guides, or linear shafts and round bearings to provide assemblies that are backlash-free. […]
What does RMS stand for, and how does it apply to linear systems?
Let’s answer the first question: What does RMS stand for? RMS, or root mean square, is a statistical term that is used for determining the mean (or average) of a set of values. It’s especially useful when the values vary as a function of time. The technical definition of root mean square is the square […]
What is Torque?
In this article, we answer the common question “what is torque?” Although torque refers to rotational motion, it is a fundamental concept in linear motion applications. Rotary motors produce torque, and when this torque is transmitted to a drive system – such as a screw, belt and pulley, rack and pinion, or chain and sprocket […]
How to calculate acceleration
Once you know which move profile is being used, you’ll need to know how to calculate acceleration based on total move distance and total move time. When sizing a linear system, a lot of attention is given to velocity, but the effects of acceleration on the system and its components are often more significant than […]
What limits linear bearing speed? (Part 2)
In part 1 of this series on bearing speed, we looked at the factors that limit the speed of linear recirculating bearings. In this segment, we’ll look at the factors that limit the speed of linear plain bearings. Linear plain bearings operate with sliding contact between the two bearing surfaces, so the limitations encountered with […]
Precise, rigid, high load Slide Guides from NB
SGL Slide Guides from NB Corporation are high-precision, high-rigidity, high load capacity linear bearings with low friction, non-stick or slip mechanisms that provide smooth linear motion even under high loads. SGL Slide Guides are available in lengths from 160 mm to 3000 mm. Six types of blocks are available depending on the mounting space and […]
Dissipating static electricity in urethane rollers and wheels
Static electricity is an invisible field of protons, neutrons, and electrons found in anything that has potential to move. Each atom has its own properties and characteristics. One of these properties is an electrical charge. Protons have what is called a “positive” (+) charge, which is the root of static electricity buildup in urethane […]
What limits linear bearing speed? (Part 1)
High-speed motion is a requirement for applications where throughput is a critical factor, such as packaging and electronic assembly. These systems typically use linear motors or steel reinforced belt drives in conjunction with recirculating linear bearing guides for good stiffness and high load capacity. But the speeds demanded by these applications can pose a challenge […]
New brochure from Thomson explores benefits of smart actuation
Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of mechanical motion control solutions, has published a new brochure that educates industrial automation users on the emerging role of smart actuators in meeting their demands for greater connectivity, application flexibility and cost efficiency. The brochure explores, with help from 10 pages of detailed 3D application renderings, the unique […]
Environmental challenges for linear bearings, and how to address them
“Environment” is a difficult parameter to quantify when selecting recirculating linear bearings or ball screws. Unlike load, stroke, or speed, there are no programs or calculations that help you choose the right bearing based on environmental factors. But environmental conditions can have a big impact on the performance of linear bearings and ball screws. Because these components operate […]