Linear Motion Tips

Covering Linear Motion Systems, Components and Linear Motion Resources

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Which type of linear actuator is best for thrust forces?

July 17, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

thrust actuator

When an application requires pure thrust forces, the best type of linear actuator is often a rod-style actuator. Also referred to as “thrust actuators” and (when a motor is integrated) “electric actuators,” these electromechanical devices excel at providing axial, or thrust, forces for pushing, pulling, or holding loads. Although their function is straightforward, thrust actuators […]

Filed Under: Ball + leadscrew driven, FAQs + basics, Featured, Hydraulic cylinders, Linear actuators (all), Linear motors, Pneumatic cylinders

What’s the difference between a servo drive and a motion controller?

July 12, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

servo drive

Servo systems are made up of four key parts: a motor, a feedback device, a servo drive, and a motion controller. The servo drive and motion controller work together (supported by information from the feedback device) to provide the correct power to the motor so that it executes the intended movement or produces the desired […]

Filed Under: Applications, Controls for linear axes, FAQs + basics, Featured

Exlar GTX now with Hiperface DSL Stegmann absolute encoders

July 11, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

GTX

Curtiss-Wright Corporation’s Industrial Division announced that its Exlar facility, located in Chanhassen, MN, has added Hiperface DSL Stegmann absolute encoders as a part of their available Rockwell Automation feedback options. The GTX series joined the Exlar TTX, Tritex II, GSX, FTX, and K series Encompass product families in 2018. As an Encompass Partner, Curtiss-Wright and Rockwell […]

Filed Under: Ball + lead + roller screws, Industry news, Linear actuators (all) Tagged With: curtiss-wright, curtisswright, exlar

When to consider Kevlar reinforced belts for linear motion applications

July 5, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Both types of belts commonly used in linear positioning applications — V-belts and synchronous designs — have internal tensile cords that serve as the primary load-carrying component. Or, as one engineer from Gates Mectrol put it, the tensile cords are the “muscle” of the belt. V-belts and synchronous belts are offered with tensile cords of various materials, including polyester, […]

Filed Under: Applications, Belt + chain driven, Belt + chain drives for linear, FAQs + basics, Featured

Do IP ratings for ingress protection apply to linear motion components?

June 26, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

When designing, selecting, or assembling a linear system, you may have noticed that some components have an IP rating — IP54 or IP65, for example — while others don’t. Here we explain why that is, and what the IP ratings mean. IP: International Protection (or Ingress Protection) The “IP” acronym stands for “International Protection,” although […]

Filed Under: Applications, FAQs + basics, Featured

What are draw-wire sensors and where are they used?

June 21, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

draw-wire sensors

Options abound for tracking or measuring the position of a linear system — from magnetic and optical linear encoders that read changes in magnetism or light, to linear variable differential transformers that operate on the principle of mutual induction, to magnetostrictive sensors that rely on torsional strain induced by magnetic fields. But each of these technologies requires […]

Filed Under: Encoders + sensors (linear) + I/O, FAQs + basics, Featured

How to use a torque-speed curve to select a servo motor

June 14, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Servo motors are typically used for dynamic applications, where quick acceleration rates necessitate high torque production. In fact, one of the defining characteristics of a servo system is its ability to precisely control torque across a wide speed range, and the various speeds and torques required during the application’s move profile are a key parameter […]

Filed Under: Applications, Controls for linear axes, FAQs + basics, Featured

Accuride International launches online store to expand access to wide-ranging sliding solutions

June 14, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Accuride International, the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of sliding hardware, today announced the launch of an online store to expand access to a wide range of its innovative, proven products to both B2B and B2C customers. “Customers have told us that they need to be able to order a broad selection of our slides anytime, […]

Filed Under: Industry news, Slides + guides (all) Tagged With: accuride

How to calculate motor drive torque for belt and pulley systems

June 7, 2019 By Danielle Collins 1 Comment

Belt driven linear systems are common in applications that require long travel and high speed, such as gantry robots and material handling and transport. The motors of choice for these systems are often servo motors, for their ability to accurately control position, speed, and torque. Sizing and selecting the servo motor requires determining both the continuous […]

Filed Under: Applications, Belt + chain driven, Belt + chain drives for linear, FAQs + basics, Featured

When should you use microstepping control for stepper motors?

May 31, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Stepper motor operation is relatively straightforward. The drive sends pulses of current to the motor, and each pulse advances the motor by one step, or fraction of a revolution. The amount of movement per current pulse depends on the design of the stator and rotor. For permanent magnet stepper motors, a full step angle of […]

Filed Under: Applications, Controls for linear axes, FAQs + basics, Featured

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