There are two main types of linear motors: iron core and ironless, depending on the construction of the motor’s primary part. Iron core designs produce very high thrust forces and are often found in machine tool and heavy duty transport applications. Ironless linear motors, on the other hand, have a lower mass and can produce highly […]
A glossary of linear guide terminology
The term linear guide covers several categories of products, from plain bearings to ball bushings and recirculating roller bearings. To compound the potential for confusion, many terms are used interchangeably, or are so generic (take linear guide for example) that they could refer to any one of several different products. And this doesn’t apply to just […]
Three easy ways to reduce maintenance costs for linear systems
If you’ve read many articles on this site, you probably recall that inadequate lubrication can cause bearing failure. But while lubrication is the most important maintenance factor in linear bearing life, there are other things that users can do to reduce maintenance costs and ensure they get the most life from a linear bearing, ball screw, or […]
When should you use dual guide rails?
Linear guide rails and bearings offer high stiffness and good travel accuracy. And they can support not only downward, upward, and side loads, they can also withstand overhung, or moment loads. Of course, the larger the linear rail and bearing system, the more moment capacity it has, but the arrangement of the bearing raceways—face-to-face or back-to-back—also […]
What does “lubricated for life” mean?
Lubrication is one of the most critical factors contributing to linear bearing life, and to achieve optimum performance users historically had to ensure that a lubrication routine was included in their operating and maintenance program, or implement an automated lubrication system. Seeing the opportunity to reduce maintenance and improve total cost of ownership, linear bearing […]
Primatics linear stage for long travel and high precision
Primatics PXL43B long travel linear stage is a small form factor, high precision motion stage. A linear motor and linear encoder provide precise positioning to 150 mm. Anti-creep cage cross roller linear bearings result in smooth, flat, and straight motion. The PXL43 series is ideal for use in applications for precision assembly and inspection. Its compact […]
What are the differences between plain and rolling linear guides?
A linear guide (or linear bearing) is a mechanical element that allows relative motion between two surfaces, with one surface supporting the other, and minimum friction between the two. There are two basic types of linear guides: plain and rolling element. While their general function is the same, their design and performance differ significantly. Linear […]
Tips for preventing linear bearing corrosion
Corrosive environments can include anything from detergents and chemicals for washdown (the high-pressure cleaning of equipment), to acid baths and their related vapors, to chemicals in food processing. Because profiled linear rails, round shafts, and ball screws are made primarily from steel components, they’re highly susceptible to corrosive agents, which can quickly cause rust, pitting, […]
What are miniature profiled rails?
Updated 2021 ⚙️ As we explain in this article, miniature rails are more than just smaller versions of standard profiled rails. Profiled rails have high load-carrying capacity for their size. But when smooth, precise motion is needed and the load being moved is not very high, they can be overkill for the application. That’s why […]
Just for fun: industrial robots doing cool stuff
The line between industrial and commercial (aka “service” or “personal”) robots is blurring, but that doesn’t make industrial robots any less cool. As proof, here are eight industrial robots doing fun things, and doing (most of) them better than us mere mortals can. Play ping pong I won’t spoil the outcome for you, but I […]