Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of mechanical motion control solutions, has released a new video to showcase the benefits of its prism guided linear units for wash-down applications. Kyle Thompson, Global Product Line Manager, Systems at Thomson, explains in the video, “The M75 Movopart belt-driven, prism guided linear unit is ideally suited to applications […]
How to avoid ball screw buckling
Imagine two columns—one short and wide and the other long and narrow. As you begin to put weight on them, the long, narrow column gradually begins to bend, to the point that it becomes permanently deformed and eventually breaks, while the short, wide column handles the weight with ease. In the same way the long, […]
How to determine if a screw will back drive
Screw assemblies are generally preferred over belts or linear motors in vertical applications. This is because a screw will prevent the load from catastrophically crashing if there’s a loss of power to the motor. But a vertical load can still cause a screw to back drive, allowing the load to drop, albeit at a slightly […]
Breaking down linear bearing construction
As with most complex products or systems, specifying and applying profiled rail bearings doesn’t require that you know every detail of linear bearing construction. But having a basic understanding of the various design types and geometries can help you choose a product that enhances, rather than detracts from, the performance of your machine—especially in applications that […]
Tips for selecting and applying telescoping linear bearings
Profiled rail and round shaft linear bearings are ideal for applications that require long stroke lengths in a fixed footprint. But if the design calls for a bearing that can retract to move away from the process or to allow access to a working area, a fixed rail or shaft won’t do. In these applications, […]
Low cost, high precision vertical lift stage
The AT10-120 motorized vertical stage from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) is a high resolution, low profile, high load vertical lift stage that can be easily integrated into almost any application. The large 220 x 140 mm (8.7 x 5.5 in.) drilled and tapped platform has a vertical travel of 110 mm (4.3 in.). The […]
ATEX rated explosion-proof linear actuators
Curtiss-Wright Corporation has expanded its Exlar® linear actuator line to include the EL120 explosion-proof linear actuators. The EL120 linear actuators meet ATEX requirements for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and are in conformity with the EU ATEX Directive 94/9/EC, as well as the IECEx scheme. Additionally, they are rated for Class I, Div 1, Groups B, […]
New video demonstrates how to synchronize multiple lifting columns
Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of mechanical motion control solutions, has released a new video to demonstrate how design engineers can synchronize multiple Thomson Lifting Columns quickly and easily. The compact design of Thomson Lifting Columns provides a favorable ratio between stroke and retracted length to improve operator ergonomics. Models are designed to handle moment loads […]
Happy Earth Day! How designers and engineers can make a difference
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Industrial sector was responsible for 51 percent of global energy consumption in 2011 (the latest year for which figures are available). Of the Industry sector’s energy use, 25 percent was in the form of losses. This represents a huge opportunity, not only for cost savings to manufacturers, […]
Nook Industries offers caged ball profiled rails for linear guidance
Nook Industries, a leading innovator of linear motion components and systems, introduces caged ball profile rails for linear guidance. Caged ball chains provide reduced friction and lower noise levels and prevent the bearings from making incidental contact. An industry leader for more than 40 years, Nook’s new line improves on more traditional designs with lubrication advantages, […]