Implementing linear motion in a cleanroom presents a particularly difficult challenge, since motion – whether rolling or sliding – necessarily produces particles. But by understanding the sources that contribute to particle generation and implementing smart design options, it is possible to achieve linear motion without compromising even the most stringent cleanroom environments. Below are five ways […]
Low Cost, “Roll-Slide Mini” Carriage and Rail
Low cost, “Roll-Slide Mini”™ carriage and rail linear motion systems are available from LM76 in lengths from 160 mm (6.30 in.) to 1200 mm (47.24 in.). Travel is from 88 mm (3.46 in.) to 1128 mm (44.41 in.). These low-profile linear motion systems are just 12 mm (0.47 in.) high and feature: quiet running, low resonance, […]
Linear Motion in the Third Industrial Revolution
According to The Economist magazine, a third revolution is coming for the manufacturing industry, ushered in by 3D printing, new materials, and collaborative manufacturing services. Anyone who has watched the 3D printing industry develop over the past decade, or even the past five years, will likely agree. Gartner forecasts that worldwide shipments of 3D printers […]
Instron Equips Linear-Torsion Tester with Renishaw Encoders
Instron, headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, is a global market leader in the materials testing industry. It manufactures and services a comprehensive range of materials testing equipment and accessories for the research, industrial and academic sectors. A variety of Instron systems test samples ranging from components for jet engines to medical syringes. Instron has just launched […]
Nexen offers new catalog featuring Versa thermoplastic rack
Nexen Group, Inc. introduces their latest Precision Motion Control Application & Selection Guide with an expanded range of products. This catalog offers complete performance data, sizes, specifications and technical reference on the company’s line of precision linear and rotary motion control solutions. It also includes Nexen’s newest addition to its lineup, the Versa Thermoplastic Rack. […]
Linear Motor vs. Ball Screw
While ironless linear motors have been used in semiconductor and electronic applications for more than a decade, they are still viewed by many designers and OEMs as “niche” products. But the perception of linear motors as a costly solution for unique applications is slowly changing, as more industries are adopting them as replacements for ball screws […]
Make no mistakes about ball screw lead error
Updated July 2016 || Accuracy is an important criteria in ball screw selection. But with two production methods and four different standards governing ball screw accuracy, making the best selection for your application can be a challenge. Understanding these standards and terminology, as well as the differences between the two manufacturing methods, will help you choose a ball screw […]
We’ve Got You Covered: A Quick Guide to Platings and Coatings
Machine builders and end users have many factors to consider when choosing linear motion components and systems – travel length, speed, acceleration, positioning accuracy and repeatability, just to name a few. But sometimes the most challenging requirement isn’t a traditional application spec. It’s the environment that the system will be working in. Many industries have processes […]
Long Travel vs High Speed: Part 2
In a recent post, we discussed using ball screw supports as a way to overcome the tradeoff between long travel length and high speed in ball screw applications. Responding to that post, several readers pointed out another solution to overcome the length-speed limitations of ball screws – rotating the ball nut rather than the screw itself. Benefits In […]
How to calculate linear bearing life
When selecting linear guides, have you ever seen a disclaimer in the catalog or on the manufacturer’s website regarding dynamic load capacities? It typically reads something like this: Dynamic load capacities are based on 100,000 m of travel. When comparing to products for which load capacities are based on 50,000 m of travel, multiply the 100,000 m […]
