Answer: You get a planetary roller screw. Replacing the recirculating balls of a ball screw with grooved rollers results in a precision drive mechanism with extremely high load capacity, acceleration, and speed capabilities, all in a small footprint. Planetary roller screws fit well in applications at the upper end of ball screw capabilities, but that require […]
Miniature linear ball rails from Nook Industries for high-speed running capacity
Nook Industries, a leading innovator of linear motion components and systems, has launched a new miniature linear ball rail ideally suited for high-speed, belt-driven mechanisms and carrier designs as well as automation linkage between stations. Offered in three accuracy grades, Precision (P), High (H) and Normal (N), these miniature linear ball rails provide significant maintenance […]
Three factors critical to servo motor sizing for linear motion systems
Selecting the right servo motor for a linear motion system is a complex task, beginning with initial assumptions and component selections, which must be checked through a series of calculations and, in most cases, repeated over several iterations until a suitable combination of motor and mechanics is found. Most motor manufacturers offer online sizing tools that make […]
Glide-Line introduces IMPACT interactive configuration system
Glide-Line, manufacturer of the most versatile multi-strand panel and pallet-handling conveyor solution available for the industry, introduces the IMPACT Interactive Configuration System. IMPACT (Interactive Modeling Program and Application Configuration Tools), goes far beyond a typical 3D CAD conveyor configurator. The Excel version of IMPACT uses your system configuration data to recommend the best-fit options, so […]
Ball Chains: Two things you might not know
Radial bearings have used ball cages for nearly a century, but this technology was only introduced to profiled rail guides within the last two decades. THK pioneered the way, launching its Caged Ball® LM Guide in 1996, and other profiled rail manufacturers soon followed suit with ball chain and ball spacer designs. Now, virtually every style […]
How to reduce energy use of conveyor systems
Conveyors make up a significant part of most assembly and automation systems, not only in size, but also in terms of energy consumption. Think about it – they often run continuously and operate with motors, gearboxes, and pneumatic cylinders, all of which can be energy hogs. But there are ways to reduce the amount of energy […]
Low cost, high precision linear voice coil stages from MOtiCOnt
MOtiCOnt’s VCDS-051-089-01 series linear motion voice coil stages feature a voice coil motor, a ball bearing linear slide, home switch, and an integral optical quadrature encoder with differential outputs. Measuring 13.5 in (342.9 mm) long x 4.00 in. (101.6) wide x 3.755 in. (95.4 mm) high, the VCDS-051-089-01 series stages have a linear travel of […]
New sealed linear actuators for lighter loads
Bell-Everman is now offering a new compact model of their SLS sealed linear stage that keeps contamination such as manufacturing debris, particulate or liquid contaminants outside of the stage housing. The SLS Light model, which measures 80 x 120 mm, has maximum dynamic payloads of 15 kg for the direct drive linear motor version and […]
Dorner exhibits two new conveyor systems at Automate 2015
Dorner Mfg. is now offering pallet system options for both its 2200 Series SmartFlex and 2200 Series Precision Move conveyor systems for accurate positioning and routing of parts for assembly, robotic and inspection applications. The new pallet systems provide users with greater customization capabilities for use in a variety of industries. The 2200 SmartFlex […]
Making an IMPACT on conveyor design
Assembly equipment, such as conveyors and workstations, presents a particularly difficult challenge to configure. Designs must accommodate existing building layout and structural elements, while providing an ergonomic workspace for operators, and of course, meeting the needs of the manufacturing or assembly process. Ron Schwar, design engineer for Glide-Line, points out that the conveyor is the […]
